Evidence supporting the use of: Chondroitin (unspecified)
For the health condition: Cartilage Damage

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Chondroitin is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan that is a major component of cartilage. Its use as a dietary supplement for supporting or treating cartilage damage is primarily justified by scientific investigation, though the evidence is moderate and sometimes conflicting. Numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses have examined chondroitin, often in combination with glucosamine, for the management of osteoarthritis—a condition involving cartilage breakdown. Several systematic reviews, such as a 2015 Cochrane review, found that chondroitin may provide modest improvement in pain and function in osteoarthritis patients, with some evidence suggesting it can slow joint space narrowing, a marker of cartilage loss. However, other large, high-quality studies like the GAIT trial have reported no significant benefit over placebo.

Mechanistically, chondroitin is thought to contribute to cartilage structure and inhibit enzymes that degrade cartilage. Its efficacy is more consistently supported in knee osteoarthritis, but benefits are generally small and may not be clinically significant for all individuals. Regulatory bodies such as the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) have conditionally recommended chondroitin for osteoarthritis, citing favorable safety and limited effectiveness, while organizations like the American College of Rheumatology do not recommend it due to inconsistent evidence. Overall, chondroitin is widely used and studied, with moderate scientific support for its role in managing cartilage damage, especially in osteoarthritis.

More about Chondroitin (unspecified)
More about Cartilage Damage

Other health conditions supported by Chondroitin (unspecified)

Arthritis
Cartilage Damage

Products containing Chondroitin (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.