Argument against use of food additives for osteoarthritis of the hip.

Abstract

Food additives and other forms of alternative medicines have been embraced by the general public. Some of these compounds including glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have shown efficacy in relieving pain associated with osteoarthritis. However, evidence is limited concerning the chondroprotective ability of these agents. More controlled studies and basic research is necessary to evaluate these claims especially because these compounds are not under regulatory control.