Chondroitin sulfate is a supplement used to treat arthritis pain. It is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea and stomach pain. Chondroitin helps form cartilage in the joints, and studies have shown that it can help reduce discomfort in people with osteoarthritis. However, it is not recommended for people with certain conditions or who are taking certain medications. Chondroitin sulfate formulations may also contain glucosamine sulfate and manganese, which can cause side effects such as heartburn and bloating.
Chondroitin sulfate is a dietary supplement most commonly used to help treat arthritis pain. Several studies have shown that it is fairly well tolerated, although some people may experience mild side effects. Some common chondroitin sulfate side effects include nausea and stomach pain, while less common ones may include rash, intestinal upset, and hair loss. There may be additional risks of unwanted effects for people with certain conditions or who are taking certain medications.
In the body, chondroitin helps form cartilage in the joints. This flexible tissue protects the joints from external forces, while helping them to move more easily. When a person has a common form of arthritis called osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joints often begins to break down, causing pain and swelling. Some studies have shown that taking chondroitin sulfate supplements can help reduce this discomfort.
Several of these studies have also shown that there are few side effects of chondroitin sulfate. When side effects do occur, they tend to be mild. For example, some people may experience nausea or stomach pain, especially when taking higher doses. This usually goes away when the supplement is stopped. Less common side effects of chondroitin sulfate can include diarrhea, constipation, rash, headache, and hair loss.
While most people do not experience any unwanted effects, there are some people for whom health care providers generally do not recommend the use of chondroitin sulfate. These may include, for example, people with a history of prostate cancer. This contraindication comes mainly from a study that showed increased levels of chondroitin in the prostate of some men with cancer. Based on this, some experts fear that chondroitin may promote cancer.
Another group of healthcare providers generally cautions against using the supplement in those taking blood-thinning medications. Chondroitin can also thin the blood, so combining the two can increase the risk of bleeding. Lastly, supplements are generally not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, as they have not been studied in these women.
Many chondroitin sulfate formulations also contain glucosamine sulfate, and some contain manganese. Glucosamine and manganese are involved in the formation of joints, so it is believed that they can help with arthritis pain in the same way that chondroitin does. Due to the fact that these ingredients are combined, the side effects caused by glucosamine or manganese can be confused with the side effects of chondroitin sulfate. These can include, for example, heartburn, bloating, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. If these effects are felt, a person can alleviate them by taking a supplement that contains only chondroitin sulfate.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
