Chondroitin sulfate
Chondroitin Sulfate[edit | edit source]
Chondroitin sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composed of a chain of alternating sugars (N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid). It is a major component of connective tissues found in cartilage, bone, skin, ligaments, and tendons. Chondroitin sulfate is often used as a dietary supplement for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Structure[edit | edit source]
Chondroitin sulfate is a linear polysaccharide that consists of repeating disaccharide units. Each disaccharide unit is composed of a N-acetylgalactosamine and a glucuronic acid molecule. The sulfate groups can be attached to different positions on the sugar residues, leading to various forms of chondroitin sulfate, such as chondroitin sulfate A, C, D, and E.
Function[edit | edit source]
Chondroitin sulfate plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of cartilage. It provides resistance to compression and contributes to the elasticity of cartilage. In addition, chondroitin sulfate is involved in the repair and regeneration of cartilage tissue. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage.
Medical Uses[edit | edit source]
Chondroitin sulfate is commonly used as a dietary supplement for the management of osteoarthritis. It is believed to reduce pain and improve joint function by maintaining the health of cartilage. Some studies suggest that chondroitin sulfate may slow the progression of osteoarthritis by reducing cartilage loss.
Sources[edit | edit source]
Chondroitin sulfate is naturally found in animal cartilage, such as that of sharks and bovine sources. It is often extracted from these sources for use in dietary supplements. Synthetic production of chondroitin sulfate is also possible, although it is less common.
Safety and Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Chondroitin sulfate is generally considered safe for most people when taken as a supplement. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially for individuals with allergies or medical conditions.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
