|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home >
Research Department
>
Supplement Articles
> Chondroitin |
|
Supplement Articles |
|
|
CHONDROITIN
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan, a unbranched polysaccharide or sugar that is often linked to a protein, making a proteoglycan. It is a major component of cartilage ...
Cartilage lies somewhere between bone and muscle in terms of flexibility and structure and is found in most major joints (knee, ankle, elbow, spine), as well as the rib cage, nose, ear, trachea and bronchi.
Osteoarthritis is a wear and tear process that breaks down the cartilage on top of and between bone, resulting in a bone on bone joint that can be quite painful and result in decreased mobility. |
|
CHONDROITIN SULFATE |
|
|
|
Fight Osteoarthritis with Chondroitin |
|
|
Studies have shown that chondroitin sulfate is beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, stimulates the synthesis of proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid (a part of the extra cellular matrix or structural centre of the body), as well as decreasing catabolic activity of chondrocytes, preventing further damage to the existing cartilage matrix. Multiple studies have shown a reduction in pain, increased joint mobility and a decreased need for medication such as anti-inflammatories, when using chondriotin for 6 to 24 months for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Chondriotin sulfate is also widely used in conjunction with glucosamine, another major component of joint cartilage also found to be very effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin sulfate has also been used for bladder control, treating both overactive and unstable bladder control, as well as in the treatment of interstitial cystitis (IC), an inflammation of the bladder. In indivduals with IC, it has been shown to reduce pain and help to balance out a deficiency in proteoglycans in both the lumenal and basal layer of the bladder surface. Research is also suggesting the chondroitin sulfate may be a promising treatment for secondary coronary artery disease (CAD) and psoriasis, as well as increase the rate of absorption of iron, particularly important for individuals with iron deficiency anemia. These findings, however, require further study.
Chondroitin may be taken orally at a recommended dose of 200-400 mg, 2-3 times per day. Most chondroitin is made from pig or cow, although shark, fish and bird cartilage are also used. Chondriotin sulfate can be injected into the affected joint(s) for treatment in osteoarthritis, as well. 50 – 100 mg in 1 or divided into 2 doses throughout the day is the typical recommendation for injectable chondroitin sulfate. It has not been shown to have side effects or toxicity limits associated with its use. It is recommended that chondroitin sulfate be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. |
CHONDROITIN –
QUICK FACTS
|
PARTS USED
|
· pig, cow, shark, fish and bird cartilage |
|
APPLICATIONS |
· osteoarthritis, overactive bladder, poor bladder control and interstitial cystitis. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
|
·
400 – 1200mg/day in divided doses. |
WORKS WELL
WITH
|
·
glucosamine, MSM, collagen type II |
|
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
· No known side effects or toxicity. Individuals with a fish allergy may want to be sure of the source of the chondroitin sulfate before ingesting. Not advised in pregnancy and lactation. |
|
|
For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
|
|
|
All articles
copyright National Nutrition 2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
|
|
|