Two over-the-counter supplements touted as arthritis treatments may be worth a try for some people, according to a report published in the January issue of Consumer Reports.

According to the magazine, published by the Yonkers, New York-based Consumers Union, there is sufficient evidence that products containing Glucosamine and Chondroitin--in adequate amounts--can ease osteoarthritis symptoms.

In addition, tests of over-the-counter products commissioned by Consumer Reports found that most of the products on the market contained 90% of the amount of Glucosamine and Chondroitin claimed on the label.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are both produced naturally in the body. Glucosamine is a building block of the cartilage that cushions joints, and Chondroitin serves as a component of cartilage. Osteoarthritis is marked by the breakdown of cartilage, resulting joint inflammation, pain and stiffness. Some research has suggested Glucosamine and Chondroitin, which are commonly packaged together in supplements, can ease these symptoms.

According to Consumer Reports, supplements taken in the amounts that were successful in these studies might help arthritis sufferers.

While the majority of the 19 over-the-counter products Consumer Reports tested contained 90% or more of the amounts stated on their labels, four of the products had less than 90%. Two other products recommended taking too few pills per day to supply the dose used in successful clinical trials and several recommended a range in the number of pills to take, which could result in low doses of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, the report indicates.

The authors of the article point out that optimal doses of Glucosamine and Chondroitin have yet to be determined, but note that studies with positive results have generally used products providing 1,500 milligrams (mg) of Glucosamine salt and 1,200 mg of Chondroitin salt per day.