A new study published in the journal, Advances in Therapy has looked at the effects of combining glucosamine with omega 3 fatty acids in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
In the new study from Germany, researchers recruited 177 people with moderate-to-severe knee or hip osteoarthritis pain. The study was limited as the researchers decided not to use a placebo group for ethical reasons. Study participants were assigned to receive either 1500 milligrams glucosamine sulphate daily or glucosamine sulphate with an additional 200mg of omega 3 fatty acids.
The study was carried out over 26 weeks; following this period, researchers tested pain levels using the established Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthrosis Index (WOMAC) score.
The researchers commented, “in a randomised, controlled clinical trial with 177 patients with osteoarthritis, we could prove that the combination of glucosamine sulphate and omega 3 fatty acids is superior to glucosamine alone. Using the classical WOMAC pain score we could show 27% more responders (80% reduction of WOMAC pain score) in the combination group compared to glucosamine alone, this difference was statistically significant”.
Results of the study also showed that the combination of omega 3 and glucosamine sulphate reduced morning stiffness and pain in the hips and knees by between 48.5 and 55.6 per cent, compared to 41.7 to 55.3 per cent in the glucosamine only group.
Lead researcher, Dr Gruenwald commented on the potential synergistic mechanism underlying the health benefits demonstrated,
“Omega 3 fatty acids inhibit the inflammation process in OA, whereas glucosamine sulphate further supports the rebuilding of lost cartilage substance”.
Source:
Advances in Therapy
Volume 26, Issue 9, Pages 858-871
Effect of glucosamine sulphate with or without omega 3 fatty acids in patients with osteoarthritis
