From C.A.M. Report
Researchers in Germany conducted the first study of this combination.
The aim was to see if the combination is more effective than glucosamine alone.
First, the details.
- 177 patients with moderate-to-severe hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) were randomly assigned to a treatment for 26 weeks.
- Group A: Glucosamine sulfate (1500 mg/day) + omega-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - Group B: Glucosamine sulfate alone
- Group A: Glucosamine sulfate (1500 mg/day) + omega-3
- Neither the patients nor researchers knew the treatment given — double blind.
- Evaluation was performed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthrosis index (WOMAC) score.
And, the results.
- Based on the criterion of at least a 20% reduction in the WOMAC
pain score there was no difference between treatments (92% Group A, 94%
Group B). - Based on the criterion of at least an 80% reduction in the WOMAC
pain score, glucosamine sulfate + omega-3 was significantly better than
glucosamine alone (44% Group A, 32% Group B). - OA symptoms of 1) morning stiffness, and 2) pain in hips and knees
at the end of the study were 49% vs 56% Group A, respectively; and 42%
vs 55% Group B). - Both treatments well tolerated over 26 weeks.
The bottom line?
There’s support for each component individually. Now there’s support for the combination, which should be followed by more research.