Chondroitin sulphate is a key structural component of cartilage, synovial fluid and ligaments. This guide explains what chondroitin is, how it supports joint health, and how much to take daily.
🕒 3 min read
What is Chondroitin?
Chondroitin is a nutrient found naturally in the body’s connective tissue and is one of the structural components of joint cartilage. Structural components like this help keep our joints healthy, meaning you can bend, move and walk naturally. Nutrients like chondroitin and glucosamine are vital for this reason — they can help us move and put pressure on joints. If you’re in pain due to conditions like arthritis, taking chondroitin may limit joint pain, making it easier to move.
What Does Chondroitin Do?
Inside your joints, chondroitin sulphate connects with proteins to create long strands called proteoglycans. When these link with hyaluronic acid, they form flexible, spring-like structures that help reinforce the cartilage framework, making it more elastic and resilient.
Proteoglycans also draw in water, which enhances the lubricating effect of synovial fluid — the natural “oil” that cushions and protects your joints.
In addition, chondroitin sends out biological signals that slow down enzymes involved in cartilage breakdown, encourage the production of type II collagen, and appear to reduce inflammation.
With age, cartilage cells gradually produce less chondroitin, a change that has been linked with declining cartilage quality and the development of degenerative joint conditions.
What is Chondroitin Good For?
Joint health
Chondroitin sulphate may benefit several different types of cells found in joints, such as synoviocytes (which secrete synovial fluid), osteocytes (subchondral bone cells), and chondrocytes (which secrete cartilage). Through its structure-modifying effects, chondroitin can help reduce some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis. In the majority of studies, people who have taken chondroitin sulphate show a significant reduction in cartilage loss when compared to placebos, showing that there is a practical, non-operative and straightforward way to protect joint cartilage and delay the progression and wider symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Longevity
Chondroitin can support longevity by protecting against a number of health conditions. A study that monitored over 77,000 people for eight years found that taking either glucosamine or chondroitin was associated with a decreased risk of mortality. The study found that those taking chondroitin (with or without glucosamine) were 14% less likely to die from various life-threatening illnesses than non-users. These illnesses include cancer and respiratory disease.
How Much Chondroitin Should I Take Per Day?
Chondroitin supplements can be taken twice daily with water, either at the same time or as a divided dose. If you are taking any prescribed medication, breastfeeding, pregnant or have any medical conditions, you should always consult with a healthcare professional before taking chondroitin supplements.
What Else Can Help With Joint Pain?
Many supplements can support joint pain, flexibility, and bone health, improving longevity and slowing down the impact of conditions like osteoarthritis.
- ChondroMax® Advanced Joint Support: Contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and vitamin C to support joint cartilage. After one month of taking the supplement, 80% of people saw reduced joint discomfort.
- Fast Release ChondroMax® 70 Plus: Offers fast-acting support for the over-70s. Added calcium and vitamin D3 help support joint cartilage and bone health.
- Optiflex® Glucosamine HCl 1325mg with Vitamin C: Maximum level of pure glucosamine; vegan-friendly from a sustainable plant-based source. Vitamin C helps support joint cartilage and collagen formation.
ChondroMax Advanced Joint Support
No. 1 best-selling glucosamine and chondroitin | Max Strength 1,800 mg daily dose | 80% of people saw reduced joint discomfort after one month | Vitamin C to support joint cartilage
- No. 1 best-selling glucosamine & chondroitin
- Max strength 1,800 mg daily dose
- 80% reported reduced joint discomfort after one month
- With vitamin C to support joint cartilage