[Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of arthritis].

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are naturally occurring substances used by an increasing number of Danish patients with arthritis, although neither of the compounds has been approved for sale in Denmark. Both substances can be taken by mouth and have no known significant side effects. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate have been examined in laboratory and animal experiments, and in several clinical studies, which have shown some effect on the symptoms of early or moderate arthritis. The long-term effect has not been evaluated sufficiently and studies of the relation between dose and effect are lacking for both compounds.