Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHealth BenefitsSide EffectsContraindicationsDosageWhat to Look ForFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Health Benefits
Side Effects
Contraindications
Dosage
What to Look For
Frequently Asked Questions
Chondroitin sulfate is often found paired withglucosamine sulfate, a naturally occurring compound found in joint fluid. This is because they are believed to work together to slow or even reverse theloss of joint cartilage.
Oleg Golovnev / EyeEm / Getty Images
Chondroitin Health Benefits
Chondroitin supplements are intended to enhance the shock-absorbing properties of joint cartilage and block enzymes that break down cartilage.
Unlike other dietary supplements used to treat arthritis, chondroitin has undergone a significant amount of clinical research to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.
TheGlucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial(GAIT) was a large,randomized,placebo-controlled trialthat was conducted in two parts:
The first study, completed in 2006, involved 1,583 people from nine different clinics who were given either chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, a chondroitin/glucosamine combination, the anti-inflammatory drug Celebrex (celecoxib), or a placebo. To evaluate pain, the researchers used a standardized questionnaire known as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function scale.
After two years of treatment, people who took chondroitin and/or glucosamine had no better outcomes than those who took either a placebo or Celebrex.
The follow-up study, completed in 2008, involved 572 people from the original GAIT study who were assigned one of the five same treatment regimens for two years. To evaluate cartilage loss or growth, the researchers usedX-raysto measure the space in the knee joints.
After two years of treatment with glucosamine and/or chondroitin, there was no evidence that cartilage loss was slowed when compared to a placebo or Celebrex.
Both of these results were confirmed in yet another two-year study, completed as part of the GAIT trial in June 2010, in which chondroitin and/or glucosamine proved no better at providing pain relief or altering the rate of cartilage loss compared to a placebo.
Still more research, published in 2018, analyzed studies published after the GAIT trial. This review found mixed results for chondroitin’s effectiveness for osteoarthritis knee pain and suggested that studies using objective measurement tools are necessary.
Side Effects of Chondroitin
The GAIT trials were able to establish that chondroitin sulfate was generally well-tolerated and safe for long-term use. Side effects are relatively mild and most often included stomach upset and nausea.
Anaphylaxis(a potentially life-threatening, whole-body allergy) is rare but may occur in people with a known allergy to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal found in pork and beef. Others may experience an allergic response to chondroitin derived from fish or poultry sources.
Although there have been suggestions that chondroitin supplements could potentially transmitbovine spongiform encephalopathy(mad cow disease) from infected cows, there has been yet to be any documentation of this occurring.
Chondroitin can also raise blood sugar. People with diabetes who use chondroitin should monitor their blood sugar more closely.
Who Should Not Take Chondroitin
Chondroitin sulfate may slow blood clotting and should be avoided if you have a bleeding disorder. Stop taking chondroitin at least two weeks before scheduled surgery to avoid excessive bleeding.
In addition, chondroitin may worsen asthma symptoms and should be used with caution in people with asthma.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid chondroitin as it has not been studied in pregnancy or children.
Interactions
Chondroitin can interact negatively with certain medications. These include:
Dosage and Preparation
Chondroitin sulfate is available in capsules, tablets, and powders. The typical dosage used in clinical trials was between 800 and 2,000 milligrams (mg) per day, taken in two to three divided doses. Although the supplement can be taken with or without food, it may be better with food if you experience stomach upset.
There are also co-formulated topical ointments containing chondroitin sulfate and other ingredients (such as glucosamine, camphor, and shark cartilage) that are marketed for joint pain relief. While considered safe, there is no evidence that any of these topical products work.
Dietary supplementsare largely unregulated in the United States and can vary in quality from one brand to the next.
However, chondroitin is not a uniform product and can vary in composition based on the animal it was derived from. Most manufacturers will use chondroitin derived from bovine (cow) trachea or pig’s ear; others will use shark, bird, or fish cartilage. Always check the product label to identify the animal source, especially if you have a known allergy to beef, pork, poultry, or fish.
Benefits and Side Effects of Glucosamine
Frequently Asked QuestionsNo, chondroitin is not the same as glucosamine. Chondroitin and glucosamine are two different supplements that work synergistically to treat osteoarthritis pain.Learn MoreBenefits of GlucosamineTogether, glucosamine and chondroitin may reduce osteoarthritis pain, improve functioning, and reduce joint swelling and stiffness. Research shows the relief lasts for up to three months after stopping the supplements.Chondroitin is found in animal cartilage, but it is hard to get therapeutic doses of chondroitin from food.The highest natural food source for chondroitin is the gristle on animal bones. Bone broth may also contain chondroitin and other nutrients that benefit joint health.
