Glucosamine supplements may lower risk of cardiovascular disease

Recent research, the findings of which have been published in the British Medical Journal, suggests that glucosamine supplements used as a remedy for joint pain may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Nearly 500,000 people took part in the research and one in five of these regularly took glucosamine. The results of the research found that users of the supplements were less likely to go on to develop artery and heart diseases or stroke, or to die from these conditions.

The University of Glasgow’s Professor Naveed Sattar, said “Only a trial can determine whether there is any truth to the lower observed risk. Observational studies can only ever generate new ideas to test.

“Many other supplements have not proven benefits in trials even when observational data suggested there may be health benefits. Some supplements have even been shown to cause harm in trials. So, for now, I would not rush to buy glucosamine to lessen my heart risks when there are many other cost-effective proven ways to do so.”

The British Heart Foundation’s Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, said “One in four people in the UK still die from heart and circulatory disease. We urgently need to fund research that could result in improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

“If a well-known and widely available supplement like glucosamine could help prevent heart and circulatory diseases, including heart attack and stroke, it is an avenue of research worth exploring.

“Meanwhile, an important way to reduce your risk is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and – when relevant – take medications as recommended to you by your doctor.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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