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[stocks]

In this Dutch study, a total of 222 patients with osteoarthritis of the hip were randomized into two groups. One group received 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate per day, while the other group received placebo pills (sugar pills that appeared identical to the glucosamine pills). The patients in this study received these pills for a period of 2 years, and were repeatedly evaluated during this period with x-rays of their affected joints, and with previously validated pain and function survey tests. In addition to looking for x-ray evidence of improvement in joint narrowing (as the protective cushion of cartilage in the joint is lost, the gap between adjacent bones, as seen on x-ray, becomes smaller), the researchers assessed these study volunteers for evidence of decreased joint pain and stiffness, and for improved function.

As was the case with another recent prospective randomized clinical trial, the results for this trial were very disappointing for those who had hoped to find some benefit from glucosamine supplementation. In a nutshell, no differences in any of the outcomes studied were found between the two groups of patients. Except for a possible and very modest benefit in a tiny sub-group of patients who had already undergone hip replacement surgery, absolutely no improvements in joint symptoms or functions were detected in the group of patients that had been randomized to receive glucosamine, and no improvements in joint space narrowing were seen on x-rays, even after 2 years of glucosamine supplementation.

This is the second recent randomized prospective study of glucosamine that has found no clinically apparent benefit in patients with osteoarthritis who take this over-the-counter dietary supplement.

http://mensnewsdaily...mine-arthritis/