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.<a href="#ref-16" id="ref-link-16" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Schiraldi C, Cimini D, De Rosa M. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20521042" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Production of chondroitin sulfate and chondroitin.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Appl Microbiol Biotechnol (2010-Jul)&lt;/div&gt;'>[16]</a>
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.<a href="#ref-17" id="ref-link-17" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;da Cunha AL, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26428128" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Pharmaceutical grade chondroitin sulfate: Structural analysis and identification of contaminants in different commercial preparations.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Carbohydr Polym (2015-Dec-10)&lt;/div&gt;'>[17]</a> 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.<a href="#ref-15" id="ref-link-15" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Brito R, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37431333" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements for Osteoarthritis: A Critical Review.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Cureus (2023-Jun)&lt;/div&gt;'>[15]</a><a href="#ref-1" id="ref-link-1" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Bruyère O, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31126594" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;An 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).
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Semin Arthritis Rheum (2019-Dec)&lt;/div&gt;'>[1]</a>

Are all chondroitin products the same?

Chondroitin is a glycosaminoglycan. It consists of long polysaccharide chains with a repeating disaccharide structure. Supplements are taken in the form of chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin is found naturally in cartilage, where it helps prevent tissue breakdown and provides mechanical support for the joints.<a href="#ref-3" id="ref-link-3" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Pal D, Saha S. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35530463" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Chondroitin: a natural biomarker with immense biomedical applications.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;RSC Adv (2019-Sep-03)&lt;/div&gt;'>[3]</a><a href="#ref-4" id="ref-link-4" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Hochberg MC. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20399895" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Structure-modifying effects of chondroitin sulfate in knee osteoarthritis: an updated meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of 2-year duration.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Osteoarthritis Cartilage (2010-Jun)&lt;/div&gt;'>[4]</a>

What is chondroitin?

Chondroitin is most commonly used to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis, and is often taken with <a href="/supplements/glucosamine/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Glucosamine&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Glucosamine is a supplement obtained from the shell of shellfish that may slightly delay the progression of knee osteoarthritis and collagen degradation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">glucosamine</a>. In people with <a href="/conditions/osteoarthritis/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Osteoarthritis&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease involving cartilage degradation. It’s not clear what exactly causes OA, but some risk factors include joint injury, overweight or obesity, aging, misaligned joints, and family history. Lots of supplements have been studied in people with OA, as have lifestyle interventions including weight loss and exercise.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">osteoarthritis</a>, chondroitin supplementation may help with pain and joint stiffness, and may slow down the progression of the disease. Despite its popularity as an osteoarthritis treatment, chondroitin is not consistently found to be helpful in research, with some studies finding no benefit.<a href="#ref-5" id="ref-link-5" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Zhu X, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29980200" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Orthop Surg Res (2018-Jul-06)&lt;/div&gt;'>[5]</a><a href="#ref-6" id="ref-link-6" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;&lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29078060" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Articles of the Hungarian Medical Journal from November, 1991.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Orv Hetil (1991 Nov 3)&lt;/div&gt;'>[6]</a><a href="#ref-4" id="ref-link-4" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Hochberg MC. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20399895" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Structure-modifying effects of chondroitin sulfate in knee osteoarthritis: an updated meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of 2-year duration.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Osteoarthritis Cartilage (2010-Jun)&lt;/div&gt;'>[4]</a>
Chondroitin could be beneficial as an anti-aging supplement used for other degenerative diseases, not only osteoarthritis. Since it has anti-inflammatory properties, it could lower the risk of other aging-related conditions, like heart disease. An association has been found between chondroitin usage and longevity, as well as between chondroitin usage and a lower cardiovascular disease risk. However, there are many confounding factors to be accounted for, and more controlled trials are needed to support these findings.<a href="#ref-7" id="ref-link-7" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Ewald CY. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35821992" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Drug Screening Implicates Chondroitin Sulfate as a Potential Longevity Pill.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Front Aging (2021)&lt;/div&gt;'>[7]</a><a href="#ref-8" id="ref-link-8" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Navarro SL, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25719429" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Randomized trial of glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation on inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma proteomics profiles in healthy humans.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;PLoS One (2015)&lt;/div&gt;'>[8]</a><a href="#ref-9" id="ref-link-9" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Liu B, Yang W, Zhang K. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36715012" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Role of Glucosamine and Chondroitin in the Prevention of Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Nutr Cancer (2023)&lt;/div&gt;'>[9]</a>
Chondroitin may also be used in people with recurrent bladder infections, or in those with interstitial cystitis, an inflammatory bladder condition. It is combined with <a href="/supplements/hyaluronic-acid/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Hyaluronic Acid&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Hyaluronic acid&lt;/em&gt; (HA) is a large polysaccharide that is found naturally throughout the body and in high concentrations in the skin, the joint fluid, and the eye. It plays a role in many important bodily functions, including wound healing, joint lubrication and ovulation. As a supplement, it is most frequently used for joint health, to treat dry eyes, and in anti-aging products for the skin.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">hyaluronic acid</a> and infused into the bladder, where it helps to restore the protective mucous layer of glycosaminoglycans.<a href="#ref-10" id="ref-link-10" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Damiano R, Cicione A. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22046200" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;The role of sodium hyaluronate and sodium chondroitin sulphate in the management of bladder disease.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ther Adv Urol (2011-Oct)&lt;/div&gt;'>[10]</a><a href="#ref-11" id="ref-link-11" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Zhang W, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27614759" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Intravesical treatment for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome: a network meta-analysis.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Int Urogynecol J (2017-Apr)&lt;/div&gt;'>[11]</a>
The use of chondroitin supplements, alone or in combination with glucosamine, has been associated with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer in observational studies. It may have a similar impact on other types of cancer, such as lung cancer. However, more research needs to be done to confirm this and to find the appropriate dosages.<a href="#ref-12" id="ref-link-12" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Khan AA, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35774674" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;The Role of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Cureus (2022-May)&lt;/div&gt;'>[12]</a><a href="#ref-7" id="ref-link-7" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Ewald CY. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35821992" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Drug Screening Implicates Chondroitin Sulfate as a Potential Longevity Pill.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Front Aging (2021)&lt;/div&gt;'>[7]</a>

