Chondroitin Sulfate

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Background

Chondroitin was first extracted and purified in the 1960s. It is currently manufactured from natural sources (shark/beef cartilage or bovine trachea) or by synthetic means. The consensus of expert and industry opinions supports the use of Chondroitin and its common partner agent, Glucosamine, for improving symptoms and stopping (or possibly reversing) the degenerative process of osteoarthritis.

Health Benefits of Chondroitin Sulfate

Osteoarthritis
Multiple controlled clinical trials since the 1980s have examined the use of oral Chondroitin in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and other locations (spine, hips, finger joints). Most of these studies have reported significant benefits in terms of symptoms (such as pain), function (such as mobility), and reduced medication requirements (such as anti-inflammatories). The weight of scientific evidence points to a beneficial effect when Chondroitin is used for 6-24 months. Longer-term effects are not clear. Chondroitin is frequently used with Glucosamine. Glucosamine has independently been demonstrated to benefit patients with osteoarthritis (particularly of the knee).

Bladder control
Several studies have shown promise for using Chondroitin for interstitial cystitis, which is a chronic inflammation of the bladder. Chondroitin sulfate may also be helpful in patients with overactive bladder or unstable bladder control.

Coronary artery disease (secondary prevention)
Several studies in the early 1970s assessed the use of oral Chondroitin for the prevention of subsequent coronary events in patients with a history of heart disease or heart attack. Although favorable results were reported, due to methodological weaknesses in this research and the widespread current availability of more proven drug therapies for patients in this setting, a recommendation cannot be made in this area.

Dosage

Adult doses of 200-400 milligrams by mouth twice to three times daily, or 800-1,200 milligrams once daily have been used in studies. Higher doses (up to 2,000 milligrams) appear to have similar efficacy. In the treatment of osteoarthritis, full effects may take several weeks to occur.

There is no proven effective dose for Chondroitin in children.

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