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Chondroitin sulfate can be found in cartilage, which is a cushion that surrounds the joint in your body. It can also be made from animal sources such as cow or pig cartilage.
Chondroitin sulfate is usually taken by mouth, with the total daily dose ranging from 800 mg to 1,200 mg. It is often used in combination with other supplements such as glucosamine.
Chondroitin sulfate has been used to relieve joint pain in people with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis where the cartilage in the joints break down over time. It can be used to relieve pain in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.
Studies of chondroitin in osteoarthritis have been inconsistent. Earlier research showed that in combination with other pain medications, chondroitin was effective in reducing pain. Results from more recent trials did not show a benefit when chondroitin was used together with a glucosamine hydrochloride. Overall, it appears that chondroitin may be useful in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, although the effect may not be very big. Combination products (i.e., chondroitin and glucosamine with or without manganese) may be better than chondroitin sulfate alone.
Chondroitin should be used for at least 3 months before the full benefits can be seen. If symptoms of osteoarthritis worsen, you should contact your doctor.
Chondroitin does not appear to have any serious side effects when used in recommended amounts. Common side effects reported include mild stomach pain and nausea.
Since chondroitin comes from animal sources, there are concerns about the safety of these products. There have been no reports of product contamination with animal diseases and this risk is thought to be low. In Canada, chondroitin must come from the cartilage of healthy animals that can be used for food by humans.
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should consult a health care practitioner prior to using chondroitin. A health care practitioner should also be consulted if symptoms persist or worsen.
Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.
- Chondroitin sulfate (monograph). Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. (Accessed online 1 October 2008)
- Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products Database. Chondroitin sulfate. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/applications/licen-prod/monograph/mono_chondroitin-eng.php (Accessed 28 May 2010)
- Mayo Clinic. Osteoarthritis: definition. www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoarthritis/DS00019, accessed September 17, 2008.
- Guimond J, Boon H, Westlake K. Chondroitin: dose, dosage forms/formulation. www.camline.ca/professionalreview/pr_dose.php?NHPID=8, accessed September 17, 2008.
- Gregory PJ, Sperry M, Friendman-Wilson A. Dietary supplements for Osteoarthritis. Am Fam Physician 2008;77:177-84.
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