New Hope for Natural Joint Pain Relief?
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
New research out of Switzerland will probably pump up sales of a natural joint pain treatment called chondroitin sulfate. Doctors found that the supplement produced “modest” benefits for people who have joint pain and stiffness in their hands.
About a year ago, I reviewed the research on glucosamine and chondroitin supplements and came up with a somewhat wishy-washy conclusion: These supplements seem to offer some relief to some people. Because they are generally safe and well-tolerated, there’s no harm in seeing whether they help you. But only you can decide whether the benefits are worth the expense.
==>In my original article , I included some tips on how to get the best results if you do decide to give it a try.
This latest research doesn’t really change my conclusion. The benefits were, indeed, modest. Although the people taking chondroitin reported less pain and stiffness in their hands, they were just as likely to take over-the-counter pain medications for their arthritis pain as those who were using placebo. (It’d be interesting to see how many of them would continue taking the supplement if they had to pay for it themselves.)
Have you ever used glucosamine or chondroitin for joint pain? Did you find it helpful? Would you try it (again) based on this new research?
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.