The clinical effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements in slowing or arresting progression of osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review and economic evaluation.

Study answer

What this study found

Glucosamine sulphate shows some clinical effectiveness for knee OA, with statistically significant improvements in pain, function, and joint space in about 12-month trials; long-term follow-up (8 years) in two trials reported reduced knee arthroplasty rates (14.5% to 6.3%). Cost-effectiveness modelling suggests an incremental cost per QALY of about £21,335; probability of cost-effectiveness is 0.43 at £20,000 and 0.73 at £30,000 threshold. Data are uncertain and UK trial data are lacking; generalisability to the UK setting should be cautious; further long-term, UK-relevant research is needed.

Study & population

Adults with knee osteoarthritis; predominately female; mean age approximately 51–75 years; randomized controlled trials (systematic reviews of RCTs).

Intervention

Glucosamine sulphate, 1500 mg daily, oral; duration across trials varied from ~3 weeks to ~3 years (most outcomes around 12 months).

Key limitation

No UK trial data; heterogeneity across glucosamine formulations and dosing; many trials of short duration; some small studies; cost-effectiveness relies on modelling with uncertainty; generalisability to UK health service is uncertain.

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Original abstract