Chondroitin
Chondroitin, also known as Chondroitin sulfate, occurs naturally in the body and is a building block of healthy joint tissue. It is a major component of cartilage and is important for the normal growth and maintenance of cartilage. It helps keep cartilage healthy by acting a bit like bait, attracting fluid into the connective tissue surrounding the joint. It may also help to maintain joint health by blocking break down cartilage.
Chondroitin is glucosamine’s ‘partner’ and is often seen in combination with glucosamine, another important component of healthy joint tissue. The use of the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin help to support joint health and assist in the management of the joint pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis. This combination has been scientifically researched to temporarily relieve pain in people with moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis.
Benefits of Chondroitin
- May help temporarily reduce joint pain and swelling associated with mild osteoarthritis.
- May help reduce cartilage loss.
- Maintains healthy finger joints.
- Joint nutrient required for growth and maintenance of healthy cartilage.
The health benefits of Chondroitin sulphate are mostly related to supporting the health of the joints. However, chondroitin has also been shown to support and maintain the health of the skin and provide temporary relief for dry and itchy skin.
Dietary sources of Chondroitin
There are no major dietary sources of Chondroitin sulphate so most people choose to take a supplement for a therapeutic benefit. Chondroitin is naturally present in the gristle part of the meat. In supplement form, it is generally produced from natural sources such as shark or bovine cartilage (usually tracheal.) Chondroitin sulphate in supplement form is often in combination with Glucosamine.