What are chondroitin’s main benefits?

Chondroitin is considered safe; very few side effects are reported at the recommended dosages.<a href="#ref-13" id="ref-link-13" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Dana E King, Jun Xiang. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33219063" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Glucosamine/Chondroitin and Mortality in a US NHANES Cohort
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Am Board Fam Med (Nov-Dec 2020)&lt;/div&gt;'>[13]</a><a href="#ref-14" id="ref-link-14" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Hathcock JN, Shao A. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16942821" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Risk assessment for glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Regul Toxicol Pharmacol (2007-Feb)&lt;/div&gt;'>[14]</a>ref Occasionally, chondroitin sulfate supplements may cause mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or abdominal cramps.<a href="#ref-15" id="ref-link-15" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Brito R, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37431333" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements for Osteoarthritis: A Critical Review.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Cureus (2023-Jun)&lt;/div&gt;'>[15]</a>

What are chondroitin’s main drawbacks?

Chondroitin is hydrophilic and draws water into cells, which helps with hydration and with mechanical support in the joints. It also helps chondrocytes — the cells that make up cartilage — to regenerate more efficiently, and seems to slow down cell death in these cells. Chondroitin also has anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory immune factors like interleukin-1 and prostaglandins, which may further help arthritis and other diseases of aging.<a href="#ref-7" id="ref-link-7" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Ewald CY. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35821992" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Drug Screening Implicates Chondroitin Sulfate as a Potential Longevity Pill.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Front Aging (2021)&lt;/div&gt;'>[7]</a><a href="#ref-15" id="ref-link-15" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Brito R, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37431333" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements for Osteoarthritis: A Critical Review.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Cureus (2023-Jun)&lt;/div&gt;'>[15]</a>

How does chondroitin work?

Chondroitin

Joints & Bones

An 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).

AMP stimulation of endocytotic transport from canine coronary circulation into myocytes.

Chondroitin: a natural biomarker with immense biomedical applications.

