Chondroitin Sulfate

What is Chondroitin Sulfate?

Chondroitin Sulphates are glycosaminoglycans which are found naturally in the body and are important in maintaining elasticity and integrity of many types of body tissues, including connective tissue and the walls of blood vessels.

Chondroitin Sulfate is currently manufactured from natural sources (shark/beef cartilage or bovine trachea) or by synthetic means. Chondroitin Sulfate and its common partner agent, glucosamine, is used mainly for improving symptoms and stopping (or possibly reversing) the degenerative process of osteoarthritis.

Chondroitin Sulfate on its own or as an ingredient in dietary supplements can be used for the following purposes:

• Osteoarthritis - Multiple controlled clinical trials since the 1980s have examined the use of oral chondroitin in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and other locations.
• Bladder control - Several studies have shown promise for using chondroitin for interstitial cystitis, which is a chronic inflammation of the bladder. 
• Coronary artery disease - oral chondroitin has been used for the prevention of subsequent coronary events in patients with a history of heart disease or heart attack. 
• Interstitial cystitis 
• Iron absorption enhancement - Research suggests that taking chondroitin with iron may enhance iron absorption in healthy individuals. 
• Ophthalmologic uses - Chondroitin is sometimes used as a component of eye solutions used for keratoconjunctivitis, corneal preservation, and intraocular pressure. 
• Psoriasis 
• Muscle soreness - Chondroitin sulfate is often used as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever for osteoarthritis.
  

Side Effects and Warnings of Chondroitin Sulfate

You should use cautiously if allergic or hypersensitive to chondroitin sulfate products. Use cautiously in patients with shellfish allergy, due to the possibility of allergic reaction. Hives, rash, sun skin sensitivity, and worsening of previously well-controlled asthma have been reported.

Adverse effects that have been rarely reported or are theoretical include: headache, motor uneasiness, euphoria, hives, rash, photosensitivity, and hair loss, breathing difficulties, subjective tightness in the throat or chest, and eyelid oedema.

Individuals with prostate cancer, or at increased risk for prostate cancer, should avoid taking this supplement. This is due to a risk of increased spread or recurrence of prostate cancer.

Bookmark this:

Bookmark this page