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Treatments > Supplement Guide > Supplements > Supplement Guide: Chondroitin Sulfate
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Supplement Guide: Chondroitin Sulfate

Origin: Chondroitin is a component of human connective tissues found in cartilage and bone. In supplements, chondroitin sulfate usually comes from bovine trachea or pork by-products.

Dosage: Capsules, tablets and powder; 800 mg to 1,200 mg daily in two to four divided doses. Often combined with glucosamine. Allow up to one month to notice effect.

Claims: Reduces pain and inflammation, improves joint function and slows progression of osteoarthritis.

What we know: Believed to enhance the shock-absorbing properties of collagen and block enzymes that break down cartilage. Helps cartilage retain water and may reverse cartilage loss when used with glucosamine.

Studies: A large NIH trial of glucosamine and chondroitin showed that the supplements are more effective for decreasing pain when combined than alone. A study of 300 people with knee osteoarthritis who received either chondroitin alone or placebo showed that chondroitin may slow progression of knee OA. A review of more than a dozen studies showed significant improvement in pain and inflammation and improved joint function. Some taking it are able to decrease NSAID dosage.

Some chondroitin tablets may contain high levels of manganese, which could be problematic with long-term use. Because chondroitin is made from bovine products, there is the remote possibility of contamination associated with mad cow disease. Chondroitin taken with blood-thinning medication like NSAIDs may increase the risk of bleeding. If you are allergic to sulfonamides, start with a low dose of chondroitin sulfate and watch for any side effects. Other side effects include diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain.

 

Sadiqa
08 Nov 2011, 01:02
Try Chondromax, a UK product that uses all marine sources, no shell fish. I've been using it for 2 weeks - most of the pain is gone, no reactions and no constipation.
Sadiqa
08 Nov 2011, 00:59
Terra, I am currently living overseas (originally from California) and was recently diagnosed with OA of the left hip. I was put on a combo of Glucosamine/Chondroitin immediately. It's a product of the UK called Chondromax. The great thing about it is that the Glucosamine is from marine source (not shellfish) and the Chondroitin is also from marine sources. It's safe for those who are allergic to shellfish. I took a cheap version of G/C when I was in the States and broke out in hives. Not sure what the source of that was, but I'm doing fine on Chondromax which has 60 tabletstakecosamine and 400 of Chondroitin. I take 3 tablets daily. Hope this info helps.
Gusuakuek
25 May 2011, 16:48
Reading the comments I think it could be because of CJD. But I think we don't have CJD now and people continue eating bovine meat, ... So there shouldn't be any problem. And CS can also be taken from pigs.

Rememeber that we, humans, are killing lots of sharks every year just for their fin. The fishers leave them suffering a lot, and die.

All of us need to live well: people and sharks. If the sharks go bad, so do the oceans, and so do us!!

Let's use our brains!! (If we really still have them healthy ....)
Gusuakuek
25 May 2011, 16:37
Why are they taking them from sharks now if they have always done it from pigs and cows?
Therese
14 Mar 2011, 20:30
Please be careful taking any chondroitin manufactured from ANY bovine products. My mom had taken these for years and just recently died of CJD, a prion disease the same as mad cow. They don't KNOW yet what spreads it, so avoid these products!! Stay with marine products.
Terra
02 Dec 2010, 22:27
I'm allergic to seafood/shellfish/crustacian (all that fun stuff) but, can eat fish of all types.
I've been told I cannot take Glucosamine and I'm wondering or, hoping, that there is an alternative.

I have Chondroitin which I'm getting ready to take and hope there isn't any ill side effects. It's manufactured by: Purity Products and named; H.A. Joint and Skin Super Formula.

Anyone ever tried this with good results??
Carol Watson
21 Oct 2010, 22:23
For those who are allergic to shellfish/shrimp and are unable to take the standard glucosamine & condroitin formula, shellfish free (vegetarian) glucosamine is available at your local vitamin store. It does not contain condroitin, but the formula I like has 500mg glucosamine sulfate and 500mg MSM.
Kevin Kgil
20 Aug 2010, 08:15
Would anybody tell me how I can get Condritin Sulfate ?
Chris Jones
11 Jun 2010, 08:59
Good news! My company will be producing chondroitin sulphate from sustainable farmed salmon next year. It is 100% unadulterated - guaranteed pure salmon. Email me if you are interested and I will make sure you are kept informed. My wife is in the early stages of OA, so I have a massive interest in making sure this product is exactly right.
Mike
03 Jun 2010, 12:46
I take marine collagen instead of Glucosamine (made from shellfish) or Chondroitin (made from beef or pork). The effects of hydrolyzed collagen is said to be similar and easy to digest.

This is the product I use:

www.fintasticcollagen.com
Jeanette
12 Mar 2010, 19:33
I am allergic to shell fish. I am looking for Glucosamine and Condritin that does not have shell fish. Can you send me a list of products that do not have them in it? Also, per my physician, who wants me to take a 3rd party tested product. How can I find out which are 3rd party tested?
ENNY B KUSDINAR
09 Feb 2010, 06:39
Is it thru that chondroitin sulfate usually comes from bovine trachea or pork by-products? Because we are muslim, we can't eat pork??
Thank u
jabidah
15 Dec 2009, 08:00
is it effective your supplement to our body??bec.my father is suffered in arthritis? please me how to help my father?.where i buy your supplemenet>> what is yuhan joint glucosamine.there's your in the philippines?
Bob
26 Sep 2009, 01:47
Glucosamine Chondroitin is great Move Free Advanced and the Costco brand are two of the best.A spa is also great
rich
15 Aug 2009, 22:29
In my opinion, and from what I have heard this product is very effective. It has a good combination of the ingredients listed on the site here and in sufficient amounts.
www.nutraglide.com
Larry
15 Aug 2009, 21:02
Connie, They do raise glucose levels. I was using them when diagnosed with diabetes and the DR. asked if they helped my RA. After assuring him they did help he said to monitor and stop if glucose spiked. I still use although not as often (moved to better climate), and glucose has dropped slightly.
Paula
08 Aug 2009, 21:42
Emma, where do you get these marine products and what are they called?
Connie
29 Jul 2009, 19:43
I read that glucosamine can possibly raise blood sugar levels. Anyone have any comments or experience regarding this. Thank you.
Emma
11 Jun 2009, 04:12
I have been taking Glucosamine and Condritin for two years now and the improvement is my knees is remarkable. I buy marine products without bovine/porcine ingredients.

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