Structure-modifying effects of chondroitin sulfate in knee osteoarthritis: an updated meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of 2-year duration.

Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Articles of the Hungarian Medical Journal from November, 1991.

Drug Screening Implicates Chondroitin Sulfate as a Potential Longevity Pill.

Randomized trial of glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation on inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma proteomics profiles in healthy humans.

Role of Glucosamine and Chondroitin in the Prevention of Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

The role of sodium hyaluronate and sodium chondroitin sulphate in the management of bladder disease.

Intravesical treatment for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome: a network meta-analysis.

The Role of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Glucosamine/Chondroitin and Mortality in a US NHANES Cohort

Risk assessment for glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements for Osteoarthritis: A Critical Review.

Production of chondroitin sulfate and chondroitin.

Pharmaceutical grade chondroitin sulfate: Structural analysis and identification of contaminants in different commercial preparations.

Nick Milazzo

Natalka Roshak

Megan Michaux

Joint Health

Osteoarthritis

Joint Pain (General)

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Effect of glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate on the osteoarthritis progression: a meta-analysis.

Efficacy of Chondroitin Sulfate in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Exploring Inconsistencies in Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials.

Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20521042|title=Production of chondroitin sulfate and chondroitin.|published=2010-Jul|authors=Schiraldi C, Cimini D, De Rosa M|journal=Appl Microbiol Biotechnol|]
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.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26428128|title=Pharmaceutical grade chondroitin sulfate: Structural analysis and identification of contaminants in different commercial preparations.|published=2015-Dec-10|authors=da Cunha AL, de Oliveira LG, Maia LF, de Oliveira LF, Michelacci YM, de Aguiar JA|journal=Carbohydr Polym|] 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.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37431333|title=Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements for Osteoarthritis: A Critical Review.|published=2023-Jun|authors=Brito R, Costa D, Dias C, Cruz P, Barros P|journal=Cureus|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31126594|title=An 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).|published=2019-Dec|authors=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 JY|journal=Semin Arthritis Rheum|]

Chondroitin is a glycosaminoglycan. It consists of long polysaccharide chains with a repeating disaccharide structure. Supplements are taken in the form of chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin is found naturally in cartilage, where it helps prevent tissue breakdown and provides mechanical support for the joints.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35530463|title=Chondroitin: a natural biomarker with immense biomedical applications.|published=2019-Sep-03|authors=Pal D, Saha S|journal=RSC Adv|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20399895|title=Structure-modifying effects of chondroitin sulfate in knee osteoarthritis: an updated meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of 2-year duration.|published=2010-Jun|authors=Hochberg MC|journal=Osteoarthritis Cartilage|]

