We have already established that scientific research indicates a significant controversy regarding glucosamine as a chondroprotector.
Let’s move on. The next step is to analyze the opinions of experts and ordinary people with joint problems regarding this drug.
Below, we have gathered reviews about glucosamine as a treatment and prevention for joint diseases (osteoarthritis) from doctors, scientists, and patients from scientific sources and several non-profit medical-themed websites, filtering out those that we believe to be fictitious, and leaving the most illustrative ones in terms of understanding the drug’s effectiveness.
If you have experience using glucosamine for treating joint diseases, share your review with us.
We greatly value the personal experiences of real users, which help us form an objective picture of the benefits, harms, and effectiveness of various dietary supplements, and help our readers make a more informed decision about taking certain medications.
Main thoughts:
Patient’s review (back and leg pain for over 10 years): “…you will never stop taking glucosamine…“
1 Reviews from doctors/scientists about glucosamine
Review on glucosamine from doctors/scientists of the Department of Orthopedics of Australia
Researchers from the Department of Orthopedics of Australia criticized glucosamine as a joint supplement.
The essence of their review is in the following arguments:
“The evidence that glucosamine may be effective in treating and preventing joint diseases, particularly for cartilage restoration, is very minimal.
Histological studies (in which a tissue sample is taken) confirming this are absent. We only have a small number of studies, which are insufficient to draw any conclusions.” 1
The authors present the following arguments:
“Glucosamine has low bioavailability (26%) and a short half-life (28-58 hours).
Half-life is the time during which the substance can be used by the body for its intended purpose.
Of all the glucosamine that is absorbed, a very small fraction reaches the vessel that nourishes the joint cartilage. But there are no vessels in the cartilage itself.
Therefore, glucosamine molecules must diffuse to the cartilage through the synovial fluid filling the joint cavity, or through very dense bone cartilage.
After that, they must become part of a larger structural molecule of cartilage, but the enzymes responsible for this reaction are unknown.
According to common recommendations, glucosamine should be taken for 6-8 weeks, and symptoms of relief will appear by that time. However, there is no scientific basis for this statement.
The mechanism of action of glucosamine as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent is also unknown.
In “in vitro” experiments, it has been shown that glucosamine can indeed act as a substrate for the synthesis of structural elements of cartilage.
However, there are no experiments on humans (in vivo), nor are there biochemical or histological confirmations that cartilage tissues are restored upon its intake.
Interestingly, while there is indeed a lot of evidence for the potential benefits of glucosamine from “in vitro” experiments, all of them use concentrations significantly exceeding physiological levels: in some cases, 2000 times higher than those achieved with oral intake of glucosamine at the recommended dose of 1500 mg (see below) 3.
It is obvious that such concentrations cannot be achieved through the intake of glucosamine tablets.
Review of glucosamine by doctors from the Department of Orthopedics in Australia: “Glucosamine has low bioavailability and a short half-life… there are no experiments confirming that cartilage tissues are restored upon its intake… with oral intake in tablets, its concentration in the blood is significantly lower than that which has been shown to be effective for restoring articular cartilage in in vitro experiments“
Review by authors of the critical analysis of glucosamine as a joint supplement
In the critical review of the clinical efficacy of glucosamine titled “Why have clinical trials of glucosamine stopped showing consistently positive results?” 2, the authors reveal a possible reason for the contradictory scientific data on glucosamine, as well as interesting facts about its introduction to the market of dietary supplements:
“Glucosamine began to be widely promoted as a supplement for the treatment of osteoarthritis based on the fact that it is a structural component of cartilage.
The explosion of public interest in it occurred in the 1990s, following the publication of an article about its healing properties.
The report was received with skepticism by doctors and scientists, as there was no clear explanation of the mechanism of action of glucosamine, apart from the results of numerous clinical studies on its effectiveness for treating osteoarthritis conducted by manufacturers.
Moreover, it was evident that despite the presence of this simple substance in nature, preference was clearly given to pharmaceutical industry products.
Furthermore, the authors note that the two most frequently cited 3-year studies confirming the effectiveness of glucosamine (see the material Glucosamine for joints: how effective is it, the best, side effects. Scientific studies) were funded by one of the manufacturers of glucosamine sulfate and were specifically conducted to stimulate sales 1.
