Ask the doctor: Can glucosamine and chondroitin help osteoarthritis?
Experts have determined that glucosamine and chondroitin offer little benefit for treating osteoarthritis, except perhaps in people with moderate to severe pain. Given the lack of scientific evidence, it would not make sense to recommend these products to all women your age. However, if you are not concerned about the cost, there are very few risks associated with taking glucosamine or chondroitin. People with shellfish allergies, though, should avoid these supplements because some products use shellfish as a source of glucosamine.
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