Chondroitin Sulfate Powder/[email protected]

Chondroitin Sulfate is a chemical that is normally found in cartilage around joints in the body. Chondroitin Sulfate is usually manufactured from animal sources, such as shark and cow cartilage.

Chondroitin Sulfate is a chain of alternating molecules of glucuronic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine. This chain may contain over 100 molecules of simple sugars, although the specific quantities and positions can vary. The name "chondroitin sulfate" implies that the sulfate ion forms a salt with the chondroitin chain, although the two components actually form a covalent bond. Chondroitin sulfate is typically attached to a protein to form a proteoglycan.

Chondroitin Sulfate is an essential component in cartilage that allows cartilage to resist compression. This property is the result of the sulfate groups in chondroitin becoming highly charged when they are packed tightly together. Chondroitin sulfate is also an important component of extracellular matrices that helps to maintain tissue integrity. This function is most common with large proteoglycans known as lecticans.

Application

Chondroitin Sulfate is used for osteoarthritis. It is often used in combination with other ingredients, including manganese ascorbate, glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, or N-acetyl glucosamine.

Chondroitin sulfate is also taken by mouth for HIV/AIDS, heart disease, heart attack, weak bones (osteoporosis), joint pain caused by drugs used to treat breast cancer, acid reflux, high cholesterol, muscle soreness after exercise, a bladder condition called interstitial cystitis, a bone disease called Kashin-Beck disease, and itchy and scaly skin (psoriasis). Chondroitin sulfate is also used in a complex with iron for treating iron-deficiency anemia.

Chondroitin sulfate is available as an eye drop for dry eyes. In addition, it is used during cataract surgery, and as a solution for preserving corneas used for transplants. It is approved by the FDA for these uses.

Dosage

In general, doses of 200-400 milligrams have been taken by mouth 2-3 times daily, or 800-1,200 milligrams once daily. Higher doses (up to 2,000 milligrams) may have similar effectiveness. For osteoarthritis, full effects may take several weeks to occur.