Pharmacy Daily | Supplements slammed

A STUDY published last week in the British Medical Journal has found that glucosamine, chondroiin and their combination “do not reduce joint pain or have an impact on narrowing of joint space” when compared to placebo. The meta-analysis of 10 trials in 3803 patients looked at the effects of the supplements on joint pain and on radiological progression of disease in osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. The scientists from the Insitute of Social and Preventive Medicine at Switzerland’s University of Bern concluded that “health authorities and health insurers should not cover the costs of these preparations, and new prescriptions to patients who have not received treatment should be discouraged”. However they said that the supplements are not dangerous, meaning there was no reason for patients to stop taking them “if they perceive a benefit and cover the cost of treatment themselves”.

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