Is Glucosamine taking a new direction?

10/07/06   J. R. Rogers

Action Menu Recently, I have been doing some extra research. And of course, there are always those who want to offer up their opinions whether they are warranted or not. At least that is what I found in doing some of this extra reading. Glucosamine has over a thirty-year history of success in clinical trials. There is no doubt in my mind that it is decidedly the best choice for those who suffer from Osteoarthritis. The most recent clinical studies have once again confirmed that fact. When adding other ingredients to enhance the performance of Glucosamine, it is an unbeatable combination. By now, most of you know that prescription arthritis drugs have been removed from the market because of safety concerns. Even over-the-counter pain remedies are coming under serious government scrutiny because of the same safety issues. For me, there is no doubt that Glucosamine is the winner across the board for pain relief and from a safety standpoint. That ignores the fact that it even rehabilitates damaged cartilage. New Studies I mention this report because it has some correlation to the pain of OA. Namely, when there is pain, there is generally inflammation as well. This study deals with the same issue. Researchers from the Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University (and, the Hospital for Neuroscience) conducted some studies and concluded that the anti-inflammatory qualities of Glucosamine may aid those who suffer from MS. Now, although they were quick to say that they felt this was a result of the anti-inflammatory qualities of Glucosamine and that it should be used with conventional therapies used for MS, it also tells us that the ability of Glucosamine to fight inflammation is very high. MS is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. If you have read my columns, you know that this is a situation where the body attacks its own tissue. In the case of MS sufferers, it coatings of the nerve fibers become inflamed and scarred. This study group was composed of mice. Of course, the earliest clinical studies of Glucosamine also used animals as the target of their research. The broad results this study reported, were that there was less inflammation in those given Glucosamine. So, what does all this mean? I have recommended the use of high-quality liquid Glucosamine for many years for those who suffer from OA. I want to be quick to say that I do not recommend it for other medical disorders. But, this study confirms that the anti-inflammatory qualities of Glucosamine are real and not a figment of anyone’s imagination. Certainly, over thirty years of research say that is so. Again, I am always finding a few “writers” who are quick to criticize anything that is not provided by large pharmaceutical companies and the doctors they push to promote their products. I can only conclude that they might pay more attention to how much good the less expensive Glucosamine does for the public instead of trying to find ways to leave questions in the minds of those who use it. If you suffer from Osteoarthritis, stay with the program. Use only the highest quality product you can find. See you next time.

The author's statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not provided to diagnose any disease or to suggest that liquid glucosamine and chondroitin will treat, cure, or prevent any disease.