Chondroitin Sulfate

Possible Side Effects of Chondroitin Sulfate

The side effects of chondroitin sulfate include the mild symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramping, etc. However, more serious side effects while consuming this supplement could include swollen eyelids, leg swelling, hair loss and an irregular heartbeat.

Users of chondroitin sulfate should also be aware that this supplement is derived from an animal source. Diseases or harmful bacteria that may be contracted through an animal source could possibly be an issue. Arthritis Today warns that there may be a connection between these supplements and Mad Cow disease.

Women who are pregnant should take precautions when consuming any supplement that is not recommended by their doctor. As a matter of fact, they should really talk to their obgyn first before beginning chondroitin sulfate supplementation!

Chondrotin Sulfate and Underlying Medical Conditions

Patients with asthma and diabetes should also be aware that chondroitin sulfate may in fact harm their condition rather than benefit it. Chondroitin sulfate has been shown in some studies to resist some doses of insulin. Therefore, anyone with diabetes or an prediabetic condition should really alert their doctor that they are considering taking chondroitin sulfate as a supplement. 

Some research studies have also been shown that patients with prostate cancer who take chondroitin may cause their illness or spread or grow over time. However, no research has absolutely proven that taking chondroitin sulfate as a supplement will worsen prostate cancer.

Chondroitin Sulfate and its Effects on Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis

Chondroitin sulfate in its supplement form is commonly believed to benefit patients who are suffering from osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Patients with arthritis have been known to use skin ointments or skin treatments that contain chondroitin sulfate combined with shark cartilage, camphor and glucosamine sulfate to help decrease their pain.

However, research has not been done to show if the pain is being reduced by another ingredient in the skin cream rather than the chondroitin sulfate. Camphor is also known to reduce such pain.

In osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, the skin joints and their cartilage begin to break down and slowly wear away. Chondroitin sulfate is known to help replace that build up in the cartilage and become an actual building block for the cartilage, which in turn, will take the patient's pain away.

Taking chondroitin sulfate as an oral supplement has seen to possibly benefit patients with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, but is not yet proven 100% by lab testing or scientific studies. Researchers say that if a patient with osteoarthritis or osteoporosis uses either the skin creams or an oral supplement of chondroitin sulfate, it may benefit them a small amount.

Chondroitin Sulfate and the FDA

Though chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate as dieting supplements are two very different products that vary between brands, the FDA does not see them under the same restrictions or regulations that they bring for other medications or supplements.

You should try to obtain health facts concerning chondrotin sulfate supplements from professionals or doctors. Do your research on the manufacturer as well before consuming either of these supplements.

Clinical researchers and FDA approved pharmaceutical practices are continuing to look at these products to define the actual effects and uses of the chondroitin sulfate supplements. The FDA does not regulate chondroitin sulfate in the same way that it does other medications and supplements.

There is scientific evidence reiterated by the FDA that demonstrates the benefits of chondroitin sulfate. Many experimental patients and people who use chondroitin sulfate continue to define the effects and roles of the supplement.

To locate and compare a variety of products that contain chondroitin sulfate, use the free supplement finder now!