Glucosamine decreases pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease is a very common condition that our risk of developing increases as we age. Essentially, OA is characterized by ‘wear and tear’ on our joints which occurs as our cartilage begins to wear down.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the joints. Though RA is more common in women, it affects approximately 1% of the population.

Glucosamine is one of the most commonly used dietary supplements used by people who suffer from arthritis. However, it’s intended use is primarily for people who suffer from osteoarthritis as opposed to rheumatoid arthritis.

The results of a recent study published in the medical journal, Rheumatology International, suggest that glucosamine supplementation may improve symptomatic pain in patients with RA. However, the study authors noted that glucosamine did not have a specific antirheumatic effect.

If you are among the 1% of the population who suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis, it may be worthwhile to try supplementation with glucosamine. The dosage used in this particular study was 1500mg per day.

Reference:



Nakamura H, Masuko K, Yudoh K, Kato T, Kamada T, Kawahara T. Effects of glucosamine administration on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int. 2007 Jan;27(3):213-8. Epub 2006 Sep 5