No, chondroitin is not the same as glucosamine. Chondroitin and glucosamine are two different supplements that work synergistically to treat osteoarthritis pain.Learn MoreBenefits of Glucosamine
No, chondroitin is not the same as glucosamine. Chondroitin and glucosamine are two different supplements that work synergistically to treat osteoarthritis pain.
Learn MoreBenefits of Glucosamine
Together, glucosamine and chondroitin may reduce osteoarthritis pain, improve functioning, and reduce joint swelling and stiffness. Research shows the relief lasts for up to three months after stopping the supplements.
Chondroitin is found in animal cartilage, but it is hard to get therapeutic doses of chondroitin from food.The highest natural food source for chondroitin is the gristle on animal bones. Bone broth may also contain chondroitin and other nutrients that benefit joint health.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Clegg DO, Reda DJ, Harris CL, et al.Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis.N Engl J Med. 2006;354(8):795-808. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa052771Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al.The effect of glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate on the progression of knee osteoarthritis: a report from the glucosamine/chondroitin arthritis intervention trial.Arthritis Rheum. 2008;58(10):3183-91. doi:10.1002/art.23973Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al.Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT.Ann Rheum Dis. 2010;69(8):1459-64. doi:10.1136/ard.2009.120469Dinubile N.Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate: What Has Been Learned Since the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial.Orthopedics. 2018;41(4):200-207. doi:10.3928/01477447-20180511-06National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Glucosamine and Chondroitin for osteoarthritis: What you need to know.Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Chondroitin.Rodriguez-Merchan EC.Topical therapies for knee osteoarthritis.Postgrad Med. 2018;130(7):607-612. doi:10.1080/00325481.2018.1505182Additional ReadingDiNubile N.Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: What has been learned since the glucosamine/chondroitin arthritis intervention trial.Orthopedics. 2018;41(4):200-207. doi:10.3928/01477447-20180511-06
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Clegg DO, Reda DJ, Harris CL, et al.Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis.N Engl J Med. 2006;354(8):795-808. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa052771Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al.The effect of glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate on the progression of knee osteoarthritis: a report from the glucosamine/chondroitin arthritis intervention trial.Arthritis Rheum. 2008;58(10):3183-91. doi:10.1002/art.23973Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al.Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT.Ann Rheum Dis. 2010;69(8):1459-64. doi:10.1136/ard.2009.120469Dinubile N.Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate: What Has Been Learned Since the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial.Orthopedics. 2018;41(4):200-207. doi:10.3928/01477447-20180511-06National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Glucosamine and Chondroitin for osteoarthritis: What you need to know.Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Chondroitin.Rodriguez-Merchan EC.Topical therapies for knee osteoarthritis.Postgrad Med. 2018;130(7):607-612. doi:10.1080/00325481.2018.1505182Additional ReadingDiNubile N.Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: What has been learned since the glucosamine/chondroitin arthritis intervention trial.Orthopedics. 2018;41(4):200-207. doi:10.3928/01477447-20180511-06
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Clegg DO, Reda DJ, Harris CL, et al.Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis.N Engl J Med. 2006;354(8):795-808. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa052771Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al.The effect of glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate on the progression of knee osteoarthritis: a report from the glucosamine/chondroitin arthritis intervention trial.Arthritis Rheum. 2008;58(10):3183-91. doi:10.1002/art.23973Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al.Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT.Ann Rheum Dis. 2010;69(8):1459-64. doi:10.1136/ard.2009.120469Dinubile N.Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate: What Has Been Learned Since the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial.Orthopedics. 2018;41(4):200-207. doi:10.3928/01477447-20180511-06National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Glucosamine and Chondroitin for osteoarthritis: What you need to know.Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Chondroitin.Rodriguez-Merchan EC.Topical therapies for knee osteoarthritis.Postgrad Med. 2018;130(7):607-612. doi:10.1080/00325481.2018.1505182
Clegg DO, Reda DJ, Harris CL, et al.Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis.N Engl J Med. 2006;354(8):795-808. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa052771
Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al.The effect of glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate on the progression of knee osteoarthritis: a report from the glucosamine/chondroitin arthritis intervention trial.Arthritis Rheum. 2008;58(10):3183-91. doi:10.1002/art.23973
Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al.Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT.Ann Rheum Dis. 2010;69(8):1459-64. doi:10.1136/ard.2009.120469
Dinubile N.Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate: What Has Been Learned Since the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial.Orthopedics. 2018;41(4):200-207. doi:10.3928/01477447-20180511-06
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Glucosamine and Chondroitin for osteoarthritis: What you need to know.
Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Chondroitin.
Rodriguez-Merchan EC.Topical therapies for knee osteoarthritis.Postgrad Med. 2018;130(7):607-612. doi:10.1080/00325481.2018.1505182
DiNubile N.Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: What has been learned since the glucosamine/chondroitin arthritis intervention trial.Orthopedics. 2018;41(4):200-207. doi:10.3928/01477447-20180511-06
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