Date of Award

Spring 5-2025

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Carr, Kristen

Keywords

Glucosamine, glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin, chondroitin sulfate, and osteoarthritis

Abstract

According to the CDC, over 30 million adults in the United States have osteoarthritis, many of whom experience pain, stiffness, and swelling that hinder daily activities. Typical treatment consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are associated with gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular risks. This literature review examines key research on glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation to provide a comprehensive understanding of its impact on adults with osteoarthritis. A literature search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Keywords and MeSH terms were used to identify studies discussing the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin as a potential alternative, effective, and safe treatment for osteoarthritis. The findings suggest that while glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation is safe, there is currently no convincing evidence that it reduces pain or improves physical function in adults with osteoarthritis.

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