Glucosamine and Chondroitin Associated with Reduced Colorectal Cancer Risk

10 Nov 2016 --- New research has shown that the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin, may be associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The supplements, commonly used in joint health, are best known for their use in preventing and treating osteoarthritis.

After an analysis of the VITamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) cohort, researchers found that use of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

People who had used glucosamine in the 10 years before baseline had a 27% decreased colorectal cancer risk, and those who had used chondroitin had a 35% risk reduction.

Later, a more in-depth analysis of the same cohort found that people using chondroitin and glucosamine together 4+ days a week for 3 or more years had a 45% reduction in colorectal cancer risk compared to nonusers.

An additional study published in the November 2016 issue of the International Journal of Cancer, saw researchers seeking to clarify the association between glucosamine and chondroitin and colorectal cancer risk.

Using data from 2 large prospective cohorts, the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study, the researchers looked at regular use of glucosamine and chondroitin at the beginning of the study and at colorectal cancer rates 8 years later.

The study found that use of glucosamine with chondroitin was associated with a 23 percent reduction in colorectal cancer risk.

That association remained the same even when accounting for change in exposure status over follow-up, and no significant differences were found based on sex, BMI, or physical activity.

This research provides additional support for the idea that glucosamine and chondroitin are associated with a reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer.

More studies are needed to confirm the association and to explain the mechanisms of protection.