Consumer’s perception of the efficacy and tolerance of glucosamine in joint diseases

Introduction: In Australia, 18% of the population, experience or are diagnosed with some form of joints diseases (IJD) such as arthritis. The average cost of arthritis treatment per person per year is reported as Au$6200; 61% of arthritis costs are covered by the individuals themselves. Glucosamine is a complementary or alternative medicine used in the treatment of Inflammatory Joint Disease (IJD).
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore consumers’ perception of the efficacy and tolerance of glucosamine preparations in IJD.
Method: A 20-question survey was administered to members of the public to capture their experience of the efficacy, the side-effects of glucosamine and to investigate if it was prescribed or self-selected. Also, which glucosamine salt was used, for how long it was used and at what dose?
Results: From 87 participants, 91.9% stated that glucosamine reduced their pain and 91.7% stated that it improved their joint movement. In 46.5% participants pain reduced by 3-4 points and in 51.7% joints movement improved by 1-2 points. Glucosamine was used by 60% for 6 months or more where improvement in pain and joint function by at least 1- point was reported. Six participants reported glucosamine was not effective. There were no reports of glucosamine intolerance. Five participants diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis; reported improvement in pain and joint movement by up to 2-points after taking daily 1500mg of Glucosamine Sulphate for over 6 months.
Discussion: This study provided insight on the possible benefits of glucosamine in relieving pain and joints function associated with arthritis. Most studies reviewed that reported effectiveness of glucosamine used glucosamine sulphate whilst those deemed glucosamine ineffective had used the hydrochloride formulation. No research has been conducted on the antioxidant activity of glucosamine in all IJD.
Conclusion: Five out of 87 participants had rheumatoid arthritis reported they found it was effective. It is therefore recommended that further research be conducted to measure the efficacy of glucosamine in treatment of different types of IJD and examining its antioxidant property.