Chondroitin is a naturally occurring molecule that is a major component of cartilage, which helps connect and cushion the joints. Chondroitin is essential to the health of your cartilage. It helps absorb fluid into your cartilage, blocks enzymes that break down cartilage and helps your body make new cartilage.
Usage
Chondroitin is available as a supplement form for the treatment of several diseases. Chondroitin is often used to help reduce the pain, swelling and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. Although this is a common use for chondroitin, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that its effectiveness is still being researched. Some studies have found that chondroitin does have positive effects on osteoarthritis, while others have found very minimal effect. Most studies have agreed that chondroitin must be taken for at least 2 to 4 months before any effects appear at all.
Chondrotin has also been used to reduce the pain associated with interstitial cystitis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining. Chondroitin may also help reduce the symptoms of overactive bladder.
Dosage
Chondroitin is not a component of any food in the diet. In order to increase the chondroitin in your body, it must be taken as a supplement in tablet or capsule form. When sold individually, chondroitin is usually available in the form of chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin is often combined with another compound called glucosamine and is occasionally combined with manganese. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that the supplements containing manganese usually exceed the manganese upper limit of 11 mg per day, so these supplements should be used with caution.
Recommended dosage for chondroitin for adults is 400 mg three times per day or 600 mg two times per day.
Precautions
Chondroitin has the potential to interact with medications. The effects of chondroitin are similar to blood-thinning medications. Because of this, the supplement should not be taken in conjunction with these medications. This may cause extremely thin blood and abnormal bleeding. Chondroitin can also render nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, ineffective.
You should not use chondroitin if you have diabetes or a blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia. If you are overweight or following a low-salt diet, it may not be safe to use chondroitin.
Considerations
Although chondroitin supplementation is considered safe, some people have experienced digestive symptoms, such as stomach pain, when taking too much of the supplement. It is important to follow dosage recommendations closely. You should always talk with your doctor or health care provider before beginning any type of supplementation.
