Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.

Chondroitin sulfate benefits nearly each and every organ system in the body ranging from the musculoskeletal system to the immune system to the skin. Though the human body can naturally produce it on its own, most of what the body requires comes from foods. People also choose chondroitin sulfate as a supplement especially those who find it difficult to get enough through their diets alone. 

In this article, we’ll be discussing how chondroitin sulfate benefits the human body along with recommended dosages and possible side effects. But we’ll start with the basics of this endogenous compound first. So, let’s get started.   

Table of contents 

• What is chondroitin sulfate?
• Chondroitin sulfate properties and functions 
• Chondroitin sulfate benefits 
• How to use chondroitin supplements 
• Precautions and side effects 
• Final words 

What is chondroitin sulfate? 

Chondroitin sulfate is a naturally occurring chemical that provides one of the key building blocks of cartilage. Cartilage is a tissue that cushions bone joints in the body including knee joints, shoulder joints, and hip joints, as well as others. 

Chondroitin sulfate is widely used as a supplement to treat and prevent various health conditions, particularly in osteoarthritis, cataracts, and skin conditions (also read Chondroitin Sulfate for Skin). 

In supplements, chondroitin sulfate is often used in combination with several other ingredients such as glucosamine, collagen peptides, and hyaluronic acid to achieve better outcomes.  

Chondroitin sulfate properties and functions 

Chondroitin sulfate has a number of therapeutic properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and anti-apoptosis that play a wide range of essential roles throughout the body. It helps in wound healing, coagulation, immune responses, cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion. 

Chondroitin sulfate represents a key component in a whole range of molecule signaling that influences nearly all bodily systems and regulates almost everything in the body. In other words, chondroitin sulfate is essential for the proper functioning of all bodily systems as well as optimal human health. 

Chondroitin sulfate benefits 

Some of the areas where chondroitin sulfate benefits the human body include joint health, eye health, cardiovascular health, gut health, nerve health, and urinary health. 

Let’s take a look at some ways how chondroitin sulfate benefits these organ systems:   

Joint health 

Chondroitin sulfate is popularly known for its positive effects on joint health which is why it is widely used with glucosamine to treat and prevent osteoarthritis and its associated symptoms globally. Since it is a key building block of cartilage, chondroitin sulfate has been found highly beneficial to prevent or slow down the process of cartilage breakdown in affected joints. 

A 2011 study published in the International Journal of Rheumatology revealed that chondroitin sulfate along with glucosamine has the potential to slow down the cartilage destruction progression and might help regenerate structural tissues while increasing mobility and reducing pain in joints affected by osteoarthritis. 

Eye Health 

Chondroitin sulfate has an incredible shock-absorbing capacity. It is often used to protect the eye, particularly during the surgical procedure of cataracts. 

Cardiovascular health 

Chondroitin sulfate is found in heart valve and arterial tissues and protects the heart and arteries from several mechanical damages and inflammation. It helps lower the plaque buildup in blood vessel walls called atherosclerosis, which is one of the leading causes of heart death. Studies suggest that chondroitin sulfate supplementation has the potential to reduce the mortality rate caused by cardiovascular disease.  

A 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (JABFM) concluded that regular consumption of chondroitin/glucosamine can reduce all-cause and CVD (cardiovascular disease) mortality.  

Gut health 

Chondroitin sulfate is present in gut mucin, a barrier that separates the intestinal wall and gut flora. This way chondroitin can improve the gut immune response and prevent harmful invaders from invading the gut. 

Moreover, intake of chondroitin sulfate has been found associated with modulating the gut microbiome which plays an important role in reducing inflammation and its associated symptoms. 

How to use chondroitin supplements 

Chondroitin sulfate is available in various forms such as capsules or tablets. The dosages of chondroitin supplements may vary from person to person depending on the aim of taking and specific health conditions. 

In most clinical trials, the dosages range from 800 mg to 2000 mg a day which can be taken by dividing into two to three doses throughout the day. Most clinicians recommend it with foods to avoid symptoms of stomach upset.   

Precautions and side effects 

Chondroitin sulfate is possibly safe for most people when taken as prescribed. Side effects are generally associated with stomach discomfort including nausea, constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. But these are not common.

Chondroitin sulfate has effects on pulmonary functions, heart, and blood coagulation. Therefore, people with asthma, heart issues, and bleeding disorders should consult with their healthcare providers before using it. 

Besides, chondroitin sulfate has an impact on how certain medications work in the body such as blood thinners like warfarin and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin. There is not enough data available to understand whether it is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

Therefore, it’s strongly recommended to consult with a certified natural medicine healthcare professional prior to starting chondroitin supplements, especially if you have asthma or bleeding disorder or you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Final words 

Chondroitin sulfate benefits nearly all bodily systems and is considered essential for all bodily functions as well as optimal health. It has noticeable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoagulant, antimicrobial, and anti-apoptosis properties. 

The most prevalent benefit that chondroitin offers is incredible protection to cells and tissues from inflammation and mechanical damage. Some of the common areas where it produces significant positive impacts include joint health, eye health, gut health, and cardiovascular health. But it’s important to consult with a qualified naturopathic doctor before using any supplements.

Here you can see Vorst”s Advanced Joint Formula Capsules that contain chondroitin sulfate with glucosamine and MSM collagen.  

Important resources: 

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150191/
2. https://www.jabfm.org/content/33/6/842
3. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-744/chondroitin-sulfate
4. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chondroitin#potential-downsides
5. https://www.lifespan.io/topic/what-is-chondroitin-sulfate-and-what-are-its-effects/
6. https://www.rxlist.com/chondroitin_sulfate/supplements.htm
7. https://www.verywellhealth.com/chondroitin-information-189549#:~:text=Chondroitin%20sulfate%20may%20slow%20blood,caution%20in%20people%20with%20asthma
8. https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-2828008
9. https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/chondroitin/