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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Compound

Chondroitin

aka Chondroitin sulfate

Cartilage glycosaminoglycan used with glucosamine for joint support.

Joint & Connective Tissue

Overview

Cartilage glycosaminoglycan used with glucosamine for joint support.

Natural sources
  • Bovine/porcine cartilage
  • Shark cartilage
Common forms
  • Chondroitin sulfate

Mechanism of action

Major component of cartilage extracellular matrix.

Pathways
  • · GAG/ECM support

Effects on the body

Supports
Cartilage matrix

Organ system effects

Joints

Slows joint space narrowing in some RCTs.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces OA symptoms and slows structural progression

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
    Rare
      Serious

        Drug interactions

        No notable interactions reported.

        Supplement interactions

        Pairs well with

        None listed.

        Avoid combining with

        No specific avoidances listed.

        Dosing & bioavailability

        Typical dose
        800–1200 mg/d

        Where to buy

        Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

        Compound
        Chondroitin
        Amazon
        Wide selection · fast shipping
        Compound
        Chondroitin
        iHerb
        Global delivery · curated brands
        Compound
        Chondroitin
        Thorne
        Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

        Scientific evidence (8)

        Meta-analysisCochrane Database · 2015

        Chondroitin for osteoarthritis pain

        Singh JA, et al.

        Cochrane review of chondroitin trials in OA.

        Key findings

        Small but significant pain reduction; joint space preservation.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Chondroitin — Reduces OA symptoms and slows structural progression

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Chondroitin Reduces OA symptoms and slows structural progression" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chondroitin and "Reduces OA symptoms and slows structural progression". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Chondroitin — randomized controlled trial

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Chondroitin randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chondroitin and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Chondroitin — meta-analysis

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Chondroitin meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chondroitin and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Chondroitin — pharmacokinetics

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Chondroitin pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chondroitin and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Chondroitin — safety adverse events

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Chondroitin safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chondroitin and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Chondroitin — dose response

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Chondroitin dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chondroitin and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

        Google Scholar: Chondroitin — clinical evidence

        Live Scholar search

        Cross-database citation index for Chondroitin as it relates to "clinical evidence".

        Key findings

        Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

        Open study
        Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.