Nutrients Database

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Chondroitin

Chondroitin is a structural component of cartilage, it has been shown to be well absorbed when taken in orally¹. A typical dosage for chondroitin is 800 -1200mg a day. Chondroitin is widely available in supplement form for joint health, often in combination with Glucosamine Sulphate. Chondroitin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties¹ and is known to attract fluid into the cartilage, improving joint lubrication and shock absorption. Chondroitin is a natural amino sugar already present in the body, it cannot be easily obtained from te diet and is found in only a small number of foods.

Chondroitin is associated with the treatment of osteoarthritis, however a review of all research including more recent, large scale high quality trials does not give conclusive evidence for chondroitin reducing symptoms ². A 6 month study of glucosamine and chondroitin efficacy in 2006 showed that a small subset of those with moderate to severe joint pain sample had less pain and joint swelling when they took chondroitin with glucosamine rather than just glucosamine or a placebo, although positive results need further research³.

Chondroitin is widely considered to be one of the safest treatments for osteoarthritis⁴ and is considered to be safe for long term use⁴. Chondroitin is usually extracted from shark cartilage. Chondroitin is not proven to be safe in pregnancy and lactation, can interact with several medications in particular warfarin – always check with your GP. Those with increased risk of or diagnosed prostate cancer and asthmatics should take chondroitin with care⁵.

References

1 Ronca F, Palmeri L, Panicucci P, Ronca G, 1998, Anti-inflammatory activity of chondroitin sulphate, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 6:14-21

2 Reichenbach S, Sterchi R, Scherer M,.Trelle S, Burgi E, Burgi U, Dieppe PA, Juni P, 2007, Meta-analysis: chondroitin for osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, Annals of Internal Medicine, 146:580-590

3 Clegg DO, Reda DJ, Harris CL, Klein MA, O’Dell JR, Hooper MM, Bradley JD, Bingham CO 3rd, Weisman MH, Jackson CG, Lane NE, Cush JJ, Moreland LW, Schumacher HR Jr, Oddis CV, Wolfe F, Molitor JA, Yocum DE, Schnitzer TJ, Furst DE, Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Brandt KD, Moskowitz RW, Williams HJ, 2006, Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis, New England Journal of Medicine, 354: 795–808

4 Hathcock JN, Shao A, 2007. Risk assessment for glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 47: 78-83

5 Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Retrieved 1^st July 2011. Subscription only. http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com

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