Chondroitin Sulfate (CS) is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composed of a chain of alternating sugars, that is, the N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid with variable sulfation along with the polysaccharide. Chondroitin Sulfate is usually found or attached to proteins as part of a proteoglycan which are proteins that are highly glycosylated. Chondroitin Sulfate is an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement and it could be found in pharmacist stores and supermarkets.

Although chondroitin sulfate is found in the body, it is notably a major component of the proteoglycan aggrecan, and as such, it is an essential component of the formation of cartilage tissue.

Why then do people take Chondroitin Sulfate supplements?

As a preliminary before answering the question above, one should understand that cartilage is a specialized connective tissue that consists mainly of extracellular matrix (ECM) which includes Type II Collagen, Hyaluronan, Aggrecan, and Chondrocytes, and the destruction of these components is the significant characteristic and features of Osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis is the most common ailment of the synovial joints in middle-aged and older persons.

Studies have shown that taking chondroitin sulfate might slow the breakdown of cartilage in the joint and help reduce osteoarthritis. Studies have also found that taking chondroitin sulfate can prevent cartilage, the tough connective tissue that buffers the joints from breaking down and can also stimulate its repair mechanisms.

From the foregoing, it is realized that chondroitin sulfate is a natural substance used for the treatment of Osteoarthritis as a health condition and this is one of the major reasons people take chondroitin sulfate. Moreover, studies and experiments have shown that chondroitin sulfate is an essential and vital component of the cartilage and it plays an important role in the elasticity and function of articular cartilage where it is mainly attached covalently to core proteins in the form of proteoglycans. In fact, Chondroitin Sulfate has proven to be a crucial and important component of the joint Extracellular Matrix (ECM). Chondroitin Sulfate, as a supplement, when taken is also popularly known to play crucial and vital roles in decreasing the development and amelioration of joint or cartilage diseases.

Furthermore, in addition to the major components that constitute the proteoglycans in articular cartilage, Chondroitin Sulfate also aids various processes in the resolution and treatment of Osteoarthritis. It has been reported that Chondroitin Sulfate reflectively interrelates with interleukin (IL-1β) to reduce its inflammatory reactions. As a matter of fact, Chondroitin Sulfate does not only portray a Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs (ADAMTS) characteristics by interfering with interleukin (IL-1β), but, it increases the expression of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the human articular chondrocytes.

Delving further, it has also been noted that people take chondroitin sulfate a bit to upregulate and boost the synthesis and development of hyaluronan, an anionic polysaccharide that is used as a carrier for cells to regenerate various tissues in the body. It also boosts glucosamine, an amino sugar, and is a prominent precursor in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids. More so, using Chondroitin Sulfate maintains and protects the Type II Collagens which are the main component of cartilage in the body. Evidence has also shown that Chondroitin Sulfate improves the state of the bovine and human chondrocytes while it helps to lower the effect of enzymes responsible for cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown.

A popular opinion also has it that Chondroitin Sulfate helps give the cartilage its elastic properties and it is thought to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can help to reduce the painful swelling in the joints that occurs when the exposed bones in the joint rub together.

In addition, chondroitin sulfate may also help slow down and reduce the breakdown of cartilage and also help restore wearing and tearing cartilage growth to better cushion the joints while it reduces the chances of Osteoarthritis.

These factors have made Chondroitin Sulfate a particularly important component in the design of tissue formation in resolving Osteoarthritis. Chondroitin Sulfate is often used together with other ingredients, including supplements like manganese ascorbate, which activates various enzymes in the body for proper digestion and utilization of foods, hyaluronic acid, which helps decrease inflammation and swelling, collagen peptides, used to improve the joints conditions.

However, reports have shown that people who suffer from asthma, or prostate cancer should be cautious in taking chondroitin supplements without a medical prescription from a medicinal doctor. This is because there has been some concern that chondroitin sulfate might make asthmatic conditions worse, therefore, people that suffer from asthma are advised to reduce or limit their use of chondroitin sulfate. Likewise, research has suggested that chondroitin sulfate might cause the spread or recurrence of prostate cancer in patients suffering from prostate cancer although its effect has not been shown with chondroitin sulfate. However, until there are more factual propositions, it is advisable and recommended that patient that suffers from prostate cancer or patients that are at risk of developing prostate cancer should reduce their usage of chondroitin sulfate.

In summary, the basic reason people take chondroitin sulfate is to improve their body components to maintain, protect, and rejuvenated the cartilage in the body as well as other chemical components such as the hyaluronic acids, chondrocytes etcetera to fight against the causes of Osteoarthritis. In fact, people take Chondroitin Sulfate for its cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory effects as well as the treatment of Osteoarthritis.

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