Chondroitin Sulphate is a 'glycosaminoglycan', basically,
a compound which contains an amino acid attached to a
chain of carbohydrate. It is a key component of
cartilage. Chondroitin is a naturally occurring
nutrient found in connective tissue. It is capable of
binding water molecules to lubricate, cushion and support
joints. It helps to maintain structural integrity of
joints and blood vessels. The source of chondroitin
sulfate used in nutritional supplements includes the
cartilaginous rings of bovine trachea and pork byproducts
(ears and snout). Shark cartilage and whale septum
cartilage have also been used to obtain chondroitin
sulfate. Researchers believe chondroitin may help
in the repair and maintenance of cartilage and help
provide cartilage with strength and resilience.
Chondroitin Sulphate is manufactured by the human body.
Chondroitin sulfate is found in humans in cartilage,
bone, cornea, skin and the arterial wall.
There has been much research testing the effectiveness
of chondroitin. The current research tends to
suggest that chondrotin may inhibit the breakdown of
tissues and stimulate proteoglycan synthesis. There
have been as least 8 major studies on chondroitin and the
research points to a moderate to good mprovement while using
chondrotin. The level of improvement matched the
NSAID's with much lower toxicity and without the negative
side effects.
A systematic analysis of clinical trials on
glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for treating
osteoarthritis (OA) has shown that these compounds of
glucosamine and chondroitin demonstrate moderate to
large effects for treatment of osteoarthritis.
The study,
by Timothy E. McAlindon, D.M., and colleagues at the
Boston University School of Medicine, published in the
March 15, 2000, issue of the Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA), recommends that additional,
rigorous, independent studies be done of these compounds
to determine their true efficacy and usefulness.
Chondroitin : Side effects, Interactions
The side effects that have been reported are mostly
of the mild gastrointestinal variety, such as gastrol
distress, nausea and diarrhea. No sulfa-allergic
reactions or other allergic reactions have yet been
reported. Because of insufficient safety data,
children, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid
using chondroitin sulfate. Because of the theoretical
possibility that chondroitin sulfate may have anti-thrombotic activity, those taking warfarin and those
with hemophilia should exercise caution in its use. Those
who need to restrict their salt intake should , if they
use chondroitin sulfate, use salt-free
preparations.
Chondroitin : Products
There
are many products available which utilize Chondroitin,
Condroitin and Glucosamine, and Glucosamine, Chondroitin,
mixed with many other supplements to produce a
synergistic response to joint disease. One such
product which as received good results is Free & Easy
for People.
