Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is a branched sugar molecule that is often linked to protein and is one of the basic building blocks of cartilage in humans. Cartilage is a flexible structure found protecting the ends of the bones in most major joints (knee, ankle, elbow, spine), as well as in the rib cage, nose, ear, trachea and bronchi.

Natural health practitioners often recommend chondroitin supplementation for joint injury, arthritis, inflammation, bursitis, tendonitis and skin problems.

Understanding Research Findings on Chondroitin & Your Health

Decades ago, researchers found glucosamine and chondroitin to both be building blocks for the molecules that make up tendons, ligaments, bones, and synovial fluid. In the 1970s, co-supplementation was found to reduce pain in osteoarthritis sufferers. Researchers also found that the formerly degenerating joint cartilage had begun to repair itself. From then on, this nutrient was frequently recommended to help protect joint health, especially in combination with Glucosamine. These two molecules supply proteoglycans, which are an essential component of joint cartilage. Research is also suggesting that chondroitin sulfate may be a promising treatment for some coronary artery disease (CAD) and a skin condition called psoriasis. It may also increase the rate of absorption of iron, which is particularly important for individuals with iron deficiency anemia. These findings, however, require further study.

Research Findings

As the decades passed, further research was performed that brought the benefit of glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation into question. Finally, the GAIT study published in 2008 found that this combination was most effective for moderate to severe arthritis pain in the knee, and gave 79% of sufferers a 20% or greater reduction in pain. Unfortunately, glucosamine and chondroitin have been found to have much less effect in those with only slight pain. It is important to note that supplementation of chondroitin and glucosamine was also found to take several weeks of ongoing supplementation for benefits to occur. This helped to clarify the reason for the previous conflicted results in shorter research studies.

How Aging Effects Cartilage & How Chondroitin Can Help

Research has continued and found that with age, the ability to regenerate and restore joint structure begins to fail, often due to a decrease in the body’s natural production of structural molecules in the body like chondroitin. This deficiency causes a slowing in the production of new joint and connective tissue and in the repair of old tissue. When the body’s repairs cannot keep up with injury happening in the joint, it begins to degrade, which results in pain and stiffness. Research has repeatedly found that co-supplementing glucosamine and chondroitin can help reduce pain in those suffering from arthritis. It can also decrease the destruction of cartilage that occurs when arthritis sufferers use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Key Health Benefits of Chondroitin Supplements

How Glycosaminoglycan Deficiency Can Lead To Osteoarthritis

A deficiency of GAGs in the body can lead to joint deterioration because of insufficient cartilage synthesis. Break down of joint structure results in pain, and stiffness, especially after periods of rest, which is a condition known as Osteoarthritis. It can also cause creaking and cracking joints. Those with particularly low levels of GAGs will likely benefit from glucosamine supplementation. If this is not the underlying cause of the symptoms of the degeneration, then supplementation may not resolve the symptoms.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Chondroitin

In addition to its role in the formation of cartilage, chondroitin acts as an anti-inflammatory and reduces the breakdown of cartilage by 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 chondroitin for 6 to 24 months for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Interstitial Cystitis

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 individuals with IC, it has been shown to reduce pain and help balance out a deficiency in proteoglycans in both the lumenal and basal layers of the bladder surface.

Selecting The Best Chondroitin Supplements For Your Needs

Most chondroitin is made from pig or cow cartilage, although shark, fish and bird cartilage are also used. Chondroitin is usually found as chondroitin sulfate in supplement form. It can be found alone in powdered or capsule form or combination with supplements for inflammation, joint health and pain relief. It is often combined with glucosamine, MSM and collagen type II. In general, the oral dose of chondroitin is recommended to be 200-400 mg, 2-3 times per day. Chondroitin 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.