Chondroitin Sulphate

Chondroitin sulphate consists of repeating chains of molecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Chondroitin sulphate is a major constituent of cartilage, providing structure, holding water and nutrients, and allowing other molecules to move through cartilage—an important property, as there is no blood supply to cartilage.

Where is it found?

The only significant food source of chondroitin sulphate is animal cartilage.

Chondroitin sulphate has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings	Health Concerns
	Osteoarthritis
	Wound healing (topical)
	Atherosclerosis Heart attack High cholesterol Kidney stones Sprains and strains Wound healing (oral)
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Who is likely to be deficient?

Because the body makes chondroitin, the possibility of a dietary deficiency remains uncertain. Nevertheless, chondroitin sulphate may be reduced in joint cartilage affected by osteoarthritis and possibly other forms of arthritis.

How much is usually taken?

For atherosclerosis, researchers have sometimes started therapy using very high amounts, such as 5 grams twice per day with meals, lowering the amount to 500 mg three times per day after a few months. Before taking such high amounts, people should consult a doctor. For osteoarthritis, a typical level is 400 mg three times per day. Oral chondroitin sulphate is rapidly absorbed in humans when it is dissolved in water prior to ingestion. Approximately 12% of chondroitin sulphate taken by mouth becomes available to the joint tissues from the blood.¹

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Nausea may occur at intakes greater than 10 grams per day. No other adverse effects have been reported.

One doctor has raised a concern that chondroitin sulphate should not be used by men with prostate cancer. This concern is based upon two studies. In one, the concentration of chondroitin sulphate was found to be higher in cancerous prostate tissue as compared to normal prostate tissue.² In the other study, it was shown that higher concentrations of chondroitin sulphate in the tissue surrounding a cancerous prostate tumour predict a higher rate of recurrence of the cancer after surgery.³ However, no studies to date have addressed the question of whether taking chondroitin sulphate supplements could promote the development of prostate cancer. Simply because a substance is present in or around cancerous tissue does not by itself suggest that that substance is causing the cancer. For example, calcium is a component of atherosclerotic plaques that harden the arteries; however, there is no evidence that taking calcium supplements causes atherosclerosis. To provide meaningful information, further studies would need to track the incidence of prostate cancer in men taking chondroitin supplements. Until then, most nutritionally-oriented doctors remain unconcerned about this issue.

It is not known whether taking glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate in combination is a more effective treatment for osteoarthritis than taking either one by itself.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with chondroitin sulphate.

References

1. Ronca F, Palmieri L, Panicucci P, Ronca G. Anti-inflammatory activity of chondroitin sulfate. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 1998;6(Supplement A):14–21.

2. De Klerk DP, Lee DV, Human HJ. Glycosaminoglycans of human prostatic cancer. J Urol 1984;131:1008–12.

3. Ricciardelli C, Quinn DI, Raymond WA, et al. Elevated levels of peritumoral chondroitin sulfate are predictive of poor prognosis in patients treated by radical prostatectomy for early-stage prostate cancer. Cancer Res 1999;59:2324–8.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.