A major new study challenges the long-held assumption that glucosamine supplements are universally safe, particularly for vulnerable populations. Researchers tracking individuals with mild cognitive impairment discovered that glucosamine users demonstrated a 25% higher likelihood of progressing to Alzheimer’s disease compared to non-users over the study period.
The findings are striking given glucosamine’s widespread use—millions of people worldwide take the over-the-counter supplement for joint and arthritis pain. As a dietary supplement, glucosamine faces less rigorous regulatory oversight than prescription medications, allowing it to remain available without extensive safety monitoring for neurological effects.
The study authors suggest that biological mechanisms involving inflammatory pathways may explain the unexpected cognitive risks. These results signal an urgent need for further investigation and potentially revised safety guidance for at-risk populations.
Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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