Evidence supporting the use of: Glucosamine
For the health condition: Cartilage Damage

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Glucosamine is commonly used as a dietary supplement to support joint health and treat cartilage damage, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis. The rationale for its use is based on the fact that glucosamine is a natural compound found in healthy cartilage, particularly in the fluid around the joints. It is thought to be involved in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, which are essential components of cartilage structure and function.

Over the past several decades, numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses have investigated the efficacy of glucosamine supplements (usually in the form of glucosamine sulfate or hydrochloride) for improving joint pain, function, and cartilage health. The overall scientific evidence, however, is mixed. Some studies and systematic reviews suggest small to moderate benefits in pain reduction and function for people with knee osteoarthritis, while others find no significant difference compared to placebo. Notably, the 2015 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines do not recommend glucosamine for osteoarthritis due to insufficient evidence of efficacy. The quality of available evidence is often limited by study design, sample size, and potential publication bias.

In summary, glucosamine is widely used based on plausible biological mechanisms and some positive clinical findings, but robust scientific validation for treating cartilage damage is lacking, and the effect size, if any, is likely modest. Therefore, the evidence rating is 2 out of 5.

More about glucosamine
More about Cartilage Damage

Other health conditions supported by glucosamine

Arthritis
Cartilage Damage
Knees (weak)
Pets (supplements for)