Chondroitin: What It Is, What It’s Used For, Benefits and How to Take It

Carlos Sánchez 8 min. of reading Joint Health Leave a comment

Have you noticed chondroitin on the labels of many joint health supplements but aren’t quite sure what it is? Chondroitin is a natural component of cartilage that is also commonly used in formulations combined with glucosamine.

In this article, we’ll explain what chondroitin is, what it does in the body, where it’s found, how to take it and what precautions you should keep in mind.

What is chondroitin?

Chondroitin sulphate, commonly known as chondroitin, is a sulphated glycosaminoglycan naturally found in various tissues throughout the body, particularly in cartilage.

It forms part of the extracellular matrix of cartilage, where it is associated with proteins to form structures known as proteoglycans, such as aggrecan.

Chondroitin is one of the structural components of the cartilage matrix, the tissue that covers the ends of bones within joints.

It is also available as an ingredient in food supplements, either on its own or combined with other substances, particularly glucosamine.

What does chondroitin do in the body?

Chondroitin plays a structural role in cartilage as part of the proteoglycans that make up its extracellular matrix.

Its molecular chains carry negative electrical charges that promote water attraction and retention. This characteristic contributes to the physical properties of cartilage, particularly its ability to withstand compressive forces.

Articular cartilage has a specialised composition that allows it to distribute loads and facilitate movement between joint surfaces.

It is important to distinguish between the physiological functions of chondroitin naturally present in the body and the potential effects of consuming it through food supplements, as these should not be considered equivalent.

Chondroitin and cartilage: what’s the connection?

Articular cartilage is a specialised tissue made up of cells called chondrocytes and an extracellular matrix composed mainly of water, collagen and proteoglycans.

Among these proteoglycans is aggrecan, a molecule containing glycosaminoglycan chains, including chondroitin sulphate.

These structures contribute to the mechanical properties of cartilage, particularly its ability to retain water and withstand the forces generated during movement.

The importance of movement for joint health

Articular cartilage does not have its own blood vessels. Much of its nutrient exchange occurs through diffusion from the synovial fluid, a process in which movement and changes in mechanical loading play an important role.

For this reason, maintaining regular physical activity adapted to individual abilities is one of the foundations of joint care.

As we get older, changes in joint tissues may occur. Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, previous injuries or exposure to loads exceeding the tissues’ ability to adapt can influence joint health.

A balanced diet, physical exercise and maintaining a healthy body composition are important aspects of an active lifestyle.

If you experience persistent joint discomfort, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause.

Chondroitin and glucosamine: two complementary compounds for cartilage

Chondroitin and glucosamine are two substances closely associated with the structure of cartilage. Although they have different characteristics, both are involved in the composition of its structural components, which explains why they are frequently combined in food supplements.

Chondroitin: is a glycosaminoglycan that forms part of the proteoglycans found in the extracellular matrix of cartilage, which are associated with its ability to retain water and withstand compressive forces.
Glucosamine: is an amino sugar that acts as a precursor in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and other components of the extracellular matrix of cartilage.

This relationship helps explain why both ingredients are often used together: while glucosamine is involved in the formation of structural components of cartilage, chondroitin forms part of some of these structures.

Therefore, their combination is a common formulation that brings together two compounds with related and complementary physiological functions, although this does not mean that taking them together has been proven to be more effective.

Where is chondroitin found and how is it obtained?

Chondroitin occurs naturally in the cartilage of various animal species, where it forms part of the proteoglycans found in the extracellular matrix.

Some dishes prepared using cartilaginous tissues may contain components of these structures. However, their quantities are not standardised and depend on the raw materials and preparation method.

For this reason, it is not possible to establish a precise amount of chondroitin provided by foods such as broths made from bones and connective tissues.

Sources of chondroitin used in food supplements

Chondroitin sulphate commonly used in food supplements is obtained from raw materials of animal origin, primarily cartilage.

Possible sources include:

Bovine origin: cattle cartilage.
Porcine origin: pig cartilage.
Marine origin: cartilage from certain fish species.

The specific source depends on the manufacturer and the raw material used.

Therefore, it is important to always check the ingredients list and product label information, especially if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.

How to take chondroitin and what is the usual daily dose?

Chondroitin is available in different forms, mainly capsules and tablets, either on its own or combined with glucosamine and other ingredients. It can also be found in powder form.

Food supplements commonly provide between 1,000 and 1,200 mg of chondroitin sulphate per day, a range also used in various HSN formulations.

These amounts fall within the ranges studied in scientific research. However, this does not mean that there is a universally optimal dose or that taking chondroitin guarantees specific joint benefits.

When taking chondroitin, keep the following recommendations in mind:

Follow the recommended daily dose indicated on the product label.
Do not exceed the daily amount established by the manufacturer.
Check the amount of chondroitin sulphate provided per daily serving.
If you use a combined formula, also check the amounts of glucosamine and the other ingredients.
Consult a healthcare professional if you take medication or have an existing medical condition.

Discover HSN food supplements containing chondroitin and check the composition and recommended use of each product.

Chondroitin precautions and contraindications

Although chondroitin is a substance naturally present in the body, certain precautions should be considered when using it as a food supplement.

Anticoagulant treatment: potential interactions have been reported with medicines such as warfarin. If you take anticoagulants, including acenocoumarol, or antiplatelet medication, consult your doctor before taking chondroitin.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: due to limited information regarding its safety in these circumstances, its use is not recommended without medical advice.
Food allergies: check the source of the chondroitin and the other ingredients. Some glucosamine formulations may be derived from raw materials obtained from crustaceans.
Medical conditions or treatments: consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.

Furthermore, food supplements should not be used as substitutes for medical treatments or a varied and balanced diet.

What does scientific research say about chondroitin?

Chondroitin is one of the most extensively studied compounds in the field of joint health, particularly because of its natural presence in cartilage structure and its use in food supplements.

Over the years, numerous clinical trials and systematic reviews have investigated chondroitin sulphate, both on its own and in combination with glucosamine, primarily in people with knee osteoarthritis.

Some studies have reported favourable results for certain measures related to pain and joint function, helping to maintain scientific interest in this compound.

However, results may vary depending on factors such as the formulation used, dosage, duration of the intervention and characteristics of the participants. Therefore, interpreting the available evidence requires consideration of the specific features of each study.

Overall, chondroitin continues to attract scientific interest, both for its structural role in cartilage and for research evaluating its use in different clinical settings.

Frequently asked questions about chondroitin

Is chondroitin the same as glucosamine?
No. Chondroitin is a glycosaminoglycan found in the extracellular matrix of cartilage, whereas glucosamine is an amino sugar involved in the formation of various structural components.
Although both substances are associated with cartilage composition, they have different chemical structures and functions.
Is chondroitin of animal origin?
Chondroitin commonly used in food supplements comes from animal cartilage, including bovine, porcine and marine sources.
It is advisable to check the specific source on the product label.
Can chondroitin be taken together with glucosamine?
Chondroitin sulphate is the form in which chondroitin is commonly included in food supplements. It is a sulphated glycosaminoglycan naturally present in cartilage, primarily obtained from raw materials of animal origin.
In supplements, it is used both on its own and in combination with other ingredients, particularly glucosamine, due to the relationship between both compounds and the structure of cartilage tissue.
How long can you take chondroitin?
The duration of supplementation should be adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions and individual circumstances. Under normal conditions, however, taking regular breaks is not necessary.
If long-term use is being considered, particularly by people taking medication or living with a medical condition, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional beforehand.