Chondroitin Sulfate (CS)

Chondroitin sulfate is a building block of cartilage, the tough gristle that covers the ends of bones and cushions joints; it is also found in the tissue lining blood vessels and the bladder. Chondroitin plays an important role in maintaining cartilage by allowing water, nutrients, and other molecules to enter the tissue; a critical role because cartilage lacks blood vessels. In the blood vessels, it helps prevent abnormal clotting and also prevents blood and other fluids from passing through the vessel walls.

Chondroitin is structurally similar to glucosamine, another constituent of cartilage; both are classified as glycosamineoglycans (GAGs), and as supplements to treat osteoarthritis, they are most effective when taken together.

In the past, chondroitin was taken to treat atherosclerosis (never shown to be effective in controlled scientific studies), the clogging of arteries with fatty plaque, but more recently, it has emerged as a major treatment of osteoarthritis-the wearing away of cartilage that is especially common among older people.

Recent studies have demonstrated that taking chondroitin supplements inhibits destructive enzyme action, slows progression of osteoarthritis, alleviates pain and other symptoms, and-when taken along with glucosamine-may even foster a regrowth of deteriorated cartilage. In one well-regarded placebo-controlled study involving 93 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, the group receiving glucosamine and chondroitin for four to six months showed significant improvement over the placebo group. Another study involving thirty-four U.S. Navy volunteers reported similar positive results for the glucosamine-chondroitin group.

Chondroitin is extracted from animal cartilage, specifically cow trachea; it is also a component of shark cartilage, which may explain why this supplement seems to help some people with arthritis.

Chondroitin is available in pill and capsule form as a separate supplement or in combination with glucosamine. The typical dosage calls for starting with 400 to 500 mg of chondroitin taken three times a day, preferably with a similar amount of glucosamine. After a few weeks, the dosage can be lowered to two doses a day. Higher amounts of chondroitin-up to 3 to 5 g a day have been attempted-to treat atherosclerosis.

Chondroitin is generally safe, with no reports of serious side effects. However, very high doses can cause nausea.

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