A meta-analysis published recently in the British Medical Journal concluded that glucosamine and chondroitin, alone or in combination, failed to reduce joint pain or have an impact on narrowing of joint space among patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.

Consequently, authors wrote, “Health authorities and health insurers should not cover the costs of these preparations, and new prescriptions to patients who have not received treatment should be discouraged.”

Researchers in Switzerland analyzed results from 10 trials involving 3803 patients, comparing differences in pain intensity and width of joint space. Compared with placebo, glucosamine, chondroitin, and their combination did not reduce joint pain or have an impact on narrowing of joint space, authors concluded.