Glucosamine, chondroitin and the combination are no better than a placebo for joint pain.

A meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials of glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination and placebo has found these products give no benefit over the placebo for the relief of hip or knee pain. Six of these trials also found they had no effect on joint-space narrowing.

PositiveTip: While apparently safe, strong evidence suggests taking glucosamine and chondroitin supplements is a waste of hard earned money.

Glucosamine probably offers little benefit for low back pain beyond the placebo effect.

Glucosamine is a very popular dietary supplement marketed widely as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Patients with imaging-based degenerative lumbar osteoarthritis and back pain for at least 6 months received either glucosamine or a placebo daily for 6 months, and were then followed for another 6 months. Both groups reported less pain after treatment, but there was no significant difference between the groups.

PositiveTip: Remember, the placebo effect is very powerful, and often results in benefits equal to a popular treatment.