4 Advances in Osteoarthritis

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Skip the Supplements?
A few years ago, the large arthritis study known as GAIT delivered disappointing news: Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate didn't ease pain in people with mild arthritis, though the combo did seem to help people with severe discomfort. New GAIT results further erode hopes for the supplements, which don't appear to slow cartilage damage-knees showed similar wear over two years, whether patients took a placebo, a prescription painkiller, or supplements. Still, the researchers are reserving final judgment, partly because all volunteers' knees stayed healthier than expected. Looking at small differences (not big enough to be statistically reliable), the scientists say that patients on glucosamine alone fared best. Patients on glucosamine plus chondroitin did worst of all-which may mean one supplement interferes with the other's absorption.