“After their publication, glucosamine sales continue to grow to this day, making glucosamine the third best-selling dietary supplement in the USA.
However, in four recent independent studies the absolute ineffectiveness of glucosamine was demonstrated, three of which showed a zero result 6, 7, 8, 9.“
Review of glucosamine by the authors of the critical analysis of glucosamine as a joint medication: “The explosion of public interest in glucosamine occurred after the publication of an article about its healing properties… this report was received with skepticism by doctors and scientists… after their publication, glucosamine sales continue to grow to this day… in four recent independent studies, the absolute ineffectiveness of glucosamine was demonstrated“
Review of glucosamine by doctors and scientists of the authoritative independent scientific organization Cochrane
Cochrane is an independent scientific organization whose mission is to provide high-quality, scientifically verified information on various aspects of human health.
Based on the analysis of all studies on the effectiveness of glucosamine from 1966 to 1999, with a total patient count of over 2500, Cochrane experts (including scientists and doctors) draw the following conclusion (4):
“In total, 16 studies provide evidence that glucosamine is effective and safe for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
In 13 studies where glucosamine was compared to placebo, it was shown that glucosamine outperforms placebo in all but one of them.
In four studies where glucosamine was compared to other non-steroidal joint medications, its superiority was demonstrated in two of them and equivalence in the other two.
Expert review on the effectiveness of glucosamine by Cochrane: “glucosamine is effective and safe in the treatment of osteoarthritis… glucosamine outperforms placebo… glucosamine outperforms other joint medications“
Review on the effectiveness of glucosamine by a doctor from the London Institute of Pharmacology
Below are some interesting data from an interview with Dr. Cristina Legido-Quigley from the Royal College of the London Institute of Pharmacology with the BBC news agency (5).
Journalists asked the doctor how effective glucosamine is for treating joint diseases and whether it is worth taking it for the treatment and protection of joints.
Price does not always mean quality
The first thing that caught Cristina Legido-Quigley’s attention was the difference in the content of the active substance in different glucosamine preparations and the issue of discrepancies between the information on the labels and reality.
Together with her team, they tested 9 supplements and here is what they found.
“6 out of 9 preparations contained 90% or more glucosamine relative to what was declared on the packaging. And in 2 out of 9, the glucosamine content was less than 75% of what was claimed. That is, where it stated 1000 mg, in fact, it was 750 mg!
At the same time, a higher price does not always mean quality.
We found that a preparation costing 300 euros a year contained as much glucosamine as another preparation costing 9 euros a year…”
Dr. Cristina Legido-Quigley’s review on glucosamine: “A higher price for glucosamine preparation does not always correspond to quality. We found that one supplement costing 300 euros a year contained as much glucosamine as another costing 9 euros a year…”
The power of the “placebo” effect
Furthermore, the doctor notes that today there are a large number of scientific studies on the effectiveness of glucosamine for joints, which often compare glucosamine with medical pain relief medications or placebo.
“Some of them show some benefit from taking glucosamine, while others indicate that the effect is no greater than that of placebo.”
This controversy in scientific data was demonstrated in our material Glucosamine for joints: how effective is it, the best one, side effects. Scientific studies.
Clearly dissatisfied with this ambiguity and wanting to uncover the truth about the potential benefits or uselessness of glucosamine, Dr. Cristina Legido-Quigley and her colleagues went further and conducted their own experiment, the results of which are very curious and indicative.
“We recruited 74 patients with knee pain and asked them to rate its intensity on a scale of 1-10 (10 – agony). Our experts also assessed the joint mobility.
After that, we divided all volunteers into two groups: the first was to perform special exercises every day to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint. The other took a pill every day, but none of them knew which one. After 8 weeks, each patient was to rate the intensity of pain in the joint.
In the group that performed exercises, 80% of participants reported a reduction in joint pain by about one third – a significant indicator.
In the second group, which took the dietary supplement, 55% of participants experienced a reduction in pain by about one third.”
And now the most interesting part: the supplement taken by the second group was… a placebo, just a sweet pill.
