What is Chondroitin Sulfate?
Chondroitin is a molecule that occurs naturally in the body. It is a major component of cartilage, the tough, connective tissue that cushions the joints. Commercial chondroitin comes from natural sources, like sea cucumbers, or shark or bovine cartilage, or made synthetically. Chondroitin is able to keep cartilage healthy by absorbing fluid into the connective tissue. It may also block enzymes that break down cartilage, and it provides the building blocks for the body to produce new cartilage.
Findings from multiple well-conducted scientific studies indicate that chondroitin supplements may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, especially in the knee or hip.
Participants reported less pain and reduced stiffness in their joints.
Although several studies came back inconclusive, chondroitin sulfate looks like it has a promising future in nutraceuticals.
Deal CL, Moskowitz RW. Nutraceuticals as therapeutic agents in osteoarthritis. The role of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and collagen hydrolysate. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 1999;25:379-395.
Leeb BF, Schweitzer H, Montag K, et al. A metaanalysis of chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol. 2000;27:205-211.
