By Carolyn Susman
Are you awash in confusion over whether over-the-counter joint supplements are worth taking?
Many of us were happily popping glucosamine and chondroitin for aching body parts until a study came out in February, done by the National Institutes of Health, that cast doubt on its effectiveness for mild osteoarthritis -- while saying those in severe pain might benefit.
That certainly was confusing, particularly since the popularity of the easy-to-purchase pills increased when Vioxx was taken off the market because of side effects and other prescription painkillers were called into question.
As someone whose rheumatologist had recommended the glucosamine/ chondroitin supplements years ago, I was disappointed by the conflicting study findings.
Now, however, Consumer Reports has restored my faith.
The June issue of its magazine (also available at www.consumerreports.org) finds that of all the products claiming to help painful joints, glucosamine/chondroitin is the most effective. But Consumer Reports' independent research lab found that not all brands are equal in what they provide to the public.
It lists 17 brands that were tested. Thirteen were considered adequate; that is, the brands contained at least 90 percent of the labeled amount of glucosamine and chondroitin.
For these brands, Consumer Reports recommends buying the cheapest and taking the Consumer Reports-recommended dose per day, which corresponds to the amount used in the government's clinical trial.
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