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I’m sure you will read in the news today about a study that was just released in the New England Journal of Medicine about how glucosamine is not effective.

I beg to differ here.

First of all, the study used glucosamine hydrochloride, not glucosamine sulfate - which has been shown to be effective in previous studies. This is the form that is most often recommended and most patients I see are telling me it works for them.

Secondly, this study was looking for pain relief. Glucosamine is not a pain medication, however pain relief is a secondary (and important) benefit.

Glucosamine is a supplement that I always recommend people use for a minimum of 6 weeks before deciding that it is not effective for them. What I hear most often from people is that they did not realize how helpful it was until they stopped taking it.

In addition, since over the counter supplments are not regulated the way “medications” are, it is possible you may need to try more than one brand to find one that works for you.

As always, do your research before you take something. Better yet, talk with your Nurse Practitioner or other health care provider about this or any other supplment you take.

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