No Difference Seen With Glucosamine Or Placebo For Hip Osteoarthritis

Those two tablets of glucosamine sulfate may cost a mere 20 cents each day, but a study published today suggests the popular supplement isn't worth even that much to patients with painful arthritis in their hips. Glucosamine - a compound found in healthy cartilage - is touted for an ability to keep joints functioning well and arthritis pain at bay. But it was no better than placebo pills at reducing either the symptoms or the progression of hip osteoarthritis, according a randomized, controlled trial by Dutch researchers.