If you experience chronic joint pain, inflammation or stiffness due to osteoarthritis, treatment with a natural supplement called chondroitin sulfate may provide relief from your symptoms. Chondroitin occurs naturally in your body and serves to protect your joints from damage. Taking a chondroitin sulfate supplement may help slow joint degradation associated with osteoarthritis. More research is needed, however, to examine the protective effects of chondroitin sulfate. Although chondroitin sulfate is usually taken with glucosamine, chondroitin can be taken alone.
Precaution
Seek guidance from your doctor before taking chondroitin sulfate. The amount of chondroitin sulfate you need daily may vary depending on your health, age and weight.
Recommended Dosage
Adults can take a 400 mg dose of chondroitin sulfate three times each day to alleviate joint pain, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Alternatively, adults can take 600 mg of this supplement twice daily. As the safety of chondroitin sulfate has not been studied in children, do not give this supplement to a child.
Safety Issues
Chondroitin sulfate usually does not cause side effects when used as directed. However, mild stomach upset or nausea may occur while you're taking this supplement. Rarely, chondroitin sulfate may induce a severe allergic reaction. Seek emergency medical care if you exhibit signs of an allergic reaction, including facial swelling, hives or difficulty breathing.
Medication Interactions
Treatment with chondroitin sulfate may not be appropriate if you're taking certain medications. This supplement may enhance the effects of blood-thinning medications and supplements, including warfarin, aspirin, ticlopidine and fish oil. Thus, you may be at an increased risk of developing bleeding or bruising problems if you take chondroitin sulfate in conjunction with anticoagulants.
