Glucosamine/Chondroitin Combination for Moderate to Severe Pain

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NIH-Funded GAIT Study Finds Glucosamine/Chondroitin Combination

Effective for People with Moderate to Severe Pain

01-02-2006 Two Large Trials Validate the Use of Popular Dietary

Supplements for Joint Pain

NIH-Funded GAIT Study Finds Glucosamine/Chondroitin Combination

Effective for People with Moderate to Severe Pain

GUIDE Trial Results Suggest Glucosamine Alone " Might Be the

Preferred Knee OA Medication "

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 2005--According to the

Arthritis Foundation, more than 21 million Americans have

osteoarthritis, and one in three experience chronic joint pain. For

these individuals, two new studies presented here at the American

College of Rheumatology (ACR) meeting offer welcome relief. The

studies add to the existing body of evidence supporting use of

glucosamine alone or combined with chondroitin to effectively manage

joint pain.

I've recommended glucosamine and chondroitin to my patients for

years, " said Jo DiMilia, M.D., a Clinical Assistant Professor

of Medicine and Pediatrics at Mt. Sinai in New York who specializes

in integrative medicine. " This data reinforces what many experts

have long known -- there are safe, effective and natural options

patients can use to address joint pain. As an added benefit,

glucosamine and chondroitin may help rebuild cartilage. "

The Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT)

Details Funded by the National Institutes of Health, GAIT was a six-

month, five-arm trial that involved 1,500 osteoarthritis (OA)

patients with mild to severe pain. The patients were given

glucosamine (1,500 mg), chondroitin (1,200 mg), glucosamine-

chondroitin combined, celecoxib (200 mg) or placebo daily.

The GAIT abstract posted on the ACR Web site concludes that " the

combination of glucosamine and chondroitin is effective in treating

moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis. " GAIT results

will be presented during the opening plenary session on Monday,

November 14 at the ACR meeting.

The Glucosamine Unum in Die Efficacy (GUIDE) Trial

GUIDE is a European study that measured the effectiveness of

glucosamine to treat knee osteoarthritis compared with

acetaminophen - the preferred treatment in OA practice guidelines.

The study population consisted of more than 300 patients who took

either 1,500 mg glucosamine or 1,000 mg acetaminophen or placebo for

six months.

The GUIDE study abstract, posted on the ACR Web site, concludes

that " Glucosamine sulfate at the oral once-daily dose of 1500 mg

might be the preferred symptomatic medication in knee OA. " This

study will be presented at the ACR meeting on Tuesday, November 15.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are sold as dietary supplements in the

U.S. Consumers should look for reputable brand name products at

grocery, drug, mass and club retailers. Glucosamine and chondroitin

are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.