Lester Packer, Ph.D., of the University of California, Berkeley, has reported that alpha-lipoic acid can reenergize other important antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E and glutathione. Packer believes, based on animal studies, that alpha-lipoic acid holds tremendous potential in helping stroke victims recover. Chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate. Both chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate help form cartilage tissue, particularly in the pads that cushion joints. Thin or absent joint cartilage results in osteoarthritis, in which bones grind against each other.
Medical studies support both chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate supplements.
In an analysis of 13 studies, researchers at Case Western University School of Medicine reported that supplements of each resulted in a 40 percent improvement in osteoarthritic symptoms. Some research has also found that chondroitin sulfate works better than analgesic drugs at relieving pain. Sitting on the shelf, garlic has little biological activity. Garlic boosts antioxidant levels in the body, and virtually every form of the food has some health benefits. Studies have found that garlic supplements can lower cholesterol levels in people.