Millions of Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease affecting the cartilage in joints. Although medications can help to control pain and inflammation, they are not able to reverse the disease process. As a result, many patients have looked to herbal remedies as a method of slowing the deterioration of joints cartilage. Chondroitin is a supplement that is often marketed with claims of maintaining joint health.
Osteoarthritis
The cartilage between joints can begin to deteriorate with age, and the hip and knee joints are especially susceptible. As cartilage decreases, bones can begin to rub together, causing pain and inflammation. In addition, patients might begin to lose joint mobility and physical movements can become stiff. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, approximately 27 million people over the age of 25 suffer from osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin is a major component of glycosaminoglycans, biological compounds that are structurally important in joints and cartilage. Research has speculated that chondroitin might provide the carbohydrate units required for glycosaminoglycan synthesis. In addition, chondroitin also might assist in the retention of water in the synovial fluid found between joints. There also is speculation that chondroitin might inhibit enzymes involved in the deterioration of joint cartilage.
Chondroitin Dosing
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the usual dose of chondroitin supplementation is 1,200 mg per day, divided into two or three doses throughout the day. Chondroitin is often packaged in products marketed for joint health with other supplements including glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane. These products are available at most retail outlets.
GAIT Trial
In 2006, the National Institutes of Health conducted a study examining the effects of glucosamine and chondroitin on patients with osteoarthritis. The Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) followed patients for four years and reported patients taking glucosamine and chondroitin showed no difference in the amount of joint cartilage loss versus patients taking placebo. In addition, there was no difference in pain across all groups in patients taking the supplements versus placebo. Further research is needed, since earlier trials had reported improved outcomes with the use of glucosamine and chondroitin.
Chondroitin Safety
Since chondroitin is classified as a natural supplement, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate it like prescription medications. As a result, some products on the market might lack potency or contain impurities. Chondroitin should be avoided in pregnancy and nursing mothers due to a lack of clinical data in these populations. Chondroitin might exacerbate bleeding disorders since it is chemically similar to heparin, an injectable drug widely used for anticoagulation. Patients with bleeding disorders and those taking medications that can increase the risk of bleeding should consult a physician before use.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Osteoarthritis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Chondroitin
- "Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy. National Institutes of Health"; The NIH Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT); May 2008
- "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Supplementation to Treat Symptomatic Disc Degeneration: Biochemical Rationale and Case Report; Van Blitterswijk Wim J, et al; Jun 2003
