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Chondroitin sulfate is a chemical found in human and animal cartilage. It is commonly used by mouth with glucosamine or other ingredients for osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin sulfate is one of the building blocks of cartilage. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joints breaks down. Taking chondroitin sulfate might slow this breakdown. It is usually manufactured from animal sources, such as shark and cow cartilage. It can also be made in a lab.
Chondroitin sulfate is used for osteoarthritis and cataracts. It is often used together with other ingredients, including manganese ascorbate, hyaluronic acid, collagen peptides, or glucosamine. Chondroitin sulfate is also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Cataracts. Chondroitin sulfate in combination with sodium hyaluronate is approved as a medical device to be ophthalmically injected during cataract surgery. It is unknown if other routes of administration are beneficial.
Login for details - Osteoarthritis. Chondroitin sulfate seems to modestly reduce osteoarthritis pain and improve function. Pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin sulfate products have shown the most benefit.
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- Aging skin. Oral chondroitin sulfate has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia. Oral chondroitin sulfate has only been evaluated in combination with glucosamine sulfate; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Colorectal adenoma. Oral chondroitin has only been evaluated in combination with glucosamine; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Dry eye. It is unclear if ophthalmic chondroitin sulfate improves dry eye symptoms.
Login for details - Exercise-induced muscle soreness. It is unclear if oral chondroitin sulfate improves muscle soreness from exercise.
Login for details - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Oral chondroitin sulfate has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Gastritis. Oral chondroitin sulfate has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Hyperlipidemia. Login for details
- Interstitial cystitis. Small clinical studies suggest that intravesical chondroitin sulfate may not improve interstitial cystitis symptoms. Oral chondroitin sulfate has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Kashin-Beck disease. It is unclear if oral chondroitin sulfate improves Kashin-Beck disease symptoms such as pain.
Login for details - Osteoporosis. Login for details
- Overall mortality. Oral chondroitin has only been evaluated in combination with glucosamine; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Psoriasis. It is unclear if oral chondroitin sulfate is beneficial for reducing psoriasis disease severity.
Login for details - Stroke. It is unclear if oral chondroitin sulfate is beneficial for reducing stroke risk.
Login for details - Temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Oral chondroitin sulfate has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Urinary incontinence. Login for details
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is unclear if intravesical administration of chondroitin sulfate alone is beneficial in patients with recurrent UTIs. Most research has evaluated the effects of chondroitin sulfate in combination with hyaluronic acid, with promising results.
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When taken by mouth: Chondroitin sulfate is likely safe when used for up to 6 years. It can cause some mild stomach pain and nausea. Other possible side effects include bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
When placed into the eye: Chondroitin sulfate is possibly safe when used together with other ingredients in an eye drop.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chondroitin sulfate is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Asthma: There is some concern that chondroitin sulfate might make asthma worse. If you have asthma, use chondroitin sulfate cautiously.
Prostate cancer: Early research suggests that chondroitin might cause the spread or recurrence of prostate cancer. This effect has not been shown with chondroitin sulfate supplements. However, until more is known, do not take chondroitin sulfate if you have prostate cancer or are at high risk for developing it (you have a brother or father with prostate cancer).
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. There are several reports showing that taking chondroitin with glucosamine increases the effects of warfarin. This can cause bruising and bleeding that can be serious. Don't take chondroitin if you are taking warfarin.
Glucosamine: Taking chondroitin sulfate together with glucosamine hydrochloride might reduce blood levels of glucosamine. But it's not clear if this will change the effects of glucosamine hydrochloride. It's also not clear if this interaction occurs with other forms of glucosamine, such as glucosamine sulfate.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Chondroitin sulfate is most commonly used by adults in doses of 800-1200 mg per day, for up to 2 years.
There is concern that some chondroitin sulfate products are not labeled accurately. Some products might contain no chondroitin, while other products might contain more than the amount stated on the product's label. Because of these issues, the effects of different chondroitin products may vary. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose or product might be best.
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