Chondroitin: what it is, contraindications, drug and glucosamine

Chondroitin helps the joints and other elements of the body.

Ludwik Jelonek - AuthorAuthorLudwik Jelonek
Ludwik Jelonek - Author
AuthorLudwik Jelonek
Natu.Care Editor

Ludwik Jelonek is the author of more than 2,500 texts published on leading portals. His content has found its way into services such as Ostrovit and Kobieta Onet. At Natu.Care, Ludwik educates people in the most important area of life - health.

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Bart Turczynski - Edited byEdited byBart Turczynski
Bart Turczynski - Edited by
Edited byBart Turczynski
Editor-in-Chief

Bart Turczynski is the editor-in-chief of Natu.Care. He is responsible for the quality of the content created on Natu.Care, among others, and ensures that all articles are based on sound scientific research and consulted with industry specialists.

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Nina Wawryszuk - Fact-checkingFact-checkingNina Wawryszuk
Nina Wawryszuk - Fact-checking
Fact-checkingNina Wawryszuk
Natu.Care Editor

Nina Wawryszuk specialises in sports supplementation, strength training and psychosomatics. On a daily basis, in addition to writing articles for Natu.Care, as a personal trainer she helps athletes improve their performance through training, diet and supplementation.

Learn more about our editorial process

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Chondroitin: what it is, contraindications, drug and glucosamine
10 July, 2024
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Chondroitin is a good friend of glucosamine. Both are supposed to help the joints and support other elements of the body. But should they always be taken together? Together, MA Pharmacy will answer these and other questions about chondroitin.

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From this article you will learn:

  • What is chondroitin and how does it work.
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  • Whether it should always be taken with glucosamine.
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  • What are the contraindications to the use of chondroitin.
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See also:

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What is chondroitin?

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Chondroitin is a natural component found in the human body, mainly in cartilage. This large molecule (mucopolysaccharide), has the ability to absorb water, which enables cartilage to maintain its elasticity and resilienceand.

Chondroitin is involved in cartilage regeneration processes and plays an important role in protecting against the damaging effects of enzymes that can contribute to the degradation of cartilage tissue. It is used as an ingredient in dietary supplements and medicines, particularly for musculoskeletal problems such as osteoarthritis.

Chondroitin - effects and properties

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Chondroitin is a natural component of cartilage, playing a key role in maintaining its elasticity and joint health. What are its key properties?

Cartilage protection

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Cartilage protection is one of the primary functions of chondroitin. This biological compound can neutralise the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of cartilage tissue. It performs its activity by inhibiting the activity of these enzymes, thus preventing structural damage to cartilageand.

Chondroitin forms a protective barrier for cartilage cells and then inhibits enzymes that damage cartilage tissue. Thus, the cartilage is protected from degradation and damage. This protection is extremely important because cartilage's natural ability to regenerate is limited and its repair processes are long and complex.

Providing hydration of cartilage tissue

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Chondroitin plays a key role in hydrating cartilage tissue, ensuring its elasticity and resilience. Chondroitin molecules have the ability to bind large amounts of water, forming a type of gel that fills the intercellular space in cartilage tissueand.

This gel guarantees the cushioning capacity of the joints, which enables smooth and painless movements.

It acts as a natural lubricant, reducing friction by providing slip between joint surfaces. In addition, adequate lubrication is essential for maintaining cartilage health, as it enables the proper exchange of nutrients between cartilage cells.

Cartilage regeneration support

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Chondroitin is important in the regenerative processes of cartilage tissue. It works by stimulating the production of proteoglycans, which are the main building blocks of cartilage. Thus, it can accelerate the natural repair and regeneration mechanisms of this tissue.

Already minor damage to joint cartilage can lead to serious problems such as pain or reduced mobility. Chondroitin, by promoting cartilage regeneration, helps to reduce the risk of long-term effects of such damage. This is particularly important in chronic conditions, such as osteoarthrosis, where the natural ability to regenerate cartilage is significantly reduced.

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According to recent reports, chondroitin is on the radar of researchers because of its brilliant properties as a drug transporter. An additional advantage is that it is metabolised by colon bacteria and is broken down there, so it can be a precise carrier of drugs to a specific site.
Ilona Krzak.

Ilona Krzak Master of Pharmacy

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Glucosamine and chondroitin - do you need to take them together?

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Glucosamine and chondroitin are two ingredients that are often found together in dietary supplements for people with joint problems such as osteoarthritis. Both substances are natural components of cartilage and play important roles in its protection and regeneration. They work together to maintain healthy joints, suggesting that their simultaneous use may have additional benefitsand.

