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What is it? Chondroitin sulfate, which consists of repeating chains of molecules called mucopolysaccharides, is a major constituent of cartilage. Classified as a type of glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin sulfate is rich in sulfur and is related to glucosamine.

Why is it essential? Chondroitin provides structure, holds water and nutrients, and allows other molecules to move through cartilage—an important property, as there is no blood supply to cartilage. Chondroitin and similar compounds are also present in the lining of blood vessels and the urinary bladder. They help prevent abnormal movement of blood, urine, or components across the barrier of the vessel or bladder wall.

Benefits and uses: Animal studies indicate that chondroitin sulfate may promote healing of bone, which is consistent with the fact that the majority of glycosaminoglycans found in bone consist of chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin sulfate also appears to help restore joint function in people with osteoarthritis. In addition, chondroitin sulfate may lower blood cholesterol levels to prevent excessive blood clotting and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. It may also play a beneficial role in preventing kidney stones. The hypothesis that glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate work synergistically in the support of osteoarthritis remains unproven. The fact that they are structurally similar suggests that they may act in similar ways.

Deficiency risk factors: Chondroitin sulfate may be reduced in joint cartilage affected by osteoarthritis and possibly other forms of arthritis.

Optimal intake: For atherosclerosis, researchers have used very high amounts, such as 5 grams twice per day with meals, lowering the amount to 500 mg three times per day after a few months. Before taking such high amounts, people should consult a nutritionally oriented doctor. For osteoarthritis, a typical level is 400 mg three times per day.

Food sources: The only significant food source of Chondroitin sulfate is animal cartilage.

Recent findings: Japanese researchers have determined that Chondroitin sulfate in synovial fluid collected from the temporomandibular joint provides a useful indicator of the degree of damage there, and that chondroitin may play a role in determining the viscosity and elasticity of tissues and fluids. A recent in vitro study done by researchers in Belgium found that chondroitin had potentially beneficial effects on human cartilage cells.

Safety: Nausea may occur at intakes greater than 10 grams per day. No other adverse effects have been reported.

What types of chondroitin products are available? Chondroitin products are mostly capsules. It is often combined with the similar arthritis-relieving nutrient glucosamine. Chondroitin may also be formulated with vitamin C. Most products range in potency from 400 to 600 mg.

 
References

• Moss, M., et al., "The effect of chondroitin sulfate on bone healing," Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol (1965), 20:795–801
• Kerzberg, E.M., et al., "Combination of glycosaminoglycans and acetylsalicylic acid in knee osteoarthritis," Scand J Rheum (1987), 16:377
• Okazaki, J., et al., "Chondroitin sulfate isomers in synovial fluid of healthy and diseased human temporomandibular joints," Eur J Oral Sci (1997), 105(5 Pt 1):440–43
• Nishimura, M., et al., "Role of chondroitin sulfate-hyaluronan interactions in the viscoelastic properties of extracellular matrices and fluids," Biochim Biophys Acta (1998), 1380(1):1–9
• Bassleer, C.T., et al., "Effects of chondroitin sulfate and interleukin-1 beta on human articular chondrocytes cultivated in clusters," Osteoarthritis Cartilage (1998), 6(3):196–204

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