Study: Long-Term Glucosamine Use Slows Knee Osteoarthritis

Long-term treatment with glucosamine sulfate can slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis, according to European researchers.

Researchers conducted a study to determine whether long-term (three-year) treatment with glucosamine sulfate can modify the progression of joint structure and symptom change in knee osteoarthritis.

A total of 202 patients with knee osteoarthritis were divided into two groups. One group was given 1,500 mg per day of oral glucosamine sulfate and the other group was given a placebo.

Changes in joint space width in the tibiofemoral joint (above and below the knee) were used as a measure of treatment outcome. Patients enrolled in the study had mild or moderate osteoarthritis with average joint space widths of slightly less than 4 mm.

An increase in joint space narrowing indicating progression of osteoarthritis was found in the group taking a placebo (-0.19 mm after three years). There was no average change in the group taking glucosamine sulfate, according to the study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Fewer patients treated with glucosamine sulfate experienced severe narrowings. Symptoms improved modestly with placebo use but as much as 20 to 25 percent in the group taking glucosamine sulfate, including a significant improvement seen in pain, function and stiffness.

"Long-term treatment with glucosamine sulfate retarded the progression of knee osteoarthritis, possibly determining disease modification," concluded the researchers.

Other sources: Archives of Internal Medicine