Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Prevalence of glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acid use and characteristics of users among mid-age women: Analysis of a nationally representative sample of 10,638 women

  • Published:
The journal of nutrition, health & aging

Abstract

Background

There has been a dramatic increase in the use of dietary supplements over the last few decades and both omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine are two of the best-selling dietary supplements in many countries. An understanding of omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine consumption is of significance to health care providers and for future health promotion activities.

Methods

This research involved analysis of data collected from a nationally-representative sample of Australian women as part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH). Participants’ use of omega-3 fatty acids (FA), glucosamine, their demographics, health status and health care utilisation were measured. Analysis included logistic regression modelling.

Results

Of the 10,638 women in the study, 26.8% reported use of omega-3 FA and 15.9% glucosamine. Women with osteoarthritis (OR=2.529; 95% CI: 2.190, 2.921), other arthritis (OR= 1.618; 95% CI: 1.375, 1.905), and joint pain (OR= 2.699; 95% CI: 2.305, 3.160) were more likely to use glucosamine (all p<0.001). In contrast, those with diabetes (OR= 0.471; 95% CI: 0.343, 0.646) or depression (OR= 0.764; 95% CI: 0.657, 0.887) were less likely to use glucosamine (both p<0.001). Women with osteoarthritis (OR=1.481; 95% CI: 1.297, 1.691) and joint pain (OR= 1.456; 95% CI: 1.306, 1.622) were more likely to use omega-3 FA (all p<0.001).

Conclusions

Substantial prevalence rates for use of glucosamine and omega-3 FA amongst mid-aged women highlights the need for health practitioners and policymakers to be mindful of the possible significant role of such supplement use as part of patient health-seeking behaviours.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Gahche J, Bailey R, Burt V, Hughes J, Yetley E, Dwyer J, Picciano MF, McDowell M, Sempos C. «Dietary Supplement Use Among U.S. Adults Has Increased Since NHANES III (1988–1994).» Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Denison HJ, Jameson KA, Syddall HE, Dennison EM, Cooper C, Aihie Sayer A, Robinson SM. «Patterns of dietary supplement use among older men and women in the UK: findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study.» J Nutr Health Aging 2012; 16: 307–311.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Schwab S, Heier M, Schneider A, Fischer B, Huth C, Peters A, Thorand B. The use of dietary supplements among older persons in southern Germany-results from the KORA-age study. Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging 2014; 18(5): 510–519.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Hale WA, Joubert JD, Kalula S. “Aging populations and chronic illness.” In: WH Markle, MA Fisher, J Raymond & A Smego (eds) in Understanding Global Health, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2007; pp 208–229.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Nichter M, Thompson JJ. «For my wellness, not just my illness: North Americans’ use of dietary supplements.» Cult Med Psychiatry 2006; 30: 175–222.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Willison KD, Williams P, Andrews GJ. «Enhancing chronic disease management: a review of key issues and strategies.» Complement Ther Clin Pract 2007; 13: 232–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Barnes PM, Bloom B, Nahin RL. «Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults and Children: United States, 2007 « U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Interview Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, Hyattsville 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Bacon CJ, Bolland MJ, Ames RW, Siu A, Mason BH, Horne AM, Grey A, Reid IR. «Prevalent dietary supplement use in older New Zealand men.» N Z Med J 2011; 124: 55–62.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Brown J, Morgan T, Adams J, Grunseit A, Toms M, Roufogalis B, Kotsirilos V, Pirotta M, Williamson M. «Complementary Medicines Information Use and Needs of Health Professionals: General Practitioners and Pharmacists.» Aust Prescr 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Adams J, Sibbritt D, Lui CW, Broom A, Wardle J. «Omega-3 supplement use: A secondary analysis of 266,848 Australians aged 45 years and older.» BMJ Open 2013; 3 (4).

