Chondroitin, or - chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan in the form of proteoglycan, is one of the most important components of the connective tissue (tendons and joints). Chondroitin prevents the entry of water and nutrients into the inflamed tendons and joints. At the same time, it permits other substances to go to the connective tissue.
People with atherosclerosis disease are advised to take large doses (about 10 grams per day, taken 2 times with food). After several months of treatment, the dose drops to 1.5 g., taken 3 times a day.
When treating arthritis, the used dose is 1.2 grams per day, divided into 3 doses. Chondroitin is often combined with glucosamine, which has a similar action. Often taken along with vitamin C.
Lately, it became very popular for people to take substances for "joints," "bones,” "strongback," "life without pain," "ease of movement," and others. They all aim to strengthen bones and joints. The basic component in every drug or supplement for the bone tissue and articular surfaces is the substance, called chondroitin (sulfate).
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What Is Chondroitin
Chondroitin, or - chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan in the form of proteoglycan, is one of the most important components of the connective tissue (tendons and joints).
It is made of repeating units of D-galactosamine and D-glucuronic acids.
How Is Chondroitin Produced
It is industrially extracted from two main sources - shark cartilage and bovine tendons.
Primary Physiological Effect
Chondroitin prevents the entry of water and nutrients into the inflamed tendons and joints. At the same time, it permits other substances to go to the connective tissue.
This is a very important feature, as connective tissue does not generally have a good blood supply. As a result of the action of chondroitin, the recovery of diseased joints and tendons becomes much faster.
Chondroitin and similar to its substances are concentrated also in the walls of the bladder and blood vessels. Their task there is to prevent the release of blood outside the blood vessels, and urine - outside the bladder.
What Are the Optimal Dosages
People with atherosclerosis disease are advised to take large doses (about 10 grams per day, taken 2 times with food). After several months of treatment, the dose drops to 1.5 g., taken 3 times a day. When treating arthritis, the used dose is 1.2 grams per day, divided into 3 doses.
Chondroitin is often combined with glucosamine, which has a similar action. Often taken along with vitamin C. As produced in the body, it is redundant in large doses in the absence of inflammation.
Bodybuilders may take products, based on chondroitin, prophylactically given that the dose is not more than 1 gram per day. In the presence of inflammation, chondroitin is required between 1.2 to 1.5 grams per day. Best taken with food.
Which Products Are the Main Sources of Chondroitin
Herbal products - teas, tinctures. Nutritional supplements - granules, dry extract, powders, tablets, capsules, liquid extract.
It is most widespread in food additives, mixed with ergogenic and lipotropic action. Doses often vary in such products.
Possible Side Effects
Chondroitin is generally a harmless and non-toxic agent. Adverse side effects can be observed only at very high doses (over 10 grams per day).
Then it is likely to cause nausea and vomiting. No other side effects have been found.
Which Products Are the Main Sources of Chondroitin
Chondroitin is included, in the form of chondroitin sulfate, in different products. Products containing it accelerates the recovery of joints and boost the immune system.
They can be either standalone (containing only chondroitin sulfate) and complex (except chondroitin, they may contain glucosamine, a substance with a similar effect, and vitamins).
The products are most often sold in tablets, the content of chondroitin therein is from 500 to 1 000 mg. Standalone products are usually sold by the name Chondroitin sulfate. Such products can be found in the centers for sports and dietary foods in the country, some gyms, and pharmacies. They can be also ordered online.
Additional Physiological Effects
Animal studies have shown that chondroitin accelerates the healing of bones, it helps people with osteoarthritis to restore joint function.
It reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attack. It is similar to glucosamine in its functions.
How Does Chondroitin Get Absorbed by the Body
High-molecular-chondroitin sulfate is barely absorbed when taken orally while the low molecular chondroitin is absorbed by the stomach and small intestine, and when it reaches the joints through the blood.
Keep this in mind when you shop!
What Can Prevent the Absorption of Chondroitin
Simultaneous intake of chitosan and chondroitin sulfate can interfere with the absorption of the latter.
Which Foods Contain Chondroitin In the Greatest Amount
The only dietary source of chondroitin is animal cartilage.
