Overview

Chondroitin Sulfate is a naturally occurring compound in the body. This natural compound is a mixture of amino acids, which are very important to maintain the cartilage structure of the joints and aid in the formation of collagen and elastin.

Key Benefits

• Aids in the maintenance of joint cartilage.
• Reduces pain and improves function in some people with osteoarthritis and/or rheumatoid arthritis.
• It promotes the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals.
• When administered in a solution, it protects the eye during cataract surgery.
• It is possible that it will delay the progression of osteoarthritis.

History of Usage

Chondroitin Sulfate is one of the main ingredients in health supplements such as glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, and methylcobalamin. It is available in two primary forms: powder and liquid. The powder form of chondroitin sulfate can be mixed with juice or other beverages, or it can be taken as an oral dietary supplement in capsule form. Some of the most popular forms of chondroitin sulfate include monohydrate, hydroxychondroitin, and glucosamine. These supplements should always be consumed with food.

Clinical studies on chondroitin sulfate have had mixed results. However, according to a study published online in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, supplemental chondroitin sulfate was found to significantly reduce cartilage volume loss in patients with knee osteoarthritis as early as six months of treatment and to reduce bone marrow lesions after 12 months of treatment. According to the researchers, chondroitin sulfate protects the joint structure. They also stated that this study contradicts the findings of a meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal in 2010, which stated that chondroitin and glucosamine, alone or in combination, do not alleviate joint discomfort or have an effect on joint space narrowing.

Biochemistry

Chondroitin sulfate has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties by reducing synovitis and preventing proinflammatory cytokine up-regulation in arthritis models. It also induces the synthesis of hyaluronate in synovial cells and increases type II collagen and proteoglycan synthesis.

Chondroitin sulfate is a significant component of the complex extracellular matrix. It has the potential to provide new building blocks for the synthesis of novel matrix components.

The anti-inflammatory action of chondroitin sulfate is considered to be due to its ability to suppress the formation of pro-inflammatory intermediates such as nitric oxide synthase, COX-2, microsomal prostaglandin synthase 1, and prostaglandin E2. Additionally, it has an inhibitory effect on the toll-like receptor 4, which inhibits inflammatory cytokines such as NFkB and MyD88. This activity implies that the MAP kinase pathway is being modulated.

On the other hand, other findings indicate that neuroblastoma induces the PKC/PI3K/Akt pathway. The gastrointestinal system absorbs chondroitin sulfate. The absorbed fraction is 10% chondroitin sulfate and 90% depolymerized low-molecular-weight derivatives. This absorption is sulfation-dependent.

Following oral treatment, chondroitin sulfate has a bioavailability of between 10% and 20%. There has been consistent evidence of the chemical accumulating in joint tissue. After 3-4 days, the steady-state is reached, and the full impact takes around 3-6 months to achieve.

Recent Trends

According to SPINS data on the joint health category (U.S. Natural and Multi-Outlet (MULO) channel, 52 weeks ending July 12, 2020), glucosamine-and-chondroitin combination products earned $215 million, glucosamine products $45 million, and chondroitin supplements $57,185.

Because chondroitin chewable products have had undesirable tastes, they are now often combined with other nutrients in sugar-free, pleasant-tasting chewable tablets that target joint health issues. These are especially appreciated by individuals who have a difficult time swallowing pills.

Precautions

• Pregnant and breast-feeding women should check with their health care provider before using chondroitin sulfate.
• Studies have found that chondroitin and glucosamine supplements might interact with the blood-thinning drug warfarin (Coumadin). 
• There is some concern that it might make asthma worse, so asthmatics should use caution.
• Some individuals experience stomach upset

References

1. Wildi LM, Raynauld JP, Martel-Pelletier J, Beaulieu A, Bessette L, Morin F, Abram F, Dorais M, Pelletier JP. Chondroitin sulphate reduces both cartilage volume loss and bone marrow lesions in knee osteoarthritis patients starting as early as 6 months after initiation of therapy: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study using MRI. Ann Rheum Dis. 2011 Jun;70(6):982-9. doi: 10.1136/ard.2010.140848. Epub 2011 Mar 1. PMID: 21367761; PMCID: PMC3086081.
2. Henrotin Y, Mathy M, Sanchez C, Lambert C: Chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis: from in vitro studies to clinical recommendations. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2010 Dec;2(6):335-48. doi: 10.1177/1759720X10383076
3. da Cunha AL, de Oliveira LG, Maia LF, de Oliveira LF, Michelacci YM, de Aguiar JA: Pharmaceutical grade chondroitin sulfate: Structural analysis and identification of contaminants in different commercial preparations. Carbohydr Polym. 2015 Dec 10;134:300-8. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.08.006. Epub 2015 Aug 8.
4. Henrotin Y, Mathy M, Sanchez C, Lambert C: Chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis: from in vitro studies to clinical recommendations. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2010 Dec;2(6):335-48. doi: 10.1177/1759720X10383076.
5. Tallia AF, Cardone DA. Asthma exacerbation associated with glucosamine-chondroitin supplement. J Am Board Fam Pract. 2002 Nov-Dec;15(6):481-4. PMID: 12463294.
6. Wildi LM, Raynauld JP, Martel-Pelletier J, Beaulieu A, Bessette L, Morin F, Abram F, Dorais M, Pelletier JP. Chondroitin sulphate reduces both cartilage volume loss and bone marrow lesions in knee osteoarthritis patients starting as early as 6 months after initiation of therapy: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study using MRI. Ann Rheum Dis. 2011 Jun;70(6):982-9. doi: 10.1136/ard.2010.140848. Epub 2011 Mar 1. PMID: 21367761; PMCID: PMC3086081.
7. Henrotin Y, Mathy M, Sanchez C, Lambert C: Chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis: from in vitro studies to clinical recommendations. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2010 Dec;2(6):335-48. doi: 10.1177/1759720X10383076
8. Tallia AF, Cardone DA. Asthma exacerbation associated with glucosamine-chondroitin supplement. J Am Board Fam Pract. 2002 Nov-Dec;15(6):481-4. PMID: 12463294.

• 5 + cs_d_deg3 + sulfate
  • D-glucuronate + cs_a_dg3 + cs_c_deg3 + cs_d_deg4 + cs_e_deg4
• cs_c_degRecenAccording to SPINS data n this category (U.S. Natural and Multi-Outlet (MULO) channel, 52 weeks ending July 12, 2020) chondroitin supplements earned $57, 185.