Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are natural substances found in and around the cells of cartilage. Glucosamine is an amino sugar that the body produces and distributes in cartilage and other connective tissue, and chondroitin sulfate is a complex carbohydrate that helps cartilage retain water. In the United States, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are sold as dietary supplements, which are regulated as foods rather than drugs.

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Questions and Answers: NIH Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial Primary Study

This fact sheet provides answers to frequently asked questions about the study to test the effects of the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

For Consumers

General Information

Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT)
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Complementary Health Approaches
Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
Chondroitin Sulfate (MedlinePlus)
Glucosamine Hydrochloride (MedlinePlus)
Glucosamine Sulfate (MedlinePlus)

Research Spotlights

Ongoing Medical Studies

Find Active Medical Research Studies on Chondroitin Or Glucosamine (ClinicalTrials.gov)

For Health Professionals

Clinical Practice Guidelines

Clinical Use of Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals (Endocrine Practice) [945KB PDF]
Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Knee (Osteoarthritis Cartilage) [1.5MB PDF]

Scientific Literature

Systematic Reviews/Reviews/Meta-analysis (PubMed®)
Randomized Controlled Trials (PubMed®)