Glucosamine Reduces Progression of Osteoarthritis
Glucosamine stops the progression of osteoarthritis in
postmenopausal women, according to a study published in the
journal Menopause.
Researchers conducted two, three-year, randomized,
placebo-controlled studies evaluating the effect of glucosamine
sulfate on symptoms and the modification of joint structure in
women with knee osteoarthritis. Of the 414 subjects in the two
studies, 319 were postmenopausal women.
After 3 years, postmenopausal participants in the glucosamine
sulfate group showed no joint space narrowing, whereas
participants in the placebo group did experience joint
narrowing. Joint space narrowing is an indication of
osteoarthritis disease progression. In addition, symptoms
improved in the glucosamine-treated group, whereas the placebo
group experienced a trend toward worsening of symptoms.
The researchers concluded that the study demonstrated for the
first time that glucosamine has a disease-modifying effect in
knee osteoarthritis, particularly in postmenopausal women, a
group of the population who are the most frequently affected by
this disease.
According to the study authors, "Glucosamine sulfate, therefore,
is the first agent that meets the current requirements to be
classified as a symptom- and structure-modifying drug in women
with knee osteoarthritis."
Reference:
Bruyere O, Pavelka K, Rovati LC, Deroisy R, Olejarova M,
Gatterova J, Giacovelli G, Reginster JY. Glucosamine sulfate
reduces osteoarthritis progression in postmenopausal women with
knee osteoarthritis: evidence from two 3-year studies.
Menopause. 2004;11(2):138-143.
Key concepts: Glucosamine, osteoarthritis, OA
