Chondroitin is a dietary supplement that has been recommended for patients with osteoarthritis pain. Early studies concluded that chondroitin improved pain and increased joint space in osteoarthritis patients. More recent and larger studies offered conflicting evidence about chondroitin use for osteoarthritis pain.

According to a report in the February 15, 2008 American Family Physician, researchers performed a systematic review of trials that compared chondroitin with placebo or with no treatment in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or osteoarthritis of the knee. Researchers found 45 reports about 22 trials and included those in the meta-analysis. Results revealed no benefit to minimal benefit of oral chondroitin in reducing osteoarthritis pain. Researchers recommended against the use of chondroitin because of lack of effectiveness, especially in patients with severe osteoarthritis. Researchers left the possibility open for small benefit in patients with mild osteoarthritis. The use of chondroitin in combination with glucosamine was not addressed in this study.

Related Resources:

• The Facts of Dietary Supplements
• What Dietary Supplements are You Taking?
• Glucosamine: 10 Things You Should Know
• Dietary Supplements: An Alternative Treatment for Osteoarthritis

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