Patients should be warned about the risk of anaphylaxis when taking glucosamine and chondroitin, according to authors of a case report detailing a woman’s severe reaction to the popular supplement.

The 36-year-old patient had consulted a chiropractor for chronic lower back pain, who subsequently diagnosed her with lumbar degenerative joint disease.

She was recommended daily supplementation — 1500mg glucosamine sulfate and 1200mg chondroitin sulfate — to “help maintain joint cartilage and potentially reduce inflammation and pain”.

The patient had not previously taken the supplement and had no history of allergies to food or other supplements.