No, not all available products are the same. Chondroitin may come from bovine (cow), porcine (pig), or marine sources, or can be made through a process of bacterial fermentation (and therefore can be free from animal products). Different sources produce different structures of chondroitin, although the efficacy of chondroitin from all sources is thought to be similar.[1]
Another difference between supplements is whether the quality and quantity of chondroitin in the supplement has been verified. Over-the-counter food supplements are not monitored, and one study noted that these can contain far less chondroitin than stated on the label, and in some cases almost none.[2] With this in mind, people interested in supplementing with chondroitin to ameliorate osteoarthritis should consider seeking a prescription for pharmaceutical products, if any are available.[3][4]
References
- ^Schiraldi C, Cimini D, De Rosa MProduction of chondroitin sulfate and chondroitin.Appl Microbiol Biotechnol.(2010-Jul)
- ^da Cunha AL, de Oliveira LG, Maia LF, de Oliveira LF, Michelacci YM, de Aguiar JAPharmaceutical grade chondroitin sulfate: Structural analysis and identification of contaminants in different commercial preparations.Carbohydr Polym.(2015-Dec-10)
- ^Brito R, Costa D, Dias C, Cruz P, Barros PChondroitin Sulfate Supplements for Osteoarthritis: A Critical Review.Cureus.(2023-Jun)
- ^Bruyère O, Honvo G, Veronese N, Arden NK, Branco J, Curtis EM, Al-Daghri NM, Herrero-Beaumont G, Martel-Pelletier J, Pelletier JP, Rannou F, Rizzoli R, Roth R, Uebelhart D, Cooper C, Reginster JYAn updated algorithm recommendation for the management of knee osteoarthritis from the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO).Semin Arthritis Rheum.(2019-Dec)