London: The natural supplement Glucosamine is just as effective as powerful as painkilling drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, according to new research[1] published today in a leading scientific journal.

Data from the European Guide [2] trial, published today in Arthritis and Rheumatism, reveals that Glucosamine, a naturally occurring amino sugar derived from shellfish, is as efficacious as paracetamol (acetaminophen) in the control of moderately severe OA symptoms and clearly superior when compared to placebo.

Significantly, Glucosamine also raises none of the safety concerns commonly associated with drugs such as Paracetamol, which has been linked to various side effects including liver disease.

The results from the 318 person GUIDE trial were based on multi-centre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials and led by Prof. Gabriel Herrero-Beaumont, University of Madrid.

For the trial, patients received 1500 mg of Glucosamine, the equivalent to levels in commonly-available supplements such as Seven Seas JointCare Max, which also contains Chondroitin and Cod Liver Oil to relieve painful joints.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP, stated, “This study is extremely exciting and shows there is now powerful academic research demonstrating that the natural supplement Glucosamine is as effective as painkillers like paracetamol in managing OA. In addition, Glucosamine is very important when treating OA as it is one of the few products that can be used in association with other pain medications.”

Professor Olivier Bruyere, of the University of Liège in Belgium, and a world authority on the efficacy of Glucosamine stated, “The results of this study support existing research and highlight the importance of Glucosamine as a treatment for osteoarthritis. There is no doubt that Glucosamine has proved its worth in the treatment of this debilitating condition.”

This new evidence adds increasing weight to the argument for natural supplements to be used in the maintenance of healthy joints. In 2004, the results from the 1258 person GAIT trial[3], also a multi-centre, placebo-controlled double blind trial showed that 79% of patients who took the combination of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, experienced relief from the pain caused by osteoarthritis, compared to 69% of those who took the prescription drug, celecoxib (Celebrex).

Seven Seas JointCare is a range of natural, evidence-based Glucosamine health supplements, to help provide the essential elements that the body needs to maintain healthy joints and connective tissue. In particular, Seven Seas JointCare Max combines 1500mg of Glucosamine sulphate, the dose used in the GUIDE trial, with maximum strength Cod Liver Oil. In addition, the range also includes Seven Seas JointCare Projoint Formula, and JointCare Glucosamine plus Chondroitin, which combines Glucosamine with chondroitin as in the GAIT trial, along with Cod Liver Oil (Omega-3s).