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Email a friendCan Arthritis Supplements Raise Cholesterol?
Newspaper Columns, Herb & Home Remedy Q&A August 28, 2007
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.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
© 2007 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Reader Comments
Years ago, People's Pharmacy reported there is an enzyme in pineapple juice that helps with arthritis pain. At that time I was in my early 40's and already having pain in my hands and feet from arthritis. I started drinking one glass of pineapple juice a day and my symptoms have cleared up. I may eventually develop arthritis but hopefully it will not be as severe. Also, I like the fact Dole pineapple juice is all juice; no concentrate.
Posted by: Teresa | September 2, 2007 8:12 AM
I'm interested in the relationship between high cholesterol and glucosamine and condroitin. I wonder if it is the glucosamine, condroitin or a combination of both that increases the cholesterol. I take glucosamine sulfate and have high cholesterol which is controlled with Lipitor. I'd like to be able to drop the Lipitor and wonder if dropping the supplement will help lower my cholesterol.
Posted by: Donna in Danville, VT | September 3, 2007 7:41 AM