Chondroitin Sulfate increases cartilage production by donating sulfur bonds to the cartilage production process, along with inhibiting enzymes such as leukocyte elastase which break down cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate also can cause chondrocytes to increase cartilage production. Chondroitin is a glycosaminoglycan and a key component of cartilage. It is used in joint health and osteoarthritis products.

Chondroitin Sulfate is also approved as an eye drop for cataracts surgery and for certain eye conditions.

There is less evidence supporting the efficacy of chondroitin sulfate compared to the evidence for glucosamine. Chondroitin is also more expensive. It is usually recommended to first try only glucosamine for 4-5 months, and to add chondroitin sulfate only if symptoms are still persisting at that time. Chondroitin can then be discontinued if no additional symptom relief is noted after 3-5 months of use.

Adults Dose:

Osteoarthritis: 1200 mg by mouth daily in 1-3 divided doses.


Possible Side Effects:

Nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation and stomach upset(take with food to minimize these side effects)
Allergic reactions
Edema
Hair loss
Worsening of Asthma


Warnings:

Avoid using this product while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Monitor closely if being used with anticoagulant drugs.
Avoid using chondroitin if you have prostate cancer, or are at a high risk of developing prostate cancer. Some evidence shows that chondroitin could cause prostate cancer to spread or develop faster.

By Evan Redmond, Pharm.D.