Both Chondroitin and Glucosamine are JUNK THERAPY for Osteoarthritis

For all sufferers of arthritis, finally this is the study that will convince you that your doctors have been giving you a lot of false hope. Simply put in one sentence- neither glucosamine nor chondroitin have any benefit for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.

Both chondroitin and glucosamine supplements bring in billions of dollars to both health professionals and to the health food supplement industry. Worldwide sales of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements reached nearly $ 3 billion in 2008 and the numbers are increasing each year.

Some doctors prescribe injections of these supplements, others give you oral tablets and yet others give you topical pastes. No matter what formula you buy, these supplements only do one thing- empty your pockets of hard earned money.

The latest study from Bern, Switzerland reveals that both glucosamine and chondroitin have no benefit in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. In the Swiss study, researchers looked at 3,800 individual who regularly took glucosamine and or chondroitin. The researchers looked at levels of pain and function and compared the results to a placebo. The chief researcher, Dr Peter Juni said, "Compared with placebo, glucosamine, chondroitin and their combination do not reduce joint pain or have an impact on narrowing of joint space. Moreover, he went on to add that, "Health authorities and health insurers should be discouraged from funding glucosamine and chondroitin treatment."

Both Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally occurring body substances that make up cartilage. Cartilage functions like a shock absorber in the joints and prevents bones from rubbing against each other. For decades, some researchers have suggested that taking these supplements would help growth of new cartilage. However, so far no one has ever shown that taking glucosamine and/or chondroitin can increase growth of new cartilage. The only growth seen has been in the finances of health professionals who sell and recommend such products.

The British and European guidelines on osteoarthritis are well defined. Doctors have been told that there is not one piece of evidence that these supplements work for osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, some doctors in North America are generally more interested in making money from selling false dreams and continue to recommend these products.  For individuals who want to consider an over the counter supplements, think twice. Most of these supplements are made in the Orient where fakes and counterfeit products are the name of the game. 

Finally, if you eat a well balanced diet, walk regularly and do not have any bad habits like excess drinking or smoking, then you do not need any supplements.