Glucosamine, like chondroitin, is a key component of cartilage. It is involved in its formation and regeneration, and also has anti-inflammatory effects. Chondroitin, on the other hand, ensures adequate hydration of the cartilage tissue and protects it from degradation. This complementary action of both ingredients translates into overall joint support.

Although many studies suggest that taking both supplements at the same time produces better results than each of them separately, the decision to use them should always be made after consultation with a doctor. A specialist will assess the patient's individual needs and decide whether this type of therapy would be most appropriate.

Contraindications to the use of chondroitin

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Chondroitin is commonly used in dietary supplements to improve joint health, but like any supplement, it has some contraindications. Its use may not be safe for everyone, so it is always advisable to consult your doctor.

Contraindications to chondroitinand:

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  • Allergy. People with allergies to ingredients in the supplement should avoid using chondroitin.
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  • Blood clotting disorders. Chondroitin may reduce blood clotting. In people with blood clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulants, it may increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Condroitin may reduce blood clotting.
  • Asthma. Some studies suggest that chondroitin may worsen asthma symptoms. If a person with asthma decides to take chondroitin therapy, they should be under the close supervision of a doctor.
  • Asthma.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding. The safety of using chondroitin during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not clearly established, so caution is advised.
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  • Pre-operative preparation. Due to the potential risks associated with bleeding, chondroitin should be discontinued at least two weeks prior to scheduled surgery.

Is there chondroitin in drug form?

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In Poland, chondroitin is available in both drug and dietary supplement form. Medications containing chondroitin are often prescribed by doctors to treat symptoms associated with joint diseases such as osteoarthrosis. These remedies are available by prescription and are supplied under the supervision of a pharmacist.

Simultaneously, chondroitin is also found in many dietary supplements that are available without a prescription. Such supplements are often used to support joint health and prevent joint problems. But, even if supplements are available over-the-counter, it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Chondroitin - dosage

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Chondroitin dosage may vary depending on the specifics of the particular product, the health status of the person taking the supplement and the purpose of use. According to general guidelines, the typical dosage of chondroitin in dietary supplements for adults is between 800 and 2,000 mg per day, divided into two or three smaller portionsand.

Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the product label or consult your doctor or pharmacist. For those with serious joint conditions, the dosage may be adjusted by a specialist.

It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the product label or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

It is also important to remember that supplements should not replace a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. In addition, they should not be used as a substitute for pharmacological treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Please note that supplements should not be used as a substitute for pharmacological treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Chondroitin in food

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Chondroitin is a natural biological component present in a variety of foods. The richest sources of chondroitin are foods of animal origin, especially tissues rich in cartilage, such as the neck and tailbone. This is because chondroitin is a key component of cartilageand.

Other sources of chondroitin in food can include bone broths or broths made from animal bones and cartilage. In these products, chondroitin is well absorbed as it is released during cooking.

The chondroitin in these foods is not as well absorbed as in other foods.

Although chondroitin is found in some foods, it is difficult to get enough from the diet to affect joint health. For this reason, people struggling with joint problems often benefit from dietary supplements containing chondroitin.

Chondroitin is a good choice.

Chondroitin - reviews

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I have been using chondroitin for a few months for my creaky joints and I have to say that I feel a huge difference. They are less stiff and the pain is significantly less intense.
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Marek57 years old

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I took chondroitin for 3 months and to be honest, I didn't see any difference. Maybe it works for others, but it certainly doesn't for me.
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Wojtek45 years old

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I started taking chondroitin about 2 months ago because all these joint pains were starting to make my life difficult. The effects are average, I don't know if it's the placebo, but the pain isn't as bothersome anymore. I will continue to monitor.
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Ewa50 years old

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My grandmother has been consuming chondroitin for over a year. She said she can't remember the last time she had such comfortable movement. You can see that her daily functioning is definitely improved.
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Kasia31 years old

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Since I started taking chondroitin, my stomach problems have worsened. I'm not sure if it was due to the supplement, but after I stopped, everything returned to normal.
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Joanna60 years old

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Summary

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  • Chondroitin is a naturally occurring ingredient in cartilage that helps to maintain its elasticity and resilience.
  • Chondroitin is commonly used as an ingredient in dietary supplements, especially for musculoskeletal problems.
  • Chondroitin plays an important role in the hydration of cartilage tissue and supports the regenerative processes of cartilage tissue.
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin are often found together in dietary supplements for people with joint problems - both substances support joint health.
  • .
  • Contraindications to the use of chondroitin include allergy to supplement ingredients, blood clotting disorders, asthma, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Chondroitin can be found both in the form of medicines and dietary supplements in Poland.
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  • Chondroitin dosage may vary depending on the specific product and the health status of the person taking the supplement.
  • .
  • Chondroitin is an ingredient in some foods, especially those rich in cartilage, but it is difficult to get enough of it from the diet.
  • Reports about chondroitin are mixed, with some people claiming that it helps relieve joint pain, while others notice no difference.
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FAQ

. Can chondroitin be used prophylactically to avoid joint problems in the future?.

