Evidence supporting the use of: Chondroitin Sulfate
For the health condition: Cartilage Damage
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Chondroitin sulfate is a naturally occurring component of cartilage and is widely used as a dietary supplement to support joint health and treat cartilage damage, particularly in osteoarthritis. Scientific evidence for its efficacy comes from multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, though results have been mixed. Some studies indicate that chondroitin sulfate supplementation may reduce pain, improve joint function, and slow joint space narrowing in people with osteoarthritis. Notable among these are the MOVES and GAIT trials, which found moderate benefits in subsets of patients, particularly when chondroitin is combined with glucosamine. However, other large studies and systematic reviews have found little or no clinically meaningful benefit compared to placebo. Major guidelines, such as those from the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), recognize chondroitin sulfate as a symptomatic treatment with a favorable safety profile, but generally rate its effectiveness as modest. The variability in trial outcomes may be due to differences in supplement quality, patient populations, and study design. In summary, there is moderate scientific evidence supporting the use of chondroitin sulfate for managing symptoms of cartilage damage in osteoarthritis, but it is not universally effective for all patients. Its use is justified by scientific studies, though the magnitude of its benefit is subject to debate and may be clinically modest.
Other ingredients used for Cartilage Damage
amino acidsanthocyanins
Indian frankincense
bovine gelatin
bromelain
cartilage
chondroitin
collagen
turmeric
curcumin
fish oil
gelatin
ginger
glucosamine
green lipped mussel
green tea
hyaluronic acid
l-proline
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
n-acetyl-glucosamine
omega-3 fatty acids
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
silicon
vitamin C
zinc
Animal Tissue
Bone Protein
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Chymopapain
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Connective tissue growth factor
Drynaria
fibroblast growth factor
Glycosaminoglycans