More supplements wilt in the face of evidence. This time it’s glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for mild osteoarthritis:

Two hot-selling supplements used by millions of Americans, including President Bush, are of little help to most people with mild arthritis, concludes a large government study that is part of an effort to scrutinize unregulated health remedies.

For most arthritis patients with aching knees, the two supplements sold in health food stores — glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate — were shown to be no better than dummy pills. People who had more acute knee pain seemed to experience some benefit.

Because of that hint of possible relief and other factors, the study may not settle the debate about these treatments even though it is considered the largest and most scientific test to date.

Related posts:

1. Price and perceived effectiveness
2. Knee surgeries
3. Painkiller use exploding
4. How increasing payments for office visits can help specialists
5. Give ‘em 3 Tylenols
6. Does alternative medicine work? Or does it harm patients?
7. Supplement regulation

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