Yes, chondroitin is often used prophylactically to support joint health, especially in people at higher risk, such as the elderly, the obese or those engaged in certain types of intense physical activity. However, the decision to use chondroitin prophylactically should always be made after consultation with a doctor.

. What foods are the richest sources of chondroitin?.

The richest sources of chondroitin are animal products, especially those rich in cartilage. These include, but are not limited to, neck or tailbone. Other food sources of chondroitin include bone broths or broths made from animal bones and cartilage.

. Can chondroitin cause any side effects?.

Although chondroitin is generally well tolerated, some people may experience side effects such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, heartburn, nausea or vomiting. In addition, chondroitin may affect blood clotting, which can be a problem for people with blood clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulants.

. Does chondroitin cause any side effects when used with other medications?.

Chondroitin can react with some drugs. This is particularly important with anticoagulants, as chondroitin can affect blood clotting. If you are taking any medication, you should consult your doctor before starting chondroitin supplementation.

. Does taking chondroitin affect laboratory test results?.

There are no data available to indicate that chondroitin supplementation may affect laboratory test results. However, if you have any questions or concerns about how chondroitin supplementation may affect your tests, please consult with your doctor, pharmacist or other health professional.

. What is the difference between medicines and dietary supplements containing chondroitin?.

Chondroitin in drug form is usually prescribed by a doctor and is used to treat specific conditions such as osteoarthrosis. Chondroitin supplements are available over-the-counter and are often used for general joint health support.

. Is chondroitin safe for children?.

The safety and efficacy of chondroitin in children are not precisely known. Always consult your doctor before giving this substance to your child. It is important to remember that dietary supplements should not replace a child's balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

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Sources

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Bishnoi, M., Jain, A., Hurkat, P., & Jain, S. K. (2016). Chondroitin sulphate: A focus on osteoarthritis. Glycoconjugate Journal33(5), 693-705. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10719-016-9665-3

Black, C., Clar, C., Henderson, R., MacEachern, C., McNamee, P., Quayyum, Z., Royle, P., & Thomas, S. (2009). The clinical effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements in slowing or arresting progression of osteoarthritis of the knee: A systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technology Assessment (Winchester, England)13(52), 1-148. https://doi.org/10.3310/hta13520

Brito, R., Costa, D., Dias, C., Cruz, P., & Barros, P. (2023). Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements for Osteoarthritis: A Critical Review. Cureus15(6), e40192. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40192

Fernández-Martín, S., González-Cantalapiedra, A., Muñoz, F., García-González, M., Permuy, M., & López-Peña, M. (2021). Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate: Is There Any Scientific Evidence for Their Effectiveness as Disease-Modifying Drugs in Knee Osteoarthritis Preclinical Studies?-.A Systematic Review from 2000 to 2021. Animals: An Open Access Journal from MDPI11(6), 1608. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061608

Henrotin, Y., Marty, M., & Mobasheri, A. (2014). What is the current status of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis? Maturitas78(3), 184-187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.04.015

Singh, J. A., Noorbaloochi, S., MacDonald, R., & Maxwell, L. J. (2015). Chondroitin for osteoarthritis. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews1(1), CD005614. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005614.pub2

Uebelhart, D. (2008). Clinical review of chondroitin sulfate in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage16 Suppl 3, S19-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2008.06.006

Zhu, X., Sang, L., Wu, D., Rong, J., & Jiang, L. (2018). Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research13(1), 170. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-018-0871-5

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Meet the team
Ludwik Jelonek - Author

Natu.Care Editor

Ludwik Jelonek is the author of more than 2,500 texts published on leading portals. His content has found its way into services such as Ostrovit and Kobieta Onet. At Natu.Care, Ludwik educates people in the most important area of life - health.

Bart Turczynski - Edited by

Editor-in-Chief

Bart Turczynski is the editor-in-chief of Natu.Care. He is responsible for the quality of the content created on Natu.Care, among others, and ensures that all articles are based on sound scientific research and consulted with industry specialists.

Nina Wawryszuk - Fact-checking

Natu.Care Editor

Nina Wawryszuk specialises in sports supplementation, strength training and psychosomatics. On a daily basis, in addition to writing articles for Natu.Care, as a personal trainer she helps athletes improve their performance through training, diet and supplementation.

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