Long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Reginster JY, Deroisy R, Rovati LC, et al. · Lancet

Placebo knees lost about 0.31 mm of joint-space width over 3 years while glucosamine knees showed no significant narrowing (-0.06 mm); WOMAC symptoms improved slightly on glucosamine and worsened slightly on placebo.

Population

Adults with knee osteoarthritis, Belgium

Intervention

Crystalline glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg once daily for 3 years

Comparator

Placebo

Limitations

Funded by Rottapharm, the manufacturer of the tested product. Radiographic joint-space measurement in extended knees is positioning-sensitive and its clinical meaning is debated. Single trial, modest n.