Millions of Brits suffering from the daily grind of joint pain could find significant relief from a widely available supplement combination, according to scientific research.
Approximately 10 million people in the UK are affected by arthritis and other joint-related issues, which can cause persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, and major difficulties with movement.
What is the powerful supplement combination?
The treatment in question combines two natural compounds: glucosamine and chondroitin. These substances are found naturally in healthy cartilage, the protective tissue that cushions the ends of bones in a joint.
While they can be purchased individually, they are most commonly taken as a single, combined supplement. The supplements are typically derived from animal cartilage, such as that from shellfish or pigs, or are produced synthetically in a laboratory.
This combination is primarily used by patients with osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis in the UK. Osteoarthritis develops when the protective cartilage on the ends of bones wears down over time.
How can it help with arthritis symptoms?
According to The Arthritis Foundation, the benefits are twofold. Firstly, glucosamine and chondroitin possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain.
Secondly, and crucially, they work to protect specialised cells called chondrocytes, which are responsible for maintaining the structure of cartilage. In theory, this means the supplements could not only ease pain but also help slow the deterioration of cartilage in affected joints.
What does the research show?
The evidence supporting this treatment is compelling. A key study, published in the Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy in 2008, delivered remarkable results.
It found that for participants experiencing moderate to severe pain, the supplement combination was highly effective. Within this group, a striking 79 percent of patients reported a "greater reduction" in pain, estimating their discomfort decreased by around 20 percent.
Further bolstering these findings, a 2016 study in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases concluded that the glucosamine and chondroitin combination was as effective as the prescription arthritis medication celecoxib at reducing pain, stiffness, and swelling in knee osteoarthritis. Importantly, it achieved this with a better safety profile and without the adverse effects associated with the pharmaceutical drug.
Common arthritis symptoms, as listed by the NHS, include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, inflammation, restricted movement, and warm, red skin over the affected joint.
If you are considering taking any new supplement to manage arthritis symptoms, it is essential to consult with your GP first.
