Glucosamine is a popular supplement, and thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be helpful for osteoarthritis. In our second post in honor of World Cancer Day we will examine a study which looked at the use of glucosamine supplements and the risk of colorectal cancer.

Researchers from the US combined data from the Nurses Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS). They examined the use of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements and subsequent development of colorectal cancer. The NHS is an ongoing prospective cohort study, which began in 1976, and initially included nearly 122,000 RNs. On the other hand, the HPFS is an ongoing prospective cohort study of over 51,000 male health professionals.

This study began in 2002, and included over 68,000 women, and nearly 28,000 men. Data was collected until 2010. Questionnaires were completed at the initiation of the NHS and HPFS studies, and re-assessed every two years afterwards.

What researchers found was that any glucosamine use was associated with a significant 30% reduced risk of colorectal cancer, and any use of chondroitin was associated with a 31% reduced risk, in age-adjusted models. The combined use of glucosamine+chondroitin yielded a 32% reduced risk of colorectal cancer. All of these results were statistically significant. The results did not vary greatly by gender.

Given these profound results, consideration of glucosamine and/or chondroitin supplements would seem a low risk way to prevent colorectal cancer.

(Source- International Journal of Cancer: 139, 2016)

This blog is a review of medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss any health concerns with your personal physician.