“Our experiment shows how powerful the placebo effect can be even regarding joint pain. Most patients who took the sweet pill felt significant relief.
This fact may explain the controversy in the results of scientific studies on glucosamine and patient reviews: “glucosamine is no more effective than placebo” may mean that placebo is actually very effective!”
“On the other hand, our experiment shows that proper physical exercises can be very beneficial for alleviating joint pain: 80% of participants noted an improvement in pain symptoms.
By strengthening the muscles and ligaments around the joints, we reduce the load on the joints.”
Doctor Cristina Legido-Quigley’s review on glucosamine: “Our own experiment on the effectiveness of glucosamine shows how powerful the placebo effect can be even regarding joint pain… this may explain why the results of scientific studies and patient reviews on glucosamine are so contradictory”
2 Patient reviews on glucosamine
Review from Happy Camper, age 65-74, female, arthritis treatment for over 10 years
“I had joint pain from bone friction until I started taking glucosamine sulfate with MSM.
Now I can perform tasks that I couldn’t before due to pain. I feel that arthritis no longer bothers me.“
Review from a woman, age over 75, joint pain treatment for over 10 years
“I have been taking glucosamine with chondroitin (dosage 750 mg and 600 mg, respectively) for 15 years.
When I had to stop taking it, before surgery for example, I couldn’t wait to resume because the pain was incredible.
The supplement starts to work after a few months. I felt much better very quickly.“
Review from a woman, age 55-64, osteoarthritis treatment for less than 1 month
“Unfortunately, I started experiencing heartburn and headaches while taking glucosamine, so I had to stop.“
Review from Soapy, age over 75, female, joint disease treatment for 2 to 5 years
“Glucosamine did not help me at all.“
Review from a consumer, age 65-74, joint pain treatment for 1-6 months
“No effect.“
Review from Deb, age 45-54, female, osteoarthritis treatment for over 10 years
“I have taken various types of glucosamine (with and without chondroitin/MSM, from shellfish and vegetarian) for 20 years. I started when I was about 20 years old, after cartilage damage in my knee joint, and felt significant pain relief.
Now I have osteoarthritis in my knee and ankle and I could never have imagined that I would be able to run again.
For maximum results from my experience, I recommend taking 500 mg every 8 hours at the same time every day.
I also find that regular glucosamine without additional ingredients (chondroitin, MSM, or anything else), not from shellfish, vegetarian, works better, and it costs much less.
I notice that joint pain significantly increases when I do not take glucosamine even for 24 hours.
Of course, the pain does not go away completely, but without this supplement, I would never be able to walk, sit down, or get out of the car by myself.
As with all other medications, consult with a doctor before starting to take it.“
Review from a patient about glucosamine (osteoarthritis of the knee for over 10 years): “regular glucosamine without additional ingredients works better… joint pain significantly increases when I do not take glucosamine even for 24 hours“
Review from Spicy, age 65-74, male, treatment for hip joint pain 5-10 years
“I have pain in my hip joint. Glucosamine definitely helped.
When I stopped taking it, discomfort in the joint gradually returned. In the hydrochloride form, I noticed no effect.
When I took it together with chondroitin, my blood pressure increased. It’s better to use pure glucosamine sulfate.“
Review from Chris, age 65-74, female, treatment for joint pain 2-5 years
“I use a glucosamine complex along with chondroitin and MSM. The supplement provides pain relief but does not cure the disease.
It allowed me to return to some types of physical work that I had previously avoided.“
Review from a woman, age 45-54, treatment for joint pain 6-12 months
“Before starting glucosamine, I felt pain every day and couldn’t walk in the mornings. Now I have no pain.
At first, I took 500 mg three times a day, now I take the entire dose at once.“
Review from a woman, age 55-64, treatment for knee pain for over 10 years
“I took glucosamine hydrochloride with chondroitin for several years, but with no effect.
After that, I somehow discovered that glucosamine for animals worked wonders for my already elderly dog. In a few weeks, she went from barely being able to get up from the floor to running around like a puppy.
After that, I decided to try the supplement again, but now in the form of pure glucosamine sulfate.
The results appeared very quickly. Severe pain in my knee joint completely disappeared over time.
