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Research suggests that glucosamine supplements, better known as a cure for joint pain, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The findings of the British Medical Journal (BMJ) come from almost half a million Britons.
Of a total of 466,039 participants, almost one in five reported taking glucosamine.
Users were less likely to develop heart disease and arterial or stroke, or die from these conditions.
The results suggest a possible benefit, but more and longer studies are needed.
It may be that users are generally more healthy, rather than the direct effect of glucosamine, warn experts.
What is glucosamine?
Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage joints.
The body can make its own glucosamine, but supplements are sometimes used by people seeking to relieve the pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders.
Most glucosamine supplements are sold in pharmacies and health food stores in the UK as a "dietary supplement" and not as a medicine. We check their food safety to make sure that they will not hurt you, but the quality and quantity of the "active" ingredient will not be verified.
The active ingredient can be made synthetically or derived from shellfish shells.
Does it work?
Evidence to support the effectiveness of glucosamine against joint pain is mixed and very limited. The guidelines for the NHS do not recommend it for osteoarthritis.
The suggested new link to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease requires more research. The BMJ study was observational – it can not establish the cause. And it did not include detailed information on the dose of glucosamine or the duration of use.
Glucosamine was associated with a risk of death from heart disease, coronary artery disease and stroke by 9% to 22% compared to nonuse during the 10 years of study.
The researchers believe that the supplement could have an anti-inflammatory effect, which could explain the suggested benefit, but further investigations are needed.
Is it safe?
Studies on the safety of glucosamine are limited.
People with allergies to shellfish should not take it, any more than pregnant or breastfeeding women.
People taking warfarin should avoid glucosamine because they may affect blood clotting.
This could also decrease the effectiveness of some anti-cancer drugs, experts say.
Like any supplement or medication, it can cause side effects in some people.
What do the experts think about the results?
Professor Naveed Sattar of the University of Glasgow said: "Only a trial can determine if the risk is lower, and observational studies can only generate new ideas for testing.
"Many other supplements have not proven the benefits of clinical trials, even when the evidence suggests beneficial health effects, and some supplements have even shown harmful effects in trials. so would not rush for the moment to buy glucosamine to reduce heart risks when there are many other proven and profitable ways to do it. "
Sonya Babu-Narayan, of the British Heart Foundation, said: "In the UK, one in four people still die from heart disease or the circulatory system. research that can improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
"If a well-known and widely available supplement such as glucosamine can help prevent heart and circulatory diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, it is a research avenue to explore.
"In the meantime, an important way to reduce your risk is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and – if necessary – take the medications your doctor has recommended."
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