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Chondroitin sulfateis a relatively safe supplement used to support joint and cartilage health.
Joint Pain Relief
Chondroitin sulfatemay help reduce joint pain, notably knee pain, inpeople withosteoarthritis.
Cartilage Support
Chondroitin sulfate may help build cartilage and prevent its breakdown.
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As a major component of cartilage, chondroitin sulfate may promote the production of key cartilage molecules.
By reducing inflammatory markers,chondroitin sulfate minimizes the breakdown of cartilagetissue.
Osteoarthritis Management
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that causes cartilage loss and bone degradation, mainly affecting the joints.
Osteoarthritis leads to pain, stiffness, and loss of function.
Chondroitin sulfate is widely used to manage osteoarthritis because of its pain-relieving and cartilage-supporting effects.
Moreover, when used daily for two years, chondroitin sulfate may slow the progression ofknee osteoarthritis.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Thesynoviallining is a thin tissue layer inside joints that produces fluid for lubrication.
Chondroitin sulfate may reducesynovitis, an inflammation of thesynoviallining.
It also inhibits the production of inflammatory markers in the fluid between joints.
Bone Health Boost
Chondroitin sulfate may support bone health by boosting cartilage to reduce stress on the bones.
Osteoarthritis often softens the bone just below the cartilage.
Chondroitin sulfate appears to lessen changes in bone associated with the wearing away of cartilage from osteoarthritis.
Mobility Support
Chondroitin sulfate may improve joint pain, resulting in less stiffness and a better range of motion.
These improvements translate to an improved ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform daily activities.
Maintaining mobility is essential for overall well-being and health and for living independently.
Decreased mobility associated with aging increases the risk of diseases, disability, and hospitalizations.
Eye Health Support
Prescription injectable chondroitin sulfate mixed with sodiumhyaluronateprotects the eye duringcataract surgery.
More research is needed on chondroitin sulfate’s effects on eye health.
Only use eye drops containing chondroitin sulfate if your healthcare provider has prescribed them.
What Is Chondroitin Sulfate?
Chondroitin sulfate is a naturalglycosaminoglycan, a structural molecule present in joints, skin, and cartilage.
Chondroitin sulfate is an integral part of cartilage and other connective tissue.
Chondroitin Sulfate vs. Glucosamine
Chondroitin sulfate andglucosamineare often used individually and together as supplements for joint health.
Additionally, chondroitin sulfate may reduce glucosamine absorption, although further research is needed.
It is likely safe for long-term use when taken as directed for up to six years.
Your healthcare provider can determine whether chondroitin sulfate may be safe and effective for you.
The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements the way it does for prescription medications.
As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
Whenchoosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such asNSF,U.S.
Pharmacopeia (USP), orConsumerLab.com.
Summary
Chondroitin sulfate is a relatively safe supplement used for improving knee pain and function.
Prescription-grade chondroitin sulfate may be more effective than over-the-counter nutrition supplements due to ingredient potency and reliability.
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PubChem.Chondroitin sulfate.
