Others say there's no proof for such a claim. Glucosamine is sold in herbal shops and drug stores as a dietary supplement.
Promoters say studies have shown glucosamine can help rebuild cartilage destroyed by osteoarthritis.
But the studies were done 20 years ago in Europe and the number of people tested was small. Critics also say the studies wouldn't stand up to the rigours of modern testing. MarketPlace speaks with a proponent of glucosamine, as well as an arthritis expert in Montreal and a Toronto doctor who is carrying out the first clinical trial of glucosamine in North America. Arthritis afflicts one in seven Canadians, but it's always been thought of of one of those chronic conditions that sufferers just have to live with. People with arthritis have a few drug choices, but these have been, in practice, largely disappointing.