Glucosamine supplements: Can they rebuild cartilage?

Many manufacturers market dietary supplements that they claim can rebuild cartilage. But little scientific evidence supports this claim. The most studied of these supplements is glucosamine sulfate.

Glucosamine is a natural compound in your body that helps make your cartilage strong and rigid. Osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of joint cartilage and can affect any joint, including the elbow, ankle, wrist and knee. Although there is insufficient evidence that glucosamine rebuilds cartilage, there is some evidence that a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may relieve moderate to severe pain in some people with osteoarthritis of the knee. The mechanism by which it does this isn't clear.

If you have arthritis, consult with your doctor before you start taking glucosamine supplements.