Glucosamine for Osteoarthritis – Bogus or Cure? page 3

Glucosamine for Osteoarthritis – Bogus or Cure?

Most brands of glucosamine available over the counter contain a variety of other compounds purported to also be effective in the the easing of joint discomfort. These include shark cartilage, capsicum extract, manganese or zinc chelate, methylsulfonylmethane, and a number of other herbs and root extracts. Most of these other substances have not yet been shown to have an effect on chondroprotection, either by Reginster or others in the scientific literature. There is at least some evidence of benefit in the case of chondroitin. Certainly people with a history of side effects/allergies to various chemicals will need to look carefully and check the other contents of glucosamine tablets to avoid an adverse reaction to these other substances.

There is accumulating evidence that glucosamine may have a role in the management of osteoarthritis. Certainly there is enough evidence of glucosamine being a safe and well tolerated.

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Be sure to visit the Glucosamine Product Guide for a review of commercially available glucosamine products.

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