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Posted 3/16/07CLICK TO PRINT

NAME: Chondroitin (Also called Chondroitin Sulfate)
DESCRIPTION: Chondroitin sulfate occurs naturally in the body, and is a major constituent of cartilage, the tough yet elastic connective tissue in the joints.
FUNCTION: Used to treat osteoarthritis.

The exact way in which chondroitin works is still unclear; scientists postulate that it could have anti-inflammatory properties, promote production of the protective hyaluronic acid, and/or block enzymes that break down cartilege.

The sulfur in chondroitin sulfate is utilized in the production of cartilage tissue.

Growing evidence suggests that chondroitin may have use as a protective

SOURCES: Animal cartilage (that's gristle, on your plate) is the only dietary source of chondroitin.
DOSAGE: The usual dosage of chondroitin is 400 mg taken 3 times daily, indefinitely.
DATA: Most (but not all) double-blind, placebo-controlled studies indicate that chondroitin can relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis.

The recent, national study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the National Institutes of Health, Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) compared the effects with these treaments to those of Pfizer's NSAID drug, the COX-2 inhibitor, Celexa. For the participants regularly experiencing moderate-to-severe pain from arthritis, the chondroitin sulfate/glucosamine worked best, with 89% finding significant pain relief. The results may have been even stronger in other areas, had researchers used the more bio-available glucosamine sulfate. The results have been seen by some to be skewed to read as an endorsement of the large pharmaceutical companies and their often very expensive drugs. From the GAIT study results (underlining is ours):

Should people with osteoarthritis use glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate?
People with osteoarthritis should work with their health care provider to develop a comprehensive plan for managing their arthritis pain: eat right, exercise, lose excess weight, and use proven pain medications. If people have moderate-to-severe pain, they should talk with their health care provider about whether glucosamine plus chondroitin sulfate is an appropriate treatment option.

Chondroitin has also been studied as a treatment for other conditions, such as atherosclerosis and high cholesterol, but to little or no effect.
CAUTIONS: Chondroitin is generally well tolerated.

If you are taking any blood-thinning medications, consult with your doctor before using chondroitin, just to be on the safe side.

Be patient: the positive effects of chondroitin supplementation may take several weeks to become noticeable.
FOR MORE
INFORMATION:		 Brigham Women's/Faulkner Hospitals' website has a detailed chondroitin entry.

NYBC Supplement Fact Sheet: Glucosamine

SUPPLEMENT Vol. 1, Issue 4: "Supplements in the News: Don't Believe the Gripe!"
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PRODUCTS:		 Glucosamine + Chondroitin Combination (Jarrow Formulas) Each bottle, 120 capsules. Each capsule, 500 mg glucosamine and 300mg of chondroitin, both in the sulfate form. Also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 60 mg (100% DV), Manganese (as manganese gluconate) 1 mg (50% DV).
PRODUCT NOTES: Vitamin C and Manganese are required for the synthesis of collagen and cartilage.

Suggested use is two capsules, twice per day. Studies for inflammation suggest 1.5 grams per day. It is recommended to start supplement slowly and build up the dose over a few days.
DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.