However, there was no such narrowing among patients on glucosamine sulphate. Expert view Dr Madeleine Devey, scientific secretary of the Arthritis Research Campaign, said many people with osteoarthritis had been taking glucosamine sulphate for many years. She said a small scale trial of the supplement in the UK found that it had a small beneficial impact on patients who were in mild pain - but not those in severe pain. Osteoarthritis causes a great deal of social exclusion for elderly people who cannot get out. Dr Tim McAlindon from Boston University Medical School, USA, said the study was a landmark piece of research.
Some patients undergo joint replacement surgery.
The best way to minimise risk is to take regular exercise and to lose excess weight. It is also a good idea to wear proper trainers when taking exercise to protect the ankle and knee joints. The research is published in The Lancet medical journal.