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Chondroitin Sulfate

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

Osteoarthritis

Clinical Applications/Research

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfates are very important glycosaminoglycans (glucose/amino acid structures) that are made from animal cartilage tissue (bovine, shark or whale). Cartilage acts like a sponge between the ends of bones. Cartilage soaks up synovial fluid when the joint is resting and “squeezes” out this fluid when in motion. Cartilage has no blood vessels, nerves or lymph channels. The cartilage matrix is made up of water, collagen, proteoglycans and chondrocytes. Glycosaminoglycans make up part of the proteoglycans, which are protein and sugars that weave through collagen (the "shock absorbers" of the joints) and make a strong “netting” inside the cartilage so that the cartilage can stretch and move with ease. Chondroitin sulfates have been shown to halt the "destructive enzymes" made by the chondrocytes that "eat up" the old collagen and proteoglycans, and they also increase cartilage production. Chondroitin sulfate attracts fluid into the proteoglycan molecule, which carries nutrients into the cartilage and enhances the "shock absorbant abilities" of cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is found mainly in animal tissue. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are believed to work together synergistically. Chondroitin sulfate consists of high viscosity mucopolysaccharides, or glycosaminoglycans. These substances act as the flexible connecting matrix between the tough protein filaments in cartilage to form a system, “similar to reinforced rubber” (Merck Index, 11th ed. 1989. Merck and Co. Inc. Rahway, NJ p. 2217). These substances in chondroitin sulfate are the most abundant mucopolysaccharides in the body, occurring in skeletal and soft connective tissue. Chondroitin sulfate is listed as an antihyperlipoproteinemic (cholesterol-lowering agent) (Merck Index, p. 2217), and in the amount of 1-3 grams daily, “can help lower cholesterol” (Int Med Res 1978;6:217, as cited in: Wright, Jonathan V. M.D. Healing with Nutrition. 1990. Keats Publishing, Inc. New Canaan, Conn. p. 569). Chondroitin sulfate has been shown to restore joint mobility in people with osteoarthritis (Kerzberg, EM, etal. Combination of glycosaminoglycans and acetylsalicylic acid in knee osteoarthritis. Scand J Rheum 1987; 16:377).

Suggested Dosage

Usual dosage is 400 mg three times daily or as directed by your healthcare professional. Be patient with results – it could take weeks to months for chondroitin sulfate to be effective.

Contraindications/Toxicology

No serious side effects reported. Some digestive distress may occur in a low percentage of people.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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