Glucosamine Choindroitin Doctor's Opinion | Arthritis Information

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Hi,

I am new to the forum and looking to get some advice and information about glucosamine chondroitin. I would specifically like to know what people's doctors have said about the supplement:
      a. Do they prescribe it and under what circumstances?
      b. What is their opinion of it? Good? Bad? Skeptical?
      c. I have heard it is only worthwhile for knee osteoarthritis. Is               this what others have found? Or do people find it effective elsewhere?

Hi Mike,

There is some clinical research that supports its use, however ONLY Glucosamine Sulphate has shown to be effective in relieving pain in some studies.  It is important to realize that there are a number of supplements that claim to be beneficial for the treatment of Osteoarthritis.  However, there is very little medical evidence to support most of the claims with the exception of vitamins as a part of a healthy diet and Glucosamine Sulphate.  Companies are free to make any claims they choose with marketing etc. because in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review products listed as “supplements”.  Glucosamine is available in three different preparations:

Only Glucosamine Sulphate along with Chondroitin has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and symptoms.  However, people who have an allergy to shellfish should not use either product.

They may need to be taken for several weeks to a number of months before any pain and symptomatic relief is apparent.  During this period it is important to continue taking the product to maximize benefits.

The particular brand also is very important in providing benefit to patients.  Recently, Consumer Reports did a review on Glucosamine Sulphate/Chondroitin.  The review warned that many brands did not accurately list the amount of Glucosamine in the product and also rated numerous brands on cost/value.  In the review, the Vitamin World's "Joint Soother Double Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin" brand was rated by Consumer Reports as one of the best brands because of its purity and accuracy in listing the amount of Glucosamine in the product.  In addition, the Vitamin World's "Joint Soother Double Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin" was also rated as one of the top values based on price.  It is important to remember that a company can make any claim it chooses on how much Glucosamine is in the bottle etc. so use a reputable brand. 

Dr. Samuel Dyer2009-05-29 19:31:46first i'm not a doctor, but i do have the experience of taking this. it helps. i mean, it isn't going to be as good as a pain killer/muscle relaxer but if you have mild pain and take it for a few days it really does help a bit. i could feel a difference.
 In the last 12 months there have been recommendations published by some major heath authorities including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
They have both looked at all of the treatments for osteoarthritis short of joint replacement surgery.
The evidence for Glucosamine and Chondroitin is weak and these bodies both do not recommend them as a treatment as they have failed to decrease pain and increase movement in large scale studies.
They do however say that apart from people with shellfish allergies, they are safe to take. You can give them a try but they are not the answer we are all waiting for.
 
More info here:
http://www.thearthriticknee.info/2009/07/knee-arthritis-treatment.html
I'm not a doctor, but I've been taking Joint Advance for years and it really helps with my OA of the hips.  My mom and grandmother have both had multiple joint replacement surgeries, and my mom's specialist turned her onto glucosamine and chondroitin probably 15 years ago.  My doctor also endorses the use of these supplements, and says that I should be taking at least 1500 mg and up to 3000 mg per day.  Finding the right mix of ingredients is the key, and for me that's been Joint Advance.  What my doctor tells me is that the product I take may not stop the degeneration process, but it will prolong the process.  At 33 I was told I would need hip replacement by the time I was 45.  I'm now 44 and my doctor says I might make 60 before needing surgery.  I'm a big believer in Joint Advance!!At first i am not a doctor but my friend is one of the best doctor. He always continue his job with a reputed company named www.newdoctor.com. In previous days he also tell me the subject of glucosamine chondroitin. So, you can visit this site and collect some useful information of glucosamine chondroitin.
Hi Mike,

One of my closed friend is a specialist doctor.He is working since long period in this field.You may contact with him.

Thanks


Glucosamine/Chondroitin is what my doctor recommended I take.  It helps a little bit.  I also now take vit D supplements since new studies suggest it helps with pain (and my Dr. said it couldn't hurt to take 1000mg/day)

And I also take fish and flaxseed oil on my Dr.'s recommendation which has also helped a bit -- and it's really done wonders for my skin.

My cat has a touch of arthritis in her hip and Vet recommended glucosamine/chondroitin, but she prefers sitting on the heating pad.

Sorry I can't be definitive; I'm not a doctor, just a person with OA and chronic pain.
--Natasha

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