Chondroitin is a chemical found primarily in joint cartilage. A form of chondroitin, known as chondroitin sulfate, is manufactured from animal byproducts and sold as a dietary supplement to aid in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin sulfate is often found paired with glucosamine sulfate, a naturally occurring compound found in joint fluid. This is because they are believed to work together to slow or even reverse the loss of joint cartilage.
Chondroitin Health Benefits
1. Provide cushioning to mitigate impact and friction
Chondroitin acts like a “liquid magnet” that can draw water into the protein polysaccharide molecules, thickening cartilage and increasing the amount of synovial fluid in joints.In this way, it can provide a “padding” effect to enhance joint shock absorption and ease the impact and friction of walking or jumping.
- Transfer of vital oxygen and nutrients to joints to help remove waste from joints
One of the important functions of chondroitin is to act as a conduit for the transport of vital oxygen and nutrients to cartilage, while removing carbon dioxide and waste.Since articular cartilage has no blood supply, all oxygenation, nourishment, and lubrication come from synovial fluid.Loss of chondroitin due to aging, injury or illness can also result in loss of synovial fluid, resulting in cartilage malnutrition, dryness, thinning and fragility.In addition, cartilage damage caused by injury or daily wear will be more difficult to regenerate or heal without proper nutrition.
It is important to take chondroitin in conjunction with glucosamine, which facilitates the process of glucosamine penetration into the joints.Several studies have shown, including one published in the New England Journal of Medicine, that combining glucosamine with chondroitin protects, reverses and promotes the repair of articular cartilage.
- Other effects of chondroitin
Inhibits enzymes that destroy cartilage (e.g., collagenase, elastase, and histone) to prevent cartilage from being broken down or dissolved.
Can start from the root of the problem, inhibit COX-2 activity, to stop joint inflammation.
Applicable population
Chondroitin is the best nutritional supplement for patients with degenerative arthritis because it increases the production of osteoarthritis and prevents chondrocyte wear.In addition, chondroitin is necessary to prevent joint degeneration in athletes, dancers, or people who are overweight.
In addition, glucosamine, the main component of the joint connective buffer tissue, is widely used in the treatment of degenerative arthritis.
How to take chondroitin
Most clinical studies of arthritis have found that taking 1200 mg of chondroitin a day can effectively improve the pain and inflammation of arthritis.Chondroitin is not a palliative analgesic and anti-inflammatory ingredient. When diagnosed with degenerative arthritis or arthritis caused by excessive joint load, chondroitin must be taken continuously for at least six months.