GLUCOSAMINE & ARTHRITIS.In a study of more than 200 people with arthritis of the knees, those who were given glucosamine glucosamine /glu·co·sa·mine/ (gloo-ko´sah-men) an amino derivative of glucose, occurring in glycosaminoglycans and a variety of complex polysaccharides such as blood group substances. sulfate sulfate, chemical compound containing the sulfate (SO4) radical. Sulfates are salts or esters of sulfuric acid, H2SO4, formed by replacing one or both of the hydrogens with a metal (e.g., sodium) or a radical (e.g., ammonium or ethyl). (1,500 mg a day) for three years showed no further degeneration, while those who took a placebo did. The glucosamine-takers' symptoms improved, while the placebo-takers' symptoms worsened slightly. Glucosamine, which is found in the cartilage cartilage (kär`təlĭj), flexible semiopaque connective tissue without blood vessels or nerve cells. It forms part of the skeletal system in humans and in other vertebrates, and is also known as gristle. in knees and other joints, had no apparent side effects Side effects Effects of a proposed project on other parts of the firm. . What to do: If you have arthritis, try taking 1,500 mg a day of glucosamine to see if your symptoms improve. A glucosamine-chondroitin supplement may work better, but lab analyses have shown that the chondroitin chondroitin (k  n·droiˑ·tin),n is more likely to be poorly made. The National Institutes of Health is launching a study to see if glucosamine plus chondroitin works better than either alone. If you're interested in participating, call 1-800-581-8300 or e-mail daniel.clegg@hsc.utah.edu. The study is using Cosamin (manufactured by Nutramax Labs of Baltimore), which is one of the better-made supplements. Lancet 357: 251, 2001. |
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