The claimEvidence A · guideline-tier
Glucosamine cures knee pain
The evidence
GAIT 2006 NEJM primary endpoint was negative; moderate-severe subgroup didn't clear pre-specified analysis.
Why the claim spreads
One of the most heavily advertised joint supplements for decades; early small studies plus the intuitive 'rebuild the cartilage' story keep it alive long after larger trials.
The mechanism, in brief
Glucosamine + chondroitin = two basic components of the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in joint cartilage.
Sources (1)
- Clegg, D. O., Reda, D. J., Harris, C. L., Klein, M. A., O'Dell, J. R., Hooper, M. M., et al. (2006). Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis. New England Journal of Medicine, 354(8), 795-808.