Since then, I have been taking glucosamine regularly and want to note that if I forget to take a tablet or use a different form or brand, it does not work as it should.
It is glucosamine SULFATE, not glucosamine hydrochloride, that has been shown in scientific studies to be an effective form of glucosamine for treating joint pain, and my experience confirms this.
I am surprised that most joint supplements contain glucosamine hydrochloride instead of sulfate. Someone once said that the production of sulfate is more expensive, which likely explains this.
If hydrochloride didn’t help you, try sulfate. Choose quality brands, as some products are not as effective as others.
Good luck!“
Review of glucosamine by a patient (knee joint pain for over 10 years): “I took glucosamine hydrochloride with chondroitin for several years, but without effect… if I forget to take a pill or use a different form or brand of the product, it doesn’t work… it is specifically glucosamine SULFATE that is shown to be an effective form of glucosamine“
Review from a woman, age 55-64, arthritis treatment for over 10 years
“I developed arthritis at 20 years old. When I first started taking glucosamine/chondroitin, I immediately felt an improvement.
I have already stopped using my copper bracelet (orthosis). I take the supplement in a higher dose than recommended.
For many years, I have recommended the supplement to family members and friends. EVERYONE thanked me afterwards and said they felt significant relief.
My 70-year-old mother, who also suffers from arthritis, said that glucosamine reduced the pain in her hand joints by 70%.“
Review from RubyRubes, age 55-64, female, knee and back pain treatment for 1-6 months
“I take 1000 mg of glucosamine twice a day for a month for joint and back pain. Now I no longer need painkillers.
Glucosamine needs to be taken for at least 4 months to feel the full effect.
I hope that the pain will completely go away so that I don’t have to take medication at all anymore.“
Review from Spam elate, age 65-74, male, back and leg pain treatment for over 10 years
“I was unable to sit and get out of the car.
Within 3 weeks of starting glucosamine, there was significant improvement. Now the pain in my back and legs is much weaker.
I recommended the supplement to my brother, who runs every day; now he does it without pain. Also to a friend who played golf only once a week due to pain; now he plays every day.
I use only glucosamine sulfate without additional ingredients. I have been taking it for 17 years and will never stop.
If you are considering starting glucosamine, keep two things in mind: you will never stop taking it and it will take about 4 months before it fully starts working in your body.“
Review from a patient (back and leg pain for over 10 years): “…you will never stop taking glucosamine…“
Review from SusannaNewHope, age 45-54, female, osteoarthritis treatment of knee and hip joints for 5-10 years
“I have osteoarthritis of the knee and hip joints.
Before I started taking glucosamine, going up and down stairs, long car trips, and walking were accompanied by excruciating pain.
My knees were creaking and clicking, and the pain in my hip joints often made me get up at night.
After a few weeks of taking it, the pain went away.
When I once stopped taking glucosamine, after a few weeks the pain started to return along with the familiar creaking and clicking in my knees.
Review from dacava1144, age 65-74, male, treatment for knee joint disease 1-2 years
“I had a problem with the mobility of my right knee in its back part. Because of it, I couldn’t play tennis. After starting to take glucosamine sulfate, there were significant changes.
Review from Ann, age 45-54, female, treatment for arthritis 5-10 years
“I was recommended glucosamine 8 years ago and I still take it.
One or two times I forgot about it for two weeks and very severe pain appeared. At first, I couldn’t understand the reason until I realized that I had forgotten to take the pills.
It’s a wonderful medication that helps with joint pain from arthritis.“
Review from joanne, age 45-54, female
“Glucosamine significantly reduced the level of discomfort from arthritis.
There were times when it was hard for me to walk. After a few months of taking it, few could guess that I had painful joints. I highly recommend it.“
Review from procosamine, age 55-64, female, treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joints 2-5 years
“I have osteoarthritis of the knee joints. Five years ago, I was considering surgery to replace them.
Treatment with glucosamine made the problem manageable, and without it, I wouldn’t be able to lead an active life like I do now.”
Review from Carol, age 65-74, female, treatment for joint pain 5-10 years
“I stopped taking glucosamine for a month or so, and then I returned to it. It is much more comfortable with it, and my joints hurt less.”
