| Chondroitin Sulphate for sore joints (Part 1)
Chondroitin sulphate is classified as a Dietary Supplement in NZ but in In Europe is available on prescription. It is classified as “a symptomatic slow-acting drug for osteoarthritis..” The drug classification then goes on to give specific information:
“Chondroitin sulphate, used with glucosamine, is indicated to alleviate pain and inflammation from primary osteoarthritis. This supplement is reported to improve joint function and slow disease progression. ’ (https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB09301)
I recently read a health store flyer in my morning newspaper. One promotion was for a glucosamine based joint product. There is no doubt that glucosamine can help joints. That is why I include it in my joint formula. But why is there no mention of chondroitin?
The company is a large overseas owned company that would clearly know about the benefits of chondroitin. This company is possibly the most well-recognized supplement brand in NZ. What then could be the reason for not including therapeutic amounts of chondroitin? For that matter why do most joint products sold in NZ have either no chondroitin or so little to have negligible impact on joint health?
I think the answer is quite simple. Good quality chondroitin costs ten times that of glucosamine. Adding proper amounts of chondroitin would either require a significant price hike or a reduction in profit margins. Products that are mostly glucosamine are inexpensive to make as it is one of the least expensive ingredients available. In my Bettaflex the 800mg of glucosamine makes up less than 10% of the ingredient cost. The chondroitin, curcumin and black pepper are all very expensive ingredients.
My preference is to have equal proportions of chondroitin and glucosamine and for most people to start at a double dose. With my Bettaflex joint product the standard daily dose delivers 800mg of both ingredients while the double dose 1600mg each. This combined with high potency curcumin (from turmeric) extract can quickly settle sore joints. I usually add Omega 3 fish oil rather than plant Omega 3 sources (such as flax seed or hemp oils) as only fish oil has EPA which is profoundly anti-inflammatory.
As an example I have been helping someone for a number of years who contacted me with sore and swollen knees caused by osteoarthritis. She is now much more comfortable and mobile and feeling so much better about life in general. 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 |
