Scientific Findings Emphasize Glucosamine Value

Washington, DC, January 26, 2001 —The findings of a landmark trial-published in the Jan. 27 issue of The Lancet-provide solid scientific evidence that glucosamine relieves the symptoms of osteoarthritis and also halts or slows progression of the disease. By comparing a series of knee X-rays among patients who consumed glucosamine or a placebo, the breakthrough study demonstrated that glucosamine can favorably modify joint structure.

Several earlier short-term studies showed that glucosamine relieves the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but each called for long-term trials to confirm the results. The rigorously conducted study, reported in The Lancet, answers this call. The three-year study established the long-term benefit and safety of glucosamine in treating osteoarthritis. Its clinical importance-delaying the time to disability or reducing the number of surgical interventions-will await longer-term follow-up studies.

The benefit of chondroitin, another popular nutritional supplement used among arthritis sufferers, was not tested in this recent study. However, a $14-million multicenter trial, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will determine whether the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin is more effective than either supplement alone. The NIH study will involve over 1500 patients and the final report is expected in March 2005.

"The impact of this major scientific research is staggering" said John Cordaro, president of the Council for Responsible Nutrition. "Osteoarthritis is a major health problem for approximately 20 million people in the United States and the cost of arthritis to our economy exceeds one billion dollars." "Further, osteoarthritis is the most common reason for total hip and total knee replacement." With these facts in mind, it is clear that these research results are amazingly significant." "Once again, science has demonstrated the need for, and the benefits and safety of dietary supplements," Cordaro noted.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) was founded in 1973 and represents approximately 100 companies in the dietary supplement industry, including bulk ingredient suppliers as well as finished product manufacturers. Members include manufacturers of national brands of dietary supplements as well as several large manufacturers of the store brands available in most supermarkets, drug stores, health food stores, and super stores. CRN members adhere to a strong code of ethics, comply with dosage limits and manufacture dietary supplements to high quality standards under good manufacturing practices.