| Chondroitin | ||||||||
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- Why chondroitin is good for you
- Important chondroitin facts
- Types of chondroitin supplementation
- Chondroitin supplementation checklist
- Chondroitin and health
- Chondroitin in foods
- How to take chondroitin
- Chondroitin works best with
- Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for chondroitin
Why chondroitin is good for you
Chondroitin is found in connective tissue and specifically in the cartilage, which cushions joints from injury. The main benefit of chondroitin is its ability to attract water into the tissue, which allows nutrients in and makes the tissue more shock-absorbent.
Chondroitin also protects cartilage from deterioration by blocking enzymes that weaken it and by its water and nutrient attracting abilities.
Chondroitin is found abundantly in the skin and in heart tissue.
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Types of chondroitin supplementation
Chondroitin is available in the following forms:
- Capsules - chondroitin powder is added into capsules
- Tablets - chondroitin powder is compressed and formed into a tablet
- Soft gel Capsules - filled with chondroitin liquid
- Powder - chondroitin is crushed and made into a powder
- Gel - chondroitin gel for external use on joints
People who wish to take a chondroitin supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.
Chondroitin supplementation checklist
- Take chondroitin with food to minimise stomach upset
- Benefits of chondroitin are more noticeable when taken over a long period of time
- Tablets are a convenient and quick way of getting chondroitin
- Chondroitin powder can be taken if a more controlled or lower dose is required to start
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People who wish to take a chondroitin supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.
Chondroitin is found in cartilage in the body.
Chondroitin is also found in shark cartilage.
Dosage of chondroitin depends on the condition that is being treated. A medical doctor and/or alternative health care provider can advise on individual cases - this information is provided as a guide only:
| lifestage | age | Amount (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| INFANTS | 0-12mths | No recommended |
| CHILDREN | 4-8yrs | No recommended |
| CHILDREN | 4-8yrs | Seek medical advice on dosage before taking it |
| CHILDREN | 9-18yrs |
Seek medical advice on dosage before taking it |
| ADULTS | 19-50yrs |
Osteoarthritis 400mg twice a day |
| SENIORS | 51+yrs | Osteoarthritis 400mg twice a day |
| PREGNANT | No recommended | |
| LACTATING | No recommended |
People who wish to take an chondroitin supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.
Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for chondroitin
Generally chondroitin rarely has side effects if used at the recommended dosage. Some of the common (and mild) side effects that have been reported are:
- diarrhoea
- constipation
- abdominal pain
Some rare side effects that have been reported - swelling of lower limbs, irregular heartbeat, eyelid swelling and hair loss.
No information on overdosage is available.
CAUTIONS
- People taking blood thinning medication - such as Coumadin or Warfarin should seek medical advice before taking a chondroitin supplement, as there may be bleeding complications
- People with a blood clotting disorder - should seek medical advice before taking a chondroitin supplement as there may be bleeding complications
references
- Busci L, Poor G. Efficacy and tolerability of oral chondroitin sulfate as a symptomatic slow-acting drug for osteoarthritis (SYSADOA) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 1998;6(suppl A):31-36
- Groff J L, Gropper SS, Hunt SM, Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. West Publishing, USA, 1995
- McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Gulin JP, Felson DT. Glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic quality assessment and meta-analysis. Journal of Americal Medical Association. 2000 15;283(11):1469-75
- Reginster JY, Deroisy R, Rovati L, et al. Long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lancet 2001;357:251-6
- Rovetta G, Monteforte P, Molfetta G, Balestra V. Chondroitin sulfate in erosive osteoarthritis of the hands. Int J Tissue React 2002;24:29-32
- Thie NM, Prasad NG, Major PW. Evaluation of glucosamine sulfate compared to ibuprofen for the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: a randomized double blind controlled 3 month clinical trial. J Rheumatol 2001;28:1347-55
