Glucosamine sulfate is a safer and more effective treatment for osteoarthritis than acetaminophen, the drug commonly used for long-term treatment. A research group from the Rheumatology Department, Fundacion, imenez Diaz-capio, Madrid, Spain randomly assigned 318 patients to receive oral glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg once daily, acetaminophen 3 g/day, or placebo for three months. The study patients had moderately severe OA symptoms.

Glucosamine sulfate was significantly more effective than placebo in the majority of outcomes. Acetaminophen on the other hand, failed to show a statistically significant difference from placebo in most end points including pain outcomes.

The study authors stated “to date, no studies have demonstrated any other pharmacological treatment to have the same efficacy as glucosamine sulfate for the long term treatment of OA symptoms.”

It should also be remembered that glucosamine unlike acetaminophen does not have a detrimental effect on the gastrointestinal tract, and has a superior risk-benefit profile. The dose normally recommended in the clinic is 1500 mg for the first three months, then 750 mg for the same benefits thereafter. If necessary this can also be combine with gentle anti-inflammatory herbs and/or fish oil with a large component of EPA.