Our cookies are healthy! We use them to provide you with the highest quality of services. Read more in our Privacy Policy

I AGREE

09.01.2021 Injuries and trauma

Chondroitin - a rescue for your joints

Chondroitin is, next to glucosamine, one of the most commonly used supplements in the prevention of the health of our joints. It is used by athletes, convalescents, seniors and people suffering from rheumatism. What is the power of chondroitin?

What is chondroitin and where is it used?

Chondroitin is crucial for the proper functioning of our articular cartilage. This is called mucopolysaccharide, a chemical made of residual gluconoric acid that also has joint protective properties.

The role of chondroitin is to provide the necessary "slip" between the moving parts of our joints, as well as the correct formation of cartilage. Studies have noticed that people struggling with rheumatism had very low levels of chondroitin.

Man has learned to produce chondroitin in the form of sulphate, precisely in order to support the regeneration of joints and strengthen their resistance to abrasion. Thanks to it, they remain flexible.

Importantly, chondroitin is naturally produced in our bodies, but almost always too little of it, especially as we age over time.

Where to find chondroitin?

Chondroitin can be found in animal foods such as pork and beef cartilage, but we would need to consume huge amounts. Therefore, the best form of supplying yourself with this chemical compound are dietary supplements, including drugs. For most of them, chondroitin is obtained from shark cartilage.

The most important properties of chondroitin

Due to the fact that it has an anti-inflammatory effect, it has found its application in the treatment of persistent diseases of the locomotor system. Some studies have also confirmed its analgesic properties.

Chondroitin is very often used in combination with other substances useful in broadly understood traumatology - glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. As with glucosamine, chondroitin absorption increases the presence of vitamin C and ginger extracts. Used regularly and for a long period of time, it has a gentle regenerative effect on the joints.

Chondroitin itself does not cause severe side effects. If they do, it is just mild stomach problems and nausea. The world of medicine has estimated over the "space" of many experiments and studies that in order to achieve a therapeutic effect, one should take 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate daily.

Its absorption in the body is poor when it lacks magnesium and adequate vitamins: A and C. To saturate the body with chondroitin as effectively as possible, it should be supplemented for 1-3 months or even longer.

Who should reach for chondroitin?

There are three main groups that may need musculoskeletal health support through chondroitin supplementation: athletes, seniors and the sick, and convalescents.

The sports world has long benefited from the properties of chondroitin sulfate. It is used by martial arts, strongmen, runners, footballers - all those who need to maintain their joints and ligaments in good health or use supplementation during the treatment of injuries, hence it is often used during rehabilitation.

Seniors value chondroitin for its ability to reduce stiffness in the joints and gently relieve chronic pain. It can be a relief in arthritis, but also in osteoporosis, if it is supplemented with appropriate substances supporting its cartilage regenerating effect. However, you should be careful if you are taking blood thinners. Chondroitin itself has this property, and drug synergies can harm us.

Effects of glucosamine, chondroitin, or placebo in patients with osteoarthritis of hip or knee: network meta-analysis. British Medical Journal – 2010

Study on Efficacy and Safety of Chondroitin Sulfate + Glucosamine Hydrochloride Versus Celecoxib in Knee Osteoarthritis - U.S. National Library of Medicine

Access to Highly Purified Chondroitin Sulfate for Appropriate Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Review - Xavier Chevalier, Prof. Thierry Conrozier