    Google Scholar 

  11. Sibbritt D, Adams J, Lui CW, Broom A, Wardle J. «Who uses glucosamine and why? A study of 266,848 australians aged 45 years and older.» PLoS One 2012; 7: e41540–e41540.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. Dahmer S, Schiller RM. «Glucosamine.» Am Fam Physician 2008; 78:471–476.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Dieppe P, Chard J. «Glucosamine for osteoarthritis: magic, hype, or confusion?» in Br Med J 2001; Vol. 322, 1439–1440.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Herman CJ, Allen P, Hunt WC, Prasad A, Brady TJ. «Use of complementary therapies among primary care clinic patients with arthritis.» Prev Chronic Dis 2004; 1: A12.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Black C, Clar C, Henderson R, Maceachern C, McNamee P, Quayyum Z, Royle P, Thomas S. «The clinical effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements in slowing or arresting progression of osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review and economic evaluation.» Health Technol Assess 2009; 13: 1–148.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Block JA, Oegema TR, Sandy J D, Plaas A. «The effects of oral glucosamine on joint health: is a change in research approach needed?» Osteoarthr. Cartil. 2010; 18:5–11.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Henrotin Y, Mobasheri A, Marty M. «Is there any scientific evidence for the use of glucosamine in the management of human osteoarthritis?» Arthritis Res Ther 2012; 14: 201–201.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  18. McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Gulin JP, Felson DT. «Glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment of osteoarthritis: A systematic quality assessment and meta-analysis.» J Am Med Assoc 2000; 283: 1469–1475.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Poolsup N, Suthisisang C, Channark P, Kittikulsuth W. «Glucosamine longterm treatment and the progression of knee oesteoarthritis: systematic review of randomized controlled trials.» Ann Pharmacother 2005; 39: 1080–1087.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Richy F, Bruyere O, Ethgen O, Cucherat M, Henrotin Y, Reginster JY. «Structural and symptomatic efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin in knee osteoarthritis: a comprehensive meta-analysis.» Arch Intern Med 2003; 163: 1514–1522.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Towheed T, Maxwell L, Anastassiades TP, Shea B, Houpt JB, Welch V, Hochberg MC, Wells GA. «Glucosamine therapy for treating osteoarthritis.» Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005; DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002946.pub2.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Wandel S, Juni P, Tendal B, Nuesch E, Villiger PM, Welton NJ, Reichenbach S, Trelle S. «Effects of glucosamine, chondroitin, or placebo in patients with osteoarthritis of hip or knee: network meta-analysis.» Br Med J 2010; 340: c4675–c4675.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Aghazadeh-Habashi A, Jamali F. «The glucosamine controversy; a pharmacokinetic issue.» J Pharm Pharm Sci 2011; 14: 264–273.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Vlad SC, La Valley MP, McAlindon TE, Felson DT. «Glucosamine for pain in osteoarthritis: why do trial results differ?» Arthritis Rheum 2007; 56: 2267–2277.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Brinson BE, Miller S. «Fish oil: what is the role in cardiovascular health?» J Pharm Pract 2012; 25: 69–74.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Cabo J, Alonso R, Mata P. «Omega-3 fatty acids and blood pressure.» Br J Nutr 2012; 107 Suppl 2: S195–S200.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Chowdhury R, Stevens S, Gorman D, Pan A, Warnakula S, Chowdhury S, Ward H, Johnson L, Crowe F, Hu FB, Franco, OH. «Association between fish consumption, long chain omega 3 fatty acids, and risk of cerebrovascular disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis.» BMJ 2012; 345.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Delgado-Lista J, Perez-Martinez P, Lopez-Miranda J, Perez-Jimenez F. «Long chain omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review.» Br J Nutr 2012; 107 Suppl 2: S201–S213.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Filion KB, El Khoury F, Bielinski M, Schiller I, Dendukuri N, Brophy JM. «Omega-3 fatty acids in high-risk cardiovascular patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.» BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2010; 10.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Kromhout D, Yasuda S, Geleijnse JM, Shimokawa H. «Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease: do they really work?» Eur Heart J 2012; 33:436–443.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Mozaffarian D, Wu JH. «Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: effects on risk factors, molecular pathways, and clinical events.» J Am Coll Cardiol 2011; 58: 2047–2067.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Tur JA, Bibiloni MM, Sureda A, Pons A. «Dietary sources of omega 3 fatty acids: public health risks and benefits.» Br J Nutr 2012; 107 Suppl 2: S23–S52.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Wang C, Harris WS, Chung M, Lichtenstein AH, Balk EM, Kupelnick B, Jordan HS, Lau J. «N-3 Fatty acids from fish or fish-oil supplements, but not alpha-linolenic acid, benefit cardiovascular disease outcomes in primary- and secondary-prevention studies: a systematic review.» Am J Clin Nutr 2006; 84: 5–17.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Rizos EC, Ntzani EE, Bika E, Kostapanos MS, Elisaf MS. «Association between omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and risk of major cardiovascular disease events: a systematic review and meta-analysis.» JAMA 2012; 308: 1024–1033.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. National Heart Foundation of Australia. «Position Statement: Fish, Fsh Oils, n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Health.» National Heart Foundation of Australia, Sydney. 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Silva Jde A, Trindade EB, Fabre ME, Menegotto VM, Gevaerd S, Buss Zda S, Frode TS. «Fish oil supplement alters markers of inflammatory and nutritional status in colorectal cancer patients.» Nutr Cancer 2012; 64: 267–273.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Colomera R, Moreno-Nogueiraa JM, García-Lunaa PP, García-Perisa P, García-de-Lorenzoa A, Zarazagaa A, Quecedoa L, del Llanoa J, Usána L, Casimiroa C. «N-3 fatty acids, cancer and cachexia: a systematic review of the literature.» Br J Nutr 2007; 97: 823–831.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Gerber M. «Omega-3 fatty acids and cancers: a systematic update review of epidemiological studies.» Br J Nutr 2012; 107: S228–39.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Akter K, Gallo DA, Martin SA, Myronyuk N, Roberts RT, Stercula K, Raffa RB. «A review of the possible role of the essential fatty acids and fish oils in the aetiology, prevention or pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia.» J Clin Pharm Ther 2012; 37: 132–139.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Lin PY, Su KP. «A meta-analytic review of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant efficacy of Omega-3 fatty acids.» J Clin Psychiatry 2007; 68: 1056–1061.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Montgomery P, Richardson AJ. «Omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder.» Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008 Art. No.: CD005169. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005169. pub2.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Thien FCK, De Luca S, Woods RK, Abramson MJ. «Dietary marine fatty acids (fish oil) for asthma in adults and children.» Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002; Art. No.: CD001283. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001283.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Oliver C, Everard M, N’Diaye T. «Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oils) for cystic fibrosis.» Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. «Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on lipids and glycemic control in type II diabetes and the metabolic syndrome and on inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, renal disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and osteoporosis.» Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville 2004.

