Q. I've lost the source of research I read indicating some people experience elevated cholesterol from using glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis. Were you the source of this information, or do you know of the study?
Months ago my doctor said my cholesterol was way too high. She wanted me to take drugs for it. Instead I quit taking the supplements. All my cholesterol counts improved greatly. I also ate more oatmeal and started on Levothroid.
I now want to resume the glucosamine protocol and see if my cholesterol goes back up. Before I do, I’d like to know about the study I mentioned.
A. Readers of this column first began reporting in 1998 that their cholesterol levels rose while they were taking glucosamine and chondroitin. Levels fell when they stopped the arthritis supplements.
There is little research on this topic. In 2004, Danish regulators reported a handful of similar cases. Although a placebo-controlled trial did not verify such a connection, some people may be susceptible.
Oatmeal and thyroid hormone (Levothroid) can also help bring cholesterol down. If you monitor your cholesterol carefully you will be able to tell whether resuming your supplements raises your lipid levels.
