Epidemiologic evidence suggest that the use of chondroitin and glucosamine supplements are associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Researchers evaluated the association between the use of these supplements and the CRC risk in two prospective cohorts: The Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate relative risk (RRs) within each cohort, and results were pooled using a random effects meta-analysis. Associations were comparable across cohorts. The use of glucosamine in the absence of chondroitin was not associated with CRC risk. However, the association between the use of chondroitin and glucosamine was significantly associated with risk, with a 23% reduction in RR of CRC. The association between the use of chondroitin and glucosamine did not change when accounting for change in exposure status over follow-up, nor did the association significantly vary by sex, aspirin use, body mass index, or physical activity. Researchers concluded that there is a protective association between the use of chondroitin and glucosamine supplementation and the risk of CRC. These findings are supportive of earlier research on chondroitin and glucosamine intake and CRC risk.
Kantor ED, et al. Use of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements in relation to risk of colorectal cancer: Results from the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals follow-up study. Int J Cancer. 2016 Nov 1; 139(9): 1949-57.