    Google Scholar 

  45. James S, Montgomery P, Williams K. «Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation for autism spectrum disorders (ASD).» Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Sydenham E, Dangour AD, Lim WS. «Omega 3 fatty acid for the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia.» Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Braun LA, Tiralongo E, Wilkinson JM, Spitzer O, Bailey M, Poole S, Dooley M. «Perceptions, use and attitudes of pharmacy customers on complementary medicines and pharmacy practice.» BMC Complement Altern Med 2010; 10.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Morgan TK, Williamson M, Pirotta M, Stewart K, Myers SP, Barnes J. «A national census of medicines use: a 24-hour snapshot of Australians aged 50 years and older.» Med J Aust 2012; 196: 50–53.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Wilkinson JM. Jelinek H. «Complementary medicine use among attendees at a rural health screening clinic.» Complement Ther Clin Pract 2009; 15: 80–84.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Wu CH, Wang CC, Kennedy J. «Changes in Herb and Dietary Supplement Use in the US Adult Population: A Comparison of the 2002 and 2007 National Health Interview Surveys.» Clin Ther 2011; 33: 1749–1758.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Hopman WM, Towheed TE, Gao Y, Berger C, Joseph L, Vik SA, Hanley DA, Carran J, Anastassiades T. «Prevalence of and factors associated with glucosamine use in Canada.» Osteoarthr. Cartil. 2006; 14: 1288–1293.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Brown WJ, Dobson AJ, Bryson L, Byles JE. «Women’s Health Australia: on the progress of the main study cohorts.» J Womens Health Gend Based Med 1999; 8: 681–688.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Brown WJ, Bryson L, Byles JE, Dobson AJ, Lee C, Mishra G, Schofield M. «Women’s Health Australia: recruitment for a national longitudinal cohort study.» Women Health 1998; 28:23–40.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. «National Health Data Dictionary: Version 6.0 Standard Questions on the Use of Tobacco among Adults.» Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Canberra. 1997.

    Google Scholar 

  55. National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. «Australia Alcohol Guidelines: Health Risks and Benefits.» National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Canberra. 2001.

    Google Scholar 

  56. World Health Organization. «Guideline for ATC Classification and DD Assignment.» World Health Organization, Geneva. 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Bailey RL, Gahche JJ, Lentino CV, Dwyer JT, Engel JS, Thomas PR, Betz JM, Sempos CT, Picciano MF. «Dietary Supplement Use in the United States, 2003–2006.» J Nutr 2011; 141: 261–266.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Radimer K, Bindewald B, Hughes J, Ervin B, Swanson C, Picciano MF. «Dietary supplement use by US adults: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2000.» Am J Epidemiol 2004; 160: 339–349.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Timbo BB, Ross MP, McCarthy PV, Lin CT. «Dietary supplements in a national survey: Prevalence of use and reports of adverse events.» J Am Diet Assoc 2006; 106: 1966–1974.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Balluz LS, Kieszak SM, Philen RM, Mulinare J. «Vitamin and mineral supplement use in the United States.» Arch Fam Med 2000; 9: 258–262.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Fennell D. «Determinants of supplement usage.» Prev Med 2004; 39: 932–939.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Picciano MF, Dwyer JT, Radimer KL, Wilson DH, Fisher KD, Thomas PR, Yetley EA, Moshfegh AJ, Levy PS, Nielsen SJ, Marriott BM. «Dietary supplement use among infants, children, and adolescents in the United States, 1999-2002.» Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2007; 161: 978–985.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Sherman AL, Ojeda-Correal G, Mena J. «Use of glucosamine and chondroitin in persons with osteoarthritis.» PM R 2012; 4: S110–S116.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Australia

    D. Sibbritt & Jon Adams

  2. School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia

    C. Lui

  3. Disability and Public Health Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, Australia

    T. Kroll

Authors
  1. D. Sibbritt
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. C. Lui
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. T. Kroll
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jon Adams
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jon Adams.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Sibbritt, D., Lui, C., Kroll, T. et al. Prevalence of glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acid use and characteristics of users among mid-age women: Analysis of a nationally representative sample of 10,638 women. J Nutr Health Aging 20, 637–644 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-016-0721-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-016-0721-2

Key words

Search

Navigation