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Debate on chondroitin's effectiveness goes on
A Spanish chondroitin sulfate manufacturer has weighed in on the debate over the negative results of a meta-analysis recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
One of the most popular supplements for joint health, chrondroitin is taken by over seven million Americans according to the Natural Products Association (NPA). The meta-analysis - which was led by Stephan Reichenbach from the University of Bern - reviewed 20 studies using the compound, but based its conclusion on three studies.
This methodology drew criticism from the dietary supplements industry after the meta-analysis maintained chondroitin has the same effect as placebo for osteoarthritis in the hip and knee. One of the many companies with a vested interest in any negative publicity on chondroitin, Bioiberica, issued a statement on the meta-analysis.
"The parameter used in this study is pain, but it should be borne in mind that chondroitin sulfate is not an analgesic," said Dr. Josep Verges, scientific director with Bioiberica, "Specifically, chondroitin sulfate presents an anti-inflammatory effect, which in turn results in pain reduction."
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