Chondroitin

What is it? 

Chondroitin is a natural substance that helps make up cartilage and connective tissue, which helps cushion our joints. It is also a component of our blood vessels, ligaments, tendons, skin, and neurons. It attracts water and protects from enzymes that break down cartilage. Chondroitin is extracted from cartilage of animals (especially cows, chickens, pigs and sheep), certain fish and marine organisms. It can also be produced synthetically and through fermentation.

PROPERTIES: Anti-inflammatory

CONSIDERED USES

Eyes: Cataracts, dry eye

Gastrointestinal: Maintenance of optimal gut microbiome, gastritis, GERD

Genitourinary: Interstitial cystitis, recurrent urinary tract infections, possibly urinary incontinence

Musculoskeletal: Osteoarthritis (especially knee pain and if used over long term may help reduce loss of cartilage volume), may help back and hand pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatism, bone support, osteoporosis, exercise-induced

muscle soreness, TMJ, may support degenerative diseases, and bone repair

Neurologic: Neuroprotective, neuronal development, neuroplasticity, repair, and possibly affect learning, memory, and cognition.

Skin: Wound healing and regeneration, possibly anti-aging, psoriasis

Mental Health: Possibly helpful in depression, but more studies are needed.

Immunity: May help increase immunity

Other: May help with weight loss.

Side Effects: Allergic reactions, may alter liver function, indigestion, headaches, and drowsiness. 

Caution/Contraindications: Prostate cancer, bleeding disorders or people on blood thinners, asthma

Note: Chronic deficiency of chondroitin may result in skeletal dysplasia, degenerative diseases, and malignant tumors.

FORMS: Powders, capsules, wraps, liquids, creams, eye drops

• Chondroitin often comes in combination with Glucosamine, sometimes MSM (an anti-inflammatory which inhibits inflammatory cytokines) and/or Boswellia (a natural substance which decreases inflammatory mediators), and/or collagen (reputed to possibly decrease inflammation)

• Contamination with bird flu, mad cow disease, and others cannot be discounted recommend fish products? 

• Effects may not be seen for several weeks of use

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

• Jarrow Formulas: Glucosamine and Chondroitin (also contains manganese and vitamin C) - NSF certified (order through this Fullscripts link)

• Kirkland Signature [Costco] Advanced (Glucosamine and Chondroitin) (Available at Costco)

• Nutramax® Cosamin® DS For Joint Health (Available through this Amazon link)

Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM:

• Doctor's Best® Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM With OptiMSM (order here on Amazon)

• GNC Triflex (order here from Amazon)

• Nature Made® Glucosamine Chondroitin Complex With MSM (Available in retail stores)

• Pure Encapsulations® Glucosamine Chondroitin With MSM (Available on Fullscript link here)

Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, Boswelia and Collagen:

• Member's Mark™ [Sam's Club] Glucosamine HCl Chondroitin/MSM Complex (Sam's Club)

• Osteo Bi-Flex® Triple Strength (available in retail stores)

We only recommend herbal and supplement brands that meet high standards for safety, effectiveness, and transparency. I research each product before sharing. Some links—like those to Amazon—are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. It helps support this free site. Plus, these links often offer discounts, fast shipping, and helpful reviews.

DOSAGE: As directed

The following are reported doses and may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources i.e. WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E, NIH publications, and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• General: 400 mg by mouth 3 times daily or 600 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Dry Eyes: 1 drop (0.1%) in the eyes 4 times a day

• Exercise-induced Muscle Soreness: 300 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Interstitial Cystitis: 300 mg by mouth 3 times daily

• Osteoarthritis: 400-1000 mg by mouth 2 times daily

Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.