Chondroitin is most commonly used to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis, and is often taken with <a href="/supplements/glucosamine/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Glucosamine&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Glucosamine is a supplement obtained from the shell of shellfish that may slightly delay the progression of knee osteoarthritis and collagen degradation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">glucosamine</a>. In people with <a href="/conditions/osteoarthritis/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Osteoarthritis&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease involving cartilage degradation. It’s not clear what exactly causes OA, but some risk factors include joint injury, overweight or obesity, aging, misaligned joints, and family history. Lots of supplements have been studied in people with OA, as have lifestyle interventions including weight loss and exercise.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">osteoarthritis</a>, chondroitin supplementation may help with pain and joint stiffness, and may slow down the progression of the disease. Despite its popularity as an osteoarthritis treatment, chondroitin is not consistently found to be helpful in research, with some studies finding no benefit.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29980200|title=Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.|published=2018-Jul-06|authors=Zhu X, Sang L, Wu D, Rong J, Jiang L|journal=J Orthop Surg Res|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29078060|title=Articles of the Hungarian Medical Journal from November, 1991.|published=1991 Nov 3|authors=|journal=Orv Hetil|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20399895|title=Structure-modifying effects of chondroitin sulfate in knee osteoarthritis: an updated meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of 2-year duration.|published=2010-Jun|authors=Hochberg MC|journal=Osteoarthritis Cartilage|]
Chondroitin could be beneficial as an anti-aging supplement used for other degenerative diseases, not only osteoarthritis. Since it has anti-inflammatory properties, it could lower the risk of other aging-related conditions, like heart disease. An association has been found between chondroitin usage and longevity, as well as between chondroitin usage and a lower cardiovascular disease risk. However, there are many confounding factors to be accounted for, and more controlled trials are needed to support these findings.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35821992|title=Drug Screening Implicates Chondroitin Sulfate as a Potential Longevity Pill.|published=2021|authors=Ewald CY|journal=Front Aging|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25719429|title=Randomized trial of glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation on inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma proteomics profiles in healthy humans.|published=2015|authors=Navarro SL, White E, Kantor ED, Zhang Y, Rho J, Song X, Milne GL, Lampe PD, Lampe JW|journal=PLoS One|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36715012|title=Role of Glucosamine and Chondroitin in the Prevention of Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.|published=2023|authors=Liu B, Yang W, Zhang K|journal=Nutr Cancer|]
Chondroitin may also be used in people with recurrent bladder infections, or in those with interstitial cystitis, an inflammatory bladder condition. It is combined with <a href="/supplements/hyaluronic-acid/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Hyaluronic Acid&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Hyaluronic acid&lt;/em&gt; (HA) is a large polysaccharide that is found naturally throughout the body and in high concentrations in the skin, the joint fluid, and the eye. It plays a role in many important bodily functions, including wound healing, joint lubrication and ovulation. As a supplement, it is most frequently used for joint health, to treat dry eyes, and in anti-aging products for the skin.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">hyaluronic acid</a> and infused into the bladder, where it helps to restore the protective mucous layer of glycosaminoglycans.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22046200|title=The role of sodium hyaluronate and sodium chondroitin sulphate in the management of bladder disease.|published=2011-Oct|authors=Damiano R, Cicione A|journal=Ther Adv Urol|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27614759|title=Intravesical treatment for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome: a network meta-analysis.|published=2017-Apr|authors=Zhang W, Deng X, Liu C, Wang X|journal=Int Urogynecol J|]
The use of chondroitin supplements, alone or in combination with glucosamine, has been associated with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer in observational studies. It may have a similar impact on other types of cancer, such as lung cancer. However, more research needs to be done to confirm this and to find the appropriate dosages.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35774674|title=The Role of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review.|published=2022-May|authors=Khan AA, Mannan V, Pervaiz MA, Akram A, Momin ES, Sanusi M, Kashyap T, Elshaikh AO|journal=Cureus|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35821992|title=Drug Screening Implicates Chondroitin Sulfate as a Potential Longevity Pill.|published=2021|authors=Ewald CY|journal=Front Aging|]

Chondroitin is considered safe; very few side effects are reported at the recommended dosages.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33219063|title=Glucosamine/Chondroitin and Mortality in a US NHANES Cohort|published=Nov-Dec 2020|authors=Dana E King, Jun Xiang|journal=J Am Board Fam Med|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16942821|title=Risk assessment for glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.|published=2007-Feb|authors=Hathcock JN, Shao A|journal=Regul Toxicol Pharmacol|]ref Occasionally, chondroitin sulfate supplements may cause mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or abdominal cramps.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37431333|title=Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements for Osteoarthritis: A Critical Review.|published=2023-Jun|authors=Brito R, Costa D, Dias C, Cruz P, Barros P|journal=Cureus|]

Chondroitin is hydrophilic and draws water into cells, which helps with hydration and with mechanical support in the joints. It also helps chondrocytes — the cells that make up cartilage — to regenerate more efficiently, and seems to slow down cell death in these cells. Chondroitin also has anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory immune factors like interleukin-1 and prostaglandins, which may further help arthritis and other diseases of aging.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35821992|title=Drug Screening Implicates Chondroitin Sulfate as a Potential Longevity Pill.|published=2021|authors=Ewald CY|journal=Front Aging|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37431333|title=Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements for Osteoarthritis: A Critical Review.|published=2023-Jun|authors=Brito R, Costa D, Dias C, Cruz P, Barros P|journal=Cureus|]

Chondroitin

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