Supplements

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin Sulfate is a naturally occurring compound used in the creation of cartilage. Research suggests that both chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate may be a valuable and effective natural treatment for arthritis.

Chondroitin Sulfate belongs to a group of complex carbohydrate molecules called glycosaminoglycans (also referred to as mucopolysaccharides). Glycosaminoglycans attach to proteins such as collagen and elastin, forming more complex substances designated as proteoglycans. Proteoglycans are a vital component of cartilage tissue.

Chondroitin Sulfate attracts water to the proteoglycans and holds it there. This process is important for maintaining healthy joint cartilage, plus, chondroitin can also protect cartilage from premature degeneration by blocking the enzymes that destroy cartilage and prevent nutrients from being transported to the cartilage for repair.

Though primarily found in bones, cartilage and connective tissue, chondroitin sulfate extends its influence by easing pain, helping wounds to heal, and improving cardiovascular health.

Osteoarthritic aches diminished for a group of two hundred people who participated in one chondroitin sulfate study. The anti-inflammatory effect also allowed them to bend their knees, elbows, and other joints more freely, and with none of the complications of standard arthritis medications.

People with gout may also enjoy some pain relief, because supplements reduce high uric acid levels.

Chondroitin stimulates fat metabolism, lowers cholesterol, reduces blood clotting, inhibits plaque accumulation, and improves circulation. Incisions from surgery heal faster when they're coated with a chondroitin sulfate concentrate.

Deficiency: Normal cells may become cancerous more readily, animal research suggests, in the face of a chondroitin sulfate deficiency.

Sources: Bovine (cow trachea cartilage) and shark cartilage.

Precautions: Considered non-toxic, although side effect studies have not been conducted for longer than a six-year time period.

Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration:

• For arthritis or blood lipid imbalances: 250 mg to 1 gram of chondroitin sulfate daily
• Osteoarthritis: When given in conjunction with glucosamine sulfate for osteoarthritis, as is now done on a wide scale, its dose in milligrams is usually 60-80 percent that of the glucosamine. (1,500 mg glucosamine sulfate and 1,200 mg chondroitin sulfate)