special subjects
Chondroitin Sulfate
Does chondroitin sulfate work?
Scientific evidence shows no benefit when chondroitin sulfate is taken by itself. However, evidence suggests that in combination withglucosamine, it may Reduce joint pain Improve joint mobility Allow reduction of the doses of conventional anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, when chondroitin sulfate withglucosamineis taken for 6 to 24 months Until recently, only small trials had studied chondroitin sulfate alone or in combination withglucosamineto treat osteoarthritis. TheGlucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT)was a large, placebo-controlled study ofglucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the 2 in combination to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. Pain was not significantly reduced by either drug alone or the combination. The study suggested that people with moderate-to-severe knee pain saw some relief with the combination, but these findings require confirmation. 