Chondroitin Sulfate
To understand the role of Chondroitin Sulfate (CS) in joint tissue, we need to examine the structure of cartilage. The two primary components of cartilage are collagen and proteoglycans. Collagen consists of long strands of protein while proteoglycans contain long chains of repeating sugars called glycosaminoglycans. The most predominant of the glycosaminoglycans is chondroitin sulfate. Proteoglycans are intertwined with collagen fibers and the CS portion acts as a "water magnet". The ability of CS to hold water gives a rigidity to the cartilage and also acts as a "shock absorber".

A good analogy is a sponge. By itself, the sponge represents cartilage without any CS. It absorbs water readily but, when compressed, it releases the water just as quickly with minimal energy absorption. The same sponge with CS added would hold the absorbed water, releasing it slowly as pressure is applied. Joint cartilage behaves in a similar manner. The Chondroitin in the proteoglycan absorbs and holds water, releasing it slowly as the joint bears weight. This slow release permits the joint to absorb energy and act as a shock absorber.

As with all body tissue, cartilage components are constantly breaking down and being replaced. Joints that are abused or damaged by sports or just the aging process itself are no longer able to replace cartilage components as fast as they are lost. Like an engine without enough oil, the damaged cartilage begins to wear down more rapidly. This process continues with time until little or no cartilage is left in the affected joint. The resulting pain and stiffness is typical of advanced osteoarthritis.

Oral supplementation with CS has been clinically shown to reduce joint pain and stiffness due to osteoarthritis. Although the actual mechanism is not proven, it is generally accepted that CS and its metabolites are absorbed in the blood stream from the GI tract, transported to the joint, and used by the remaining cartilage to manufacture new replacement chondroitin and proteoglycans. The net effect is to maximize both joint lubricity and shock absorbance which, in turn, reduces joint pain and stiffness. Chondroitin also protects existing cartilage from premature breakdown by inhibiting enzymatic degradation. In addition, CS reportedly works synergistically with glucosamine to maintain joint health.

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