Shellfish pill that beats arthritis

by ROGER DOBSON, Daily Mail

A supplement made from shellfish has joined the battle against osteoarthritis.

Doctors have shown that glucosamine sulphate can have an effect on both the symptoms and the progression of the disease that affects several million people in the UK. Researchers say it provides the first evidence that the condition can be modified in this way.

At the end of a three-year trial, they found that post-menopausal women who had been taking the supplement for arthritis of the knee had much less of the joint-space narrowing typical as the disease takes hold.

Osteoarthritis, a major health problem for increasing numbers of people, is the most common form of arthritis, usually affecting weight-bearing joints such as hips and knees.

The smooth cartilage lining of a joint becomes pitted, rough and inflamed, and the space inside the joint itself narrows. The joint can also become stiff and painful to move, and part of the cartilage may break away from the bone, so that the bone ends rub against each other.

Alternative to painkillers

The most widely used treatments are painkillers and anti-inflammatories, which can have side-effects. But more people have been turning to supplements, including glucosamine sulphate.

Although there has been some work showing that these supplements can help reduce inflammation and pain, and help with joint movement, there is much less evidence that it actually helps preserve the joints.

However, the latest study shows that the supplement can be effective.

The research, involving around 400 women and reported in the journal Menopause, looked at its use over a three-year period.

Just how it works is not clear, but glucosamine occurs naturally in all human tissue. It is a type of amino sugar produced naturally in the body from foods that contain vitamins A, C and E and selenium. It is vital for the building of bone, skin, nails, tendons and cartilage.

Glucosamine sulphate supplements are usually made from marine shellfish and come as capsules or in liquid form. Research suggests that it needs to be taken for at least a month before the effects start to kick in.

Dallaglio a fan

England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio, who has had his fair share of injuries including a broken thumb and shoulder, and knee injuries, is one of many high-profile sporting fans of glucosamine.

In 2001, he ruptured a knee ligament when he tried to tackle England team-mate Mike Catt.

After the injury, Lawrence was back playing rugby three months earlier than expected and he partly attributes his speedy recovery to the glucosamine he takes regularly.

He says: "My physio introduced me to glucosamine to help cartilage regeneration, tissue damage and keep my ligaments in shape.

"Seeing some ex-rugby players' immobility, I'm determined to use different approaches to pain relief. I don't want to end up unable to climb stairs."

Happy to see research that proves its benefit, Lawrence simply says: "It works for me."

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