Chondroitin Sulfate VS Glucosamine
Chondroitin Sulfate in Cartilage
Chondroitin sulfate (abbreviated CS) is a natural chemical compound that is commonly found in the human body. It is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan and contains a complex sugar chain. There is a large amount of chondroitin sulfate present in the connective tissues of the human body, such as cartilage, bone, and tendons. You can also find large-scale artificial chondroitin sulfate made from animal cartilage.
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a common dietary supplement used to treat joint diseases. For one thing, human bodies require abundant CS to maintain healthy cartilage and bones. Our bones and cartilage would lose their resistance and elasticity if we do not acquire enough chondroitin. For another, CS concentration could promote cell growth and matrix regeneration, which assists to alleviate cartilage damage as well.
Chondroitin Sulfate for Osteoarthritis
Let’s discuss the effect of chondroitin sulfate on joint diseases with the specific case of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common arthritis. As a major cause of pain and disability, OA is regarded as a type of chronic cancer. Millions of US people have been dogged by such illness, and countless money was wasted on the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Luckily, chondroitin sulfate and other dietary supplements offer therapeutic interventions for osteoarthritis. With CA supplements, those people suffering from osteoarthritis would no longer be bothered by pain, swelling, and stiffness. Chondroitin sulfate would also relieve their symptoms with its anti-inflammatory effects.
Chondroitin sulfate could be used in the treatment of cataracts as well. FDA approved to employ chondroitin sulfate and sodium hyaluronate together for protection in cataract surgery. All these ingredients are applied to keep joints and cartilage healthy.
Chondroitin Sulfate: Safety and Dosage
Chondroitin sulfate is rather safe to take since it has been sold for medicinal purposes for over 40 years. And you could find thousands of positive reviews of such supplements. However, please remember to follow the instructions below.
- Dosage
An adult takes 800 to 1200 mg every day for up to 2 years. It takes weeks to see the effect of chondroitin sulfate, but you’d better take the supplement less than 6 years. If you are going to get a larger amount of CS or take it for a longer time, ask your healthcare adviser in advance.
- Precaution
Do not take this supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have asthma, do not use chondroitin sulfate since it might make your case worse. Employ CS cautiously to avoid side effects like stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
Which Is Better, Glucosamine or Chondroitin?
Chondroitin sulfate has many alternatives. Glucosamine is one of them. It takes the form of sulfate or hydrochloride. It is a natural monosaccharide that can be found in the synovial fluid and other joint structures of the human body, while chondroitin generally appears in human cartilage and bones.
As for medical functions, glucosamine serves as a relief to joint issues as well. It could promote the production of proteoglycan, which is an important component of the cartilage matrix. Besides, glucosamine also prevents the production of free radicals in injured cells, and the human body absorbs glucosamine supplements easily. In a word, glucosamine is also of great help for those with osteoarthritis.
There are many more options to reduce joint pain. You can glucosamine, vitamins, calcium supplements, SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine), and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane). Do more physical exercise if allowed. Take surgery if other treatments do not work.
Related reading: What is the Difference Between Glucosamine Sulfate And Chondroitin Sulfate?
Conclusion
Chondroitin sulfate is a natural substance found in human cartilage that is used to alleviate osteoarthritis and other joint illnesses. Stanford Chemicals Company (SCC) is a leading supplier of quality chondroitin sulfate and related products. Send us an inquiry if you are interested.
