Joint pain supplement reduces premature death risk as effectively as exercise, study suggests
Watch: Glucosamine-chondroitin supplement may ward off early death
A daily glucosamine-chondroitin supplement may be as effective as exercise when it comes to warding off an early death, research suggests.
Working up a sweat has known benefits, with regular physical activity up to halving the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, to name a few conditions.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally-occurring substances found in cartilage. The two compounds are often combined in over-the-counter supplements that are marketed to ease joint pain or osteoarthritis.
After examining the supplement intake of more than 16,000 adults, scientists from West Virginia University found those who took a glucosamine-chondroitin supplement every day for at least 12 months were 39% less likely to die from any cause over the next eight years.
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Results further suggested the daily pill cut the risk of heart disease deaths