Physicians can help patients make intelligent choices by becoming familiar with the products they recommend and the manufacturers of these products. When counseling patients on the use of chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine, remember that these compounds are dietary supplements, not drugs. Manufacturers of dietary supplements are not required by law to analyse their products regarding content, purity or uniformity, nor are clinical studies on their products required. Therefore, not all products that look the same on the label are actually identical.
Product quality may vary greatly, regardless of label statements. In fact, the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy analysed many products, and the purity and label claims varied greatly.(5) These variances in product quality ultimately may affect the results the patient will achieve.
Some manufacturers make claims about their product citing clinical studies that use different ingredients than are actually found in their product. With the tremendous variation in quality of ingredients and no real standards, it is difficult to assert that the clinical studies can really be attributed to their product.
A recent continuing education article for physicians stated "physicians should request documentation of the quality control programs, such as pharmaceutical GMPs, validation or raw materials/finished product, and brand name use in clinical trials."(6) Nutramax LaboratoriesÆ has made a strong commitment to setting high standards in the nutraceutical industry. Clinical studies, pharmaceutical standards, and independent analysis of raw materials and finished products are just some of the steps Nutramax LaboratoriesÆ has taken to ensure the consistency, purity, and safety of CosaminDS.
- Woodward JR, Lippiello L, Karpman R, Paper #48, 66th Annual Meeting American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, February 3, 1999, Anaheim, CA
- Hungerford DS, Orthopaedic Special Edition, p.3.9-42, January-April 1998.
- Das AK, Eitel J, Hammad TA, Paper #180, 66th Annual Meeting American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Anaheim, CA, February 6, 1999.
- Leffler CT, Philippi AF, Leffler SC, Mosure JC, Kim PD, Military Medicine, 164:2:85-91, February 1999.
- Davis MW, Drug Topics (CE Accredited Supplement) p.35-135, April 1998.
- Das A, Orthopaedic Special Edition, (CME Accredited Insert), 5:1:1-4, February 1999.