Chondroitin Sulfate

. . . .for healthy joints and cartilage*

Features & Benefits

• Helps maintain fluid levels in joint cartilage*1,2

• Inhibits enzyme breakdown of cartilage*1,2,3,4

• Stimulates the production of collagen and proteoglycans in cartilage*1,2

• Helps build and stabilize the collagen framework*2

Facts About Chondroitin Sulfate

                Joints— the points where bones meet—are cushioned by a layer of resilient tissue called cartilage. Cartilage cushions the bones and provides a smooth, slippery surface over which the bones can easily glide. Healthy cartilage is comprised of collagen (a protein), proteoglycans (large molecules of protein and sugar), and water. Criss-crossing fibers of collagen act as the framework for cartilage, while proteoglycans are interlaced with the collagen fibers to help trap water within the cartilage structure. Chondroitin sulfate and other glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) join with proteoglycans to fill in the spaces of the collagen framework.

                Chondroitin sulfate is a mucopolysaccharide  whose main function is to act as a structural component in connective tissue.*2 It has a negative electrical charge, which pushes each molecule of chondroitin sulfate slightly apart from other nearby molecules to create spaces within the cartilage matrix that can be filled with water.*2 These pockets of water in cartilage allow a joint to absorb shock and spring back after being compressed during normal body movements.

                Cartilage also contains cells called chondrocytes, which produce collagen and proteoglycans. The chondrocytes also secrete enzymes to naturally degrade old collagen and proteoglycan molecules, making room for new molecules. Under some circumstances the enzymatic breakdown of cartilage occurs more quickly than the production of new cartilage cells. Chondroitin sulfate, because it inhibits several of  these degrading enzymes, help protect the proteoglycans and collagen in cartilage.*1,2,3,4  One study that involved giving 800 mg per day of oral chondroitin sulfate supplements to a group of 12 people with cartilage degeneration for five days, found that the chondroitin sulfate significantly decreased the levels of certain cartilage-degrading enzymes.*1 

                Another clinical trial, using daily oral doses of 1,200 mg (400 mg 3 times per day) of chondroitin sulfate, or an inactive placebo, for one year in 226 adults with thinning cartilage, found that the cartilage of those taking the chondroitin sulfate was better protected.*3  In addition, the chondroitin sulfate group showed significant improvements in joint mobility and many fewer reports of aches.*3 Side effects were noted, such as upset stomach, in 7% of participants, but were mild to moderate (not requiring discontinuation of therapy).3

                Overall, chondroitin sulfate (at a standard dose of 1,200 mg daily) has been shown by scientific research to support healthy joint cartilage through several mechanisms, including the inhibition of enzymes which would otherwise degrade cartilage, the attraction of water into the cartilage structure, and the stimulation of cells to produce new cartilage cells.* 2  In addition, because chondroitin sulfate occurs naturally in the body, supplements cause little or no adverse side effects.4

Nature’s Life Chondroitin Sulfate 400 mg helps maintain cartilage and healthy joint function* and is very low in sodium.  It is available in 100-capsule bottles, and as a combo pack with Nature’s Life GS 500 (glucosamine sulfate 500 mg).

References

1. Conte A, Volpi N, Palmieri L, et al. Biochemical and pharmacokinetic aspects of oral           treatment with chondroitin sulfate. Arzneim-Forsch 1995;45:918-925

2. Soldani G and Romagnoli J. Experimental and clinical pharmacology of glycosamino-glycans (GAGs), Drugs Exper Clin Res 1991;XVII(1):81-85

3. Pipitone V, Amabanelli U, Cervini C, et al. A multicenter, triple-blind study to evaluate galactosaminoglucuronoglycan sulfate versus placebo in patients with femorotibial gonarthritis. Curr Ther Res

4. Pipitone VR. Chondroprotection with chondroitin sulfate. Drugs Exper Clin Res          1991;XVII(1):3-7