CHONDROITIN SULFATE – A NATURAL THERAPY FOR CHONDROITIN SULFATE – A NATURAL THERAPY FOR CHONDROITIN SULFATE – A NATURAL THERAPY FOR ARTHRITIS AND ITS SIDE EFFECTS
Chondroitin sulfate exists naturally in cartilage. It is a major part of the molecule that holds water in this spongy cushion. Water is the chief component of cartilage and gives it its elasticity. It has been called “strong water.” Chondroitin sulfate is derived from bovine cartilage.
The controversy with chondroitin sulfate is over its effectiveness. Because of its size, 50 to 300 times larger than glucosamine sulfate, it was thought that orally ingested chondroitin sulfate was poorly absorbed from the digestive tract. The demonstrated benefits of chondroitin sulfate in earlier studies had been mainly from its injectable form. However, two newer studies using oral chondroitin sulfate showed that it can indeed relieve arthritis symptoms: a 1998 Swiss study not only showed improvement in joint pain and mobility in osteoarthritis of the knee, but also a stabilization of joint-narrowing, indicating that chondroitin sulfate, like glucosamine sulfate, may slow and even stop progressive degeneration of the joint. A 1998 Belgian study examined the effect of chondroitin on osteoarthritis of the fingers. There was a significant decrease in the number of patients with new erosions in their finger joints.
Glucosamine Versus Chondroitin
The questions then arise as to which is more effective – glucosamine or chondroitin, and whether using the two in combination is more effective than using either one alone. Dr. Jason Theodosakis, M. D., author of the 1997 bestseller, The Arthritis Cure, which first brought the benefit of glucosamine and chondroitin to the attention of the American public, was interviewed on these questions. His answer, based on his clinical observation and experience, was that chondroitin has a much greater therapeutic impact than glucosamine, is well absorbed and acts much longer in the body.
This answer is surprising since glucosamine has received far more media attention than chondroitin. Although Theodosakis regards chondroitin as much more important than glucosamine, he does not recommend taking it alone. He believes that the two work synergistically and that the combination is more effective in minimizing cartilage damage than either one alone Preliminary information from a 1999 animal study supports this view.
Dosage, Time Frame, and Quality of Product
The dosage for chondroitin sulfate is 800 milligrams per day for those under 120 pounds; 1,200 milligrams for those between 120 and 200 pounds; 1,600 milligrams for those above 200 pounds, divided into two or three doses. Like glucosamine, chondroitin requires time to achieve its results. The time frame for both is the same. Results can take weeks to develop. Because chondroitin like glucosamine does not simply relieve pain but works on the cartilage to achieve its results, it takes longer to achieve maximum effect. Allow eight weeks to see results and a minimum of four or five months before abandoning the effort. The effects are cumulative.
In assessing the effectiveness of supplements, their quality is of crucial importance. Some supplements have been found to contain substantially less of the active ingredients than claimed on their labels. Food supplements are not subject to FDA regulation. Therefore, it is important to buy supplements from reputable companies.
Side Effects of Chondroitin Sulfate
A review of the literature on chondroitin sulfate pooled and evaluated the data from previous studies and found that chondroitin sulfate likely provides significant benefits to people with osteoarthritis. It also found the following side effects: gastrointestinal pain and nausea, diarrhea, constipation, swelling of the eyelids and lower limbs, alopecia (hair loss), and extra contractions of the heart.
Chondroitin sulfate is molecularly qu
ite similar to the blood thinner heparin. Therefore, concern has been expressed about the possible blood thinning activity of chondroitin sulfate. But no significant blood changes were noted in a group of patients during a six months clinical trial of oral chondroitin therapy. However, anyone taking drugs or herbs that are blood thinners, or a daily aspirin should consult with a physician before using chondroitin sulfate.
I have a friend who has been taking glucosamine sulfate for about five years now. She added chondroitin sulfate to her regimen about two years ago. She didn’t notice the dramatic difference that she had when she first took glucosamine sulfate, but she feels that chondroitin sulfate did enhance the benefits of glucosamine sulfate. So far she has not noticed any side effects from chondroitin sulfate.
Research on Chondroitin Sulfate As Possible Cancer Risk Factor
In the course of my research, I came across studies implicating chondroitin sulfate as a possible risk factor for certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer. No cause and effect relationship has been proved, but this research is reason for concern and should certainly be taken into account in deciding whether or not to take chondroitin sulfate. Fortunately, there is no evidence implicating glucosamine sulfate as a risk factor for cancer. The subject of next week’s article will the research on chondroitin sulfate and cancer.
Mary Lou Williams, M. Ed., is a lecturer and writer in the field of nutrition. She welcomes inquiries. She can be reached at (239) 267-6480.