Generality
Chondroitin sulfate is a macromolecule belonging to the glycosaminoglycan family, known for the precious structural role of the extracellular matrix.
With molecular mechanisms not yet fully known, Chondroitin sulfate could improve the functionality of joints affected by phlogistic events, such as osteoarthritis, preventing their degeneration.
Indications
Why is chondroitin sulfate used? What is it for?
Chondroitin sulfate is a macromolecule belonging to the Glycosaminoglycams category.
These molecules are part of the normal constitution of the extracellular matrix of connective tissues, in particular in the structure of aggrecans of articular cartilage.
Aggrecans give articular cartilage a certain flexibility and deformability, resistance to traction and torsion, and ability to absorb shocks and traumas.
As it tends to decrease the intra-articular content of Chondroitin, hyaluronic acid and other molecules such as Glucosamine, the joint loses the aforementioned properties, becoming inflamed and degenerating.
For these reasons the use of chondroitin sulfate could:
- Contribute to the structural and functional maintenance of the joint;
- Conferring a certain condroprotective activity;
- Reduce pain during degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis;
- Reduce joint inflammation and improve joint mobility during diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Property and Effectiveness
What benefit has Chondroitin sulfate shown during the studies?
Numerous studies, with results unfortunately not entirely unanimous, have investigated the possible role of chondroitin sulfate, alone or in association with other molecules such as glucosamine, in controlling the observable articular degeneration during inflammatory pathologies such as osteoarthritis.
In some statistically relevant clinical trials, the appropriate supplementation of Chondroitin sulfate would:
- Reduced knee joint pain during osteoarthritis;
- Improved mobility of the joint involved in the inflammatory process;
- Controlled functional and structural degeneration of the joint;
- Reduced use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
These results would have been recorded exclusively in the course of inflammatory pathologies of the joint such as osteoarthritis, and not in healthy subjects with joint pain.
Recently, some researchers have proposed a new emerging activity of chondroitin sulphate, which would see it engaged in the anti-atherosclerotic action. More precisely, the use of chondroitin sulfate supplements would have resulted in an improvement of vascular lesions and a lowering of blood cholesterol concentrations in subjects with coronary artery disease.
Doses and method of use
How to use chondroitin sulfate
The most commonly used dosages of Chondroitin Sulfate reach 1, 200 mg daily.
The activity of this molecule could be assisted by the simultaneous intake of Glucosamine and hyaluronic acid.
From the pharmacokinetic point of view, the best results would have been obtained with low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate supplements, able to reach the synovial environment with greater tropism.
Side effects
The side effects described following the use of Chondroitin sulfate are generally small.
Epigastric pain, swelling, nausea and sometimes diarrhea were the most frequently observed adverse reactions.
Contraindications
When should Chondroitin sulfate not be used?
The use of chondroitin sulfate is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the active ingredient.
Pharmacological Interactions
Which drugs or foods can modify the effect of chondroitin sulfate?
At the moment, no known pharmacological interactions are known, despite the potential antithrombotic role of chondroitin sulfate.
However, the simultaneous intake of Chitosan could reduce the intestinal absorption of chondroitin sulfate.
Precautions for use
What do you need to know before taking Chondroitin sulfate?
The use of chondroitin sulfate supplements should be avoided, given the absence of studies in this regard, during pregnancy and in the subsequent period of breastfeeding.
Given the capacity of chondroitin sulfate to carry out a potential antithrombotic activity, the use of these supplements should take place under strict medical supervision in patients treated with anticoagulant drugs or those suffering from coagulation disorders such as haemophilia.
