Glucosamine Sulfate

There are a plethora of studies on Glucosamine and its often-used “sidekick,” chondroitin. Early studies (prior to 2006) showed promising results for the use of Glucosamine, alone or in combination, to decrease OA symptoms. Then, in 2006, the GAIT study (Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trail) was published in the “New England Journal of Medicine.” This study found no significant difference over placebo for reducing mild – moderate knee pain. However, pain relief was significantly different for moderate - severe pain.


2004 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15344672/‍
2006 “GAIT” Study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16495392/
2007 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17265490/
2007 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17658908/
2009 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19111223/
2013 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23679910/
2013 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15344672/

While there is definitely no consensus on the use of Glucosamine and the data remains somewhat inconclusive, several “facts” are generally accepted about its use as a supplement for OA.

The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin does not appear to have any more benefit than either one alone, and together they may be less active compared to their individual effects.

In several studies, pain and swelling were decreased (WOMAC scale), but there were just as many studies that found no effect. If there was a beneficial effect, according to most articles, it was at long-term, taking effect at 3, 6, or 9 months. As far as safety goes, the use of glucosamine or chondroitin is equal to a placebo.

Glucosamine sulfate was more effective in most studies than glucosamine hydrochloride as far as lowering pain scores.

Glucosamine sulfate works better than Glucosamine HCL.

Glucosamine works better alone than in combination with Chondroitin, but more studies are needed to confirm this.

Based on the best available data to date, ARTHRO-EASE contains an appropriate daily dose of Glucosamine sulfate to provide the most effective relief from OA joint pain as possible.