- If you want to give glucosamine a try, keep a daily diary of your pain and physical limitations. If you see no improvement after three months, it's unlikely you'll benefit from glucosamine.
- Always check with your doctor before taking glucosamine or any other "alternative" product. It may interact with other medication you're taking.
- Glucosamine supplements are usually derived from seafood. People with a seafood allergy need to steer clear of them.
- Don't forget the importance of regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.
- The Dietary Supplements Regulations are inadequate for ensuring products meet "quality" standards. We want to see more comprehensive regulation that will tell consumers whether a product is safe, meets its claims, and is consistent in quality.
More information
- Arthritis New Zealand: www.arthritis.org.nz
- Cochrane reviews: www.cochrane.org
Report by Belinda Allan.
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