Gucosamine & Chondroitin - You Won't Read This in the Newspaper

Jason Theodosakis, MD, MS, MPH, FACPM, was a guest on Health Talk, with Dr. Ronald Hoffman. He was disappointed with the news media reporting of the results of the recent GAIT - Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial. The news media reported on only 2 of the the 52 outcomes of the GAIT study. Celebrex was more effective in those with mild/moderate pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin worked best in those with clinically significant pain - moderate/high pain. The supplements were effective in six outcomes, two more than the prescription drug Celebrex. Somehow, the media missed these facts.

Jason added these facts about glucosamine and chondroitin from other studies:

• Usual dosage of glucosamine is 1,500 mg a day/2,250 to 3,000 mg a day may be required, depending on your metalolism.
  
• Usual dosage of condroitin is 800 to 1,200 mg a day/1,200 to 2,400 mg a day may be required, depending on your metabolism.
  
• You may require 6 months for full effect.
• Important to continue dosage, even if they don't relieve pain; because glucosamine slows the loss of cartilage and chondroitin builds cartilage over a 2 year period.
  
• Some people took glucosamine and chondroitin for 3 years to avoid joint replacement. Then, discontinued use for 5 years. After 8 years, they still had not needed joint replacement.
• There are about 45 deaths a day from antiinflammatory drugs. Glucosamine and chondroitin are not drugs, and there hasn't been any deaths from using them.
• Most people with a shellfish allergy would not be allergic to glucosamine because it's made from the shell. If you want to be on the safe side, vegetarian glucosamine, made from corn, is available.
  

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I didn't realize glucosamine slows the loss of cartilage and chondroitin builds cartilage. Been taking glucosamine, I'll have to try chondroitin.

Now Foods, Chondroitin Sulfate, 600 mg, 120 Capsules

If you need help with the pain, see my December 17, 2005, posting - New...Clinically Proven, All Natural Now Celadrin - Alternative to Vioxx, Celebrex, & Bextra - No Side Effects!!!

See my January 25, 2005, posting - How to Listen to Health Talk with Dr. Ronald Hoffman.