Glucosamine / Chondroitin Therapy for Treating Osteoarthritis

[Justin]

I came across an article last year about resveratrol in red wine slowing down DDD. It seems us spineys should definitely have our fair share of alcoholic beverages!

The Action of Resveratrol, a Phytoestrogen Found in Grapes,... : Spine

While we're on this subject I was wondering what fellow spineys think about taking glucosamine/chondroitin & collagen type supplements to help with DDD. In terms of research I've heard more pros than cons about them but I do wonder if they're helping much since I've just had another spine surgery! On the other hand I might be even worse without them! Anybody got an opinion about them?

Hi Ruth,

Thanks for sharing the abstract above. I remember reading it last year. In terms of glucosamine / chondroitin for degenerative disc disease, also known as osteoarthritis, Cochrane Review* demonstrates that "Rotta preparation glucosamine" (glucosamine that is prepared a certain way to help stabilize it) improved pain and function more than placebo with no increased side effects (stomach upset or other joint pain) compared to placebo.

Pooled results from studies (25 studies with 4963 patients) using a non-Rotta preparation or adequate allocation concealment failed to show benefit in pain and WOMAC^ function while those studies evaluating the Rotta preparation showed that glucosamine was superior to placebo in the treatment of pain and functional impairment resulting from symptomatic OA.

Source: Towheed T, Maxwell L, Anastassiades TP, Shea B, Houpt J, Welch V, Hochberg MC, Wells GA. Glucosamine therapy for treating osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD002946. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002946.pub2

*Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: Considered to be the strongest evidence available (in Evidence-Based Medicine [EBM]). Systematic Reviews are articles that contain explicit rules for selecting the studies to be included in the review. These rules guide the authors as to what findings they can and can NOT include in the review, thereby lessening the probability that bias will influence the conclusions. A structured format is used for consistent presentation of information and data.

^The WOMAC (Westren Ontario and McMaster Universities) index is used to assess patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee using 24 parameters including pain, function and stiffness subscales. It can be used to monitor the course of the disease or to determine the effectiveness of anti-rheumatic medications. Click here for information that is included in the WOMAC index.

Here's a link to "rotta preparation glucosamine:" DONA™ Glucosamine Sulfate

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Glucosamine hydrochloride# and chondroitin have been studied primarily in the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis. However, osteoarthritis can also affect the spine, hands, and shoulders.

Previous studies in the medical literature had conflicting results on the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate as treatments for osteoarthritis. Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) was designed to test the short-term (6 months) effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in reducing pain in a large number of participants with knee osteoarthritis.

GAIT is the first large-scale, multicenter clinical trial in the United States to test the effects of the dietary supplements glucosamine hydrochloride (glucosamine) and sodium chondroitin sulfate (chondroitin sulfate) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The study tested whether glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate used separately or in combination reduced pain in participants with knee osteoarthritis.

See the attached PDF--"Questions and Answers: NIH Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial Primary Study." It includes a lot of information on Glucosamine/chondroitin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs [Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzyme inhibitors]), and Cox-2 inhibitors like Celebrex (Generic: Celecoxib).

# Glucosamine can be found naturally in the body and is used by the body as one of the building blocks of cartilage. Glucosamine can also be taken as a pill as a supplement to the diet, or sometimes as an injection. It can come in combination with other supplements (such as chondroitin), or by itself in the form of glucosamine hydrochloride or sulphate. The usual dose recommended on packages is 1500 mg per day or 500 mg three times a day.

I hope this is a good start. There are many good resources available on this topic. Let me know if you would like more information.

[daveinaustin]

Justin,

Thanks for posting the research.

Interesting coincidence for this thread. I just started taking glucosamine / chondroitin beginning yesterday (Saturday)! Since the doctors are still trying to figure out what's going on with my back, and Puritan's Pride (www.puritanspride.com) is having their annual "3 for 1" sale, I said "why not?"

I've been skeptical about its medicinal effect. But, it could provide some help without side effects. For around $35, it's cheap enough to give it a shot.

-Dave

[Justin]

No problem, Dave. There is an increasing amount of good evidence that Glucosamine "works."

Let us know if it helps in your situation.

[dalhousie]

According to the literature the brand of glucosamine/chondroitin I take, says it is the identical ratio to that analysed in the United States "GAIT" trial (Glucosamine Arthritis Intervention) so hopefully it's an effective formulation.

I see from Dave's "Puritans Pride" link you can buy resveratrol as a supplement. You can spend a fortune on these things but as long as there's the research to back it up, then technically it's not money down the drain. I do wonder if, (where possible) you're better having the purer form from food/drink than the refined/processed version from a tablet.

Thanks for the links Justin.

[daveinaustin]

Ruth,

You can spend a fortune on these things but as long as there's the research to back it up, then technically it's not money down the drain. I do wonder if, (where possible) you're better having the purer form from food/drink than the refined/processed version from a tablet.

I've always believed that purer forms from food/drink are better. Since I don't have a medical degree, Terry might have better insight.

BTW, I really look forward Puritan's Pride annual "3 for 1" sale. It's really a great deal for ordering high-quality vitamins and supplements. I even order Chamomile tea from them! I order their Oystercal calcium, Malic Acid (magnesium malaete), Flax Seed Oil, and this time around the glucosamine / chondroitin.

[Justin]

You can spend a fortune on these things but as long as there's the research to back it up, then technically it's not money down the drain. I do wonder if, (where possible) you're better having the purer form from food/drink than the refined/processed version from a tablet.

Thanks for the links Justin.

Ruth, I agree about your bolded statement above. No problem on the links, I'm here to help.

BTW, I really look forward Puritan's Pride annual "3 for 1" sale. It's really a great deal for ordering high-quality vitamins and supplements.

Dave, thanks for the heads up about the Puritan's Pride Annual "3 for 1" Sale. Supplements can be very expensive and this will definitely help. :thumpup: