| Chondroitin Sulphate for sore joints (Part 2)
A significant research study (Wildi et al, 2011) that confirmed the benefits of high dose Chondroitin sulphate (CS) for joints affected by osteoarthritis (OA). This week we dig a little further. I have no doubt that the correct dose of high grade CS is the most important natural compound to help joints affected by osteoarthritis.
As an example I have been helping a man with OA in both knees. The pain levels had become quite debilitating. We started with a booster dose of 1600mg of high grade chondroitin with the same amount of glucosamine and 400mg of high potency curcumin (from turmeric). After 3 months the pain level had significantly reduced and is now mobile again.
More recent research from the British Medical Journal (May 2017) compared high grade Chondroitin with common anti-inflammatory medication and found that 800mg of CS was beneficial. Researchers commented “This compelling benefit-risk profile, in light of the known clinical risks associated with chronic usage of NSAIDS and paracetamol, underscores the potential importance of pharmaceutical-grade [chondroitin sulfate] in the management of knee [osteoarthritis], especially in the older population requiring long-term treatment,” write the researchers.
The question is how can it help? What does it do to arthritic joints? Researchers (Bottegoni et.al 2014) have found that CS has multiple benefits. Chondroitin, working with glucosamine, helps repair joint cartilage that covers the ends of bones in joints such as the knee joint. It does this by:
- Reducing inflammatory chemicals called cytokines associated with OA. Inflammation (often visible with swelling around the joint) is responsible for much of the pain. Adding curcumin (from turmeric) and EPA (in fish oil) further increases this anti-inflammatory function.
- Collagen is an important part of cartilage matrix. Chondroitin reduces collagen loss through osteoarthritis.
- Chondroitin works as an antioxidant to protect the specialised cells (chondrocytes) that maintain and repair cartilage matrix. Oxidation is the dominant faulty process that causes cartilage loss.
- Chondroitin, with glucosamine slows the rate of cartilage loss as measured by joint space.
- Chondroitin and glucosamine help restore some cartilage function and doing so alleviate pain.
- Chondroitin is well tolerated with no significant side effects.
There are other studies that show up to 30 specific benefits of chondroitin to joints affected by osteoarthritis. If you take a joint product please check the label as most of the research recommends 800+ mg of Chondroitin to have therapeutic benefits. The normal daily dose of my Bettaflex has 800mg of high grade chondroitin. The best chondroitin has a small molecular size for rapid absorption. Adding Glucosamine and high grade Curcumin just makes it even more effective.
I have worked with so many people with osteoarthritis that I am genuinely surprised if we cannot get an improvement within 3 months. Feel free to contact me for personalised advice.
John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med.) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. If you have questions or need help you can contact John 0800 423559. You can email John at john@abundant.co.nz.
Please note that the health advice given through this column is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem. © John Arts 2020 |
