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LONDON, ENGLAND. Glucosamine sulfate has long been touted as a natural cure for
osteoarthritis - but does it really work? Recent research concludes that it
does indeed work. Osteoarthritis affects about one third of all people between
the ages of 45 and 65 years and involves the degeneration of the cartilage in
the major weight-bearing joints (hips, knees, and spine). Glucosamine is
synthesized in the body from glucose and glutamic acid and is an essential part
of cartilage. There is evidence that the body's ability to synthesize
glucosamine declines with age and thereby predisposes the joints to
osteoarthritis. A recent study of 252 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee
showed that supplementation with glucosamine sulfate (500 mg three times daily)
significantly reduced pain and stiffness. Another study compared ibuprofen (400
mg three times daily) with glucosamine sulfate (500 mg three times daily) and
concluded that both compounds lead to similar improvements after four weeks.
However, 35 per cent of the ibuprofen users complained of side effects as
compared to only six per cent of the glucosamine users. Recent research has
provided evidence that ibuprofen and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs) actually inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate the
progression of osteoarthritis. A very recent glucosamine study involved 252
doctors and 1506 osteoarthritis patients. The patients received glucosamine
sulfate for 50 days (500 mg three times daily). At the end of the study period
the doctors concluded that 95 per cent of the patients had improved as a result
of the treatment. The improvement was particularly gratifying in patients who
had not responded to any other form of medical treatment. Concludes Dr. John
Briffa, a nutritional physician practicing in London "It is clear that
glucosamine sulfate represents the agent of choice in the treatment of
osteoarthritis." Note: There is no evidence that glucosamine sulfate is of any
benefit in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. |
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