Chondroitin is an element and component of cartilage produced naturally by the body.
It is also found in the cornea, skin, bones and the lining of arteries.
More specifically, it is a major component of chondrin, a mucopolysaccharide or glycosaminoglycan.
Its texture is very similar to that of gelatin.
Chondroitin is actually the extracellular matrix of chondrin, which is made up of collagen and many cells called chondrocytes.
This makes up the connective tissue known as cartilage.
Within the cartilage matrix, chondroitin performs essential functions, in particular contributing to the flexibility and elasticity of bones.
It therefore protects the connective tissue from wear and tear and pressure caused by trauma or simply movement.
Chondroitin is also available in the form of chondroitin sulphate, a food supplement that has been widely used for over twenty years in osteoarthritis.
It helps relieve the pain associated with the condition.
Moreover, the fight against osteoarthritis, its progression and its symptoms is the very reason for the existence of this product.
Indications
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint pain
- Anti-inflammatory action
- Antioxidant
- Psoriasis
Choosing the right chondroitin
Chondroitin is effective if you choose it well.
This means looking at the purity of the active ingredient.
A good purity level is at least 95%.
Without this, the product will have little effect!
It should also be noted that chondroitin is expensive to produce, which is why this product is quite expensive.
Beware of cheap products which are undoubtedly not very effective.
You should also look for a non-allergenic product.
And the best way to be sure of a non-allergenic product is to go vegan.
In fact, most brands use animal-based ingredients in their products.
Dietary supplements are then allergenic or may contain harmful ingredients.
This is not the case with vegetable and natural chondroitin sulphates, which are produced through a fermentation process.
Plant chondroitin is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
To choose the right chondroitin, it is also important to favour chondroitin sulphate, which is the form naturally present in the body.
Specifically, we should opt for chondroitin 6-sulphate, which is the form our body needs.
Finally, you should always choose a bioactive form, which has a better absorption of the active molecule!
How to dose
By consulting a healthcare professional, you can be sure you are using a quality product and benefit from personalised advice.
The dosage will also be adapted to your own needs, so we advise you to discuss your treatment with your doctor.
You should know that chondroitin sulphate belongs to the SYSADOA family of drugs.
This is a group of slow-acting medicines and food supplements that can be used over the long term to relieve the pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis in particular.
The recommended dose for this active molecule is between 800 and 1,200 mg per day, which is one to two capsules with meals.
Some patients have been prescribed doses of up to 3,000 mg per day, but only on medical advice.
Self-medication with these daily doses should not be attempted.
In addition, a dose of 1,200 mg per day is more than enough to reap the benefits of this molecule, according to the scientists behind the studies.
As for the duration of treatment, it can be up to six consecutive months.
Chondroitin and Glucosamine
Glucosamine, like chondroitin, can reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis.
It can also slow the progression of the disease and improve mobility in people with cartilage damage.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are often used in combination to treat osteoarthritis.
They help to relieve the pain caused by the condition.
This combination is also often used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.
If you would like to combine these two molecules as part of your treatment, talk to your doctor.
Side effects and contraindications
If chondroitin sulphate can cause side effects, they are very rare.
This product does not pose any particular risk to health, especially if the patient respects the duration of treatment and the dosage.
Medical advice is essential.
However, some scientific publications highlight possible cases of adverse effects such as constipation, diarrhoea and stomach pain.
In very rare cases, this product may also cause oedema, rash, alopecia or extrasystoles (abnormal heart rhythm).
Common contraindications include allergies and heart problems.
You should consult a doctor before starting chondroitin treatment.