/oss/taxonomy/term/1354/all en /oss/article/health-supplements-you-asked/you-asked-does-glucosamine-really-work <p>Osteoarthritis is a painful condition associated with the deterioration of cartilage, the flexible connective tissue that cushions the joints between bones.  When cartilage wears away, bone painfully rubs on bone.  The idea of using glucosamine to treat osteoarthritis stems from the observation that glucosamine formed naturally in the body is the precursor for the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans, major components of cartilage.  Perhaps supplementing the body’s supply of glucosamine would help repair cartilage, the thinking went.  But thinking, even if scientifically rational, is not evid</p> Sun, 22 Dec 2013 18:04:59 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2051 at /oss