Updated July 24, 2015.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
If you watch television late at night, you may have seen the infomercial for Arthri-D. Infomercials are immediate turn-offs for some people, but others pay close attention to anything that claims to relieve arthritis pain.
What Is Arthri-D?
Arthri-D is a dietary supplement that combines glucosamine with specific plant extracts. The infomercial and website for Arthri-D states that it is a "revolutionary formula that combines one of the highest grades of glucosamine with key plant extracts." Arthritis patients have been taught to beware of remedies that market the product by using words like "revolutionary" and "promise", or phrases like "changed my life".
Let's keep an open mind just long enough to determine how Arthri-D claims to be different from other dietary supplements. Arthri-D is an all-natural dietary supplement that is fortified with:
- 2000 IU of vitamin D3
- N-Acetyl-Glucosamine (which they market as being better than cheaper forms of glucosamine)
- Turmeric
- Boswellia
- Ashwagandha (an antioxidant thought to promote energy, as well as helping the body utilize other herbs)
- Yucca (sold in supplements across North America for more than 50 years)
Indications for Arthri-D
Arthri-D is said to help arthritis - rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and even gout.
How Is Arthri-D Taken?
Each bottle of Arthri-D contains 120 capsules (a one-month supply). Directions say that you should take two capsules in the morning and two in the afternoon or evening. You may take with or without food, but the manufacturer's website states that many experts suggest taking with a meal, which supposedly helps Arthri-D work more effectively. The manufacturer's research experts recommend trying it for three months before concluding it doesn't work for you.
Availability of Arthri-D
The retail price of one bottle of Arthri-D is $69.99. There are cost-saving programs -- discounts offered by the manufacturer, if you purchase multiple bottles of Arthri-D.
Precautions and Warnings for Arthri-D
Because Arthri-D contains N-Acetyl-Glucosamine, an all-natural derivative of shellfish, anyone with an allergy to shellfish should stay away from Arthri-D. Also, if you are pregnant or nursing, do not use Arthri-D without consulting a physician.
The Bottom Line
Look past the marketing hype and keep your expectations for Arthri-D reasonable. There is a disclaimer on the Arthri-D website which states "Individual results may vary. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The part about not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease pertains to all dietary supplements.
Sources:
Arthri-D3. Accessed May 30, 2011 and July 23, 2015.
http://www.arthrid.com/
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