Skeptics continue to doubt the effects of glucosamine and other oral joint health supplements, but mounting research seems to be proving, one step at a time, that there is more to these products than meets the eye.

Canadian researchers, led by Sheila Laverty, MVB, MRCVS, Dipl. ACVS/ECVS, a professor of Equine Surgery in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Montreal, have recently demonstrated that significantly higher levels of glucosamine accumulate in inflamed joints, compared to normal, healthy joints.

"A growing body of in vitro evidence shows that glucosamine may have anti-inflammatory effects in equine joints (cartilage and synovial membrane) at currently used doses," explained Laverty. " Whether these effects prevent cartilage degradation remains to be proven