Value of Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Knee Osteoarthritis Studied

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is participating in a national study to determine if glucosamine and chondroitin are effective in treating osteoarthritis of the knee.

"The two supplements have been widely marketed as effective remedies for osteoarthritis, but it has not been proven whether these drugs work," said Dr. Larry Moreland, UAB rheumatologist.

The multi-center study is the first in the United States to test the two supplements on osteoarthritis, a disease affecting more than 20 million Americans.

"We will look at whether the drugs help with signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and whether they are effective in slowing the progression of the disease," said Moreland.

Other sources: University of Alabama at Birmingham