Glucosamine and chondroitin were being investigated as the new leaders in managing osteoarthritis pain at the time of publication. Forms of glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally found in the synovial fluid and cartilage matrix of joints. Osteoarthritis, also known as Degenerative Joint Disease, describes the progressive destruction of cartilage between connecting bones of a joint. Osteoarthritis can lead to permanent damage and limited motion. The GAIT study is the largest, double-blinded clinical trial on the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin in treating osteoarthritis pain. GAIT stands for Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial.
GAIT Study Background
The University of Utah School of Medicine coordinated a six-month study with 16 rheumatology centers across the nation among 1,583 subjects suffering from confirmed cases of knee osteoarthritis. The subjects were randomly assigned into one of five study groups receiving: glucosamine only, chondroitin sulfate only, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in combination, celecoxib — a prescription NSAID, or a placebo. NSAID is another acronym: Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug.
GAIT Study Findings
As expected, participants given prescription NSAIDs reported the greatest decrease in pain overall. In subjects with severe pain at the beginning of the study, glucosamine and chondroitin, in combination, provided significant relief when compared to placebo groups. Of these 354 subgroup participants, 79 percent had a significant reduction in pain compared to 54 percent of the placebo group. No significant difference in relief was seen in the subgroups experiencing only mild pain.
Glucosamine & Chondroitin Dosages
If you are experiencing severe pain from osteoarthritis, you may benefit from taking glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate together as part of a greater pain management plan. Always discuss treatment options with your doctor before starting a supplement.
At the time of publication, the general suggested daily dosage was 1,500 mg of glucosamine with 1,200 mg of chondroitin sulfate for a 30- to 90-day period. Taking the supplement as divided dosages spaced evenly throughout the day may improve absorption. Therefore, 500 mg of glucosamine and 400 mg of chondroitin sulfate three times per day is preferred. Some experts recommend dosing at 20 mg per kg of body weight. Glucosamine sulfate is more closely related to the natural form than glucosamine hydrochloride; however, taking adequate amounts of either form should produce similar results.
Supplement Safety
Participants in the GAIT study did not experience any major negative effects from any of the treatments. Three cases of mild stomach upset were possibly attributed to supplementation. Individuals with an allergy to shellfish should be cautious with this type of supplement. Some people also experience elevations in blood pressure or heart rate as a side effect. Applying glucosamine and chondroitin topically has not yet been proven safe or effective.
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