Ask the Nurse

Can glucosamine supplements help rebuild cartilage in people with osteoarthritis?

Anna, Artane

Glucosamine is a natural compound in your body that helps make your cartilage strong. Osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of joint cartilage and can affect any joint, including the hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow and wrist. Although there is insufficient evidence to confirm that glucosamine rebuilds cartilage, there is some proof to confirm that a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate may relieve moderate to severe pain in some people with osteoarthritis of the knee. The mechanism by which it does this is not clear. If you have arthritis, you should consult your doctor before you start taking any type of supplements.

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