If you experience joint pain or know someone who does, this news is for you. Two large trials (called GAIT and GUIDE) validate the use of popular dietary supplements for treating joint pain.
GUIDE researchers found glucosamine was significantly more effective than placebo in easing joint pain, while acetaminophen was no better than placebo. Glucosamine was also well tolerated by the study participants. The GAIT study also resulted in positive outcomes, revealing that a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin was more effective than placebo for people with severe joint pain due to osteoarthritis (OA).
The findings are welcome relief. The recent inquiry into the safety of prescription pain relievers has left people with fewer options. In fact, in 2004, one of these drugs was pulled off the market for increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Even over-the-counter acetaminophen has proved worrisome, with recent news of a relationship between acetaminophen and hypertension, and in rare cases, liver damage.
If you're interested in learning more, read on for more details on the GAIT and GUIDE findings and a look at what the experts think.
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GAIT STUDY |
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| What it Means to You: |
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For people with severe pain, glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate were more effective than placebo and as effective as celecoxib. |
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The Glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate combination is well tolerated, with minimal side effects. |
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get the details |
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GUIDE STUDY |
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| What it Means to You: |
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GUIDE data indicates that glucosamine sulfate is as effective a pain reliever as acetaminophen. |
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Glucosamine sulfate is well tolerated and safe. |
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Glucosamine sulfate had a significant impact on reducing participant's joint pain and increasing mobility, compared with placebo. |
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get the details |
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