Supplement Overview

• Glucosamine is a nutritional supplement that may be useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis. In athletes, it has been used in attempts to 'support' or 'repair' articular cartilage.
• Most studies have used glucosamine sulphate. There is no evidence for a chondro-protective effect in clinical human or animal studies. Laboratory evidence suggests a beneficial role in cartilage metabolism.
• Glucosamine has mild anti-inflammatory properties.
• A meta-analysis published in 2005 (Towheed et al 2005. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Apr 18; (2):CD002946) summarised the results of 20 short-term randomized controlled trials of glucosamine supplementation on osteoarthritis. Studies evaluating glucosamine products from Rotta Pharmaceuticals found that the supplement was superior to placebo in the treatment of pain and functional impairment resulting from symptomatic osteoarthritis. However, pooled results from studies using a non-Rotta preparation failed to show benefits in pain and function. The Rotta forms of glucosamine sulphate are not available in Australia.
• There are no published studies of glucosamine supplementation in athletes or in sports injuries in general.

Situations for Use in Sport

• Individual athletes that have appropriate clinical signs and symptoms as assessed by a sports physician.

Concerns Associated with Supplement Use

• No evidence of efficacy in athletes with cartilage damage.
• Minimal side effects in short-term studies.
• Little knowledge of side effects following long-term use.

Last Updated 3/1/07

This fact sheet has been prepared by the AIS Sports Nutrition as part of the AIS Sports Supplement Program. The AIS Sports Supplement Program has been designed for the specific needs of AIS athletes. It is recommended that other athletes and groups seek independent advice before using any supplement. © Australian Sports Commission 2007