Chondroitin Sulfate Facts for Vitamins, Supplements, Health and Wellness

For runners and endurance athletes who perform repetitive, weight-bearing activities, chondroitin sulfate has become part of their dietary supplement arsenal when it comes to combating joint pain and early onset arthritis symptoms. The scientific evidence also supports the claim that this naturally-occurring component of cartilage relieves the effects of osteoarthritis and joint pain, whether due to age or repetitive stress-related activities. 

Because chondroitin sulfate is an extract from cartilage, there is no strictly vegetarian supplement available although Pure Encapsulations does offer a gluten-free "Vegetarian" formulation from bovine sources, along with vitamin C. 

Glucosamine, another naturally-occurring substance in the body, is often found combined with chondroitin sulfate in dietary supplements due to both compounds' ability to reduce the debilitating effects of arthritis. As its name implies, glucosamine is a combination of sugar (glucose) and glutamine, an amino acid. 

Nature's Way offers their Flexmax Glucosamine Chondroitin in tablet form made from shellfish. NOW also has their Glucosamine & Chondroitin tablets that promote joint movement. This formulation also has a proprietary blend of minerals, including vegetable magnesium. For those looking for a shellfish-free alternative, consider PhysioLogics' Glucosamine Hyaluronic Acid/Chondroitin/MSM tablets with collagen. This formulation is also gluten- and lactose-free. 

Protocol For Life has a Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM formulation, which combines the two cartilage compounds with methylsulphonyl methane, a naturally-occurring sulfur present in all organisms. Studies have shown that these three ingredients have a synergistic effect on the joints. They also offer a Glucosamine Chondroitin Extra Strength formula that is dairy-, gluten- and egg-free. Jarrow Formulas also offers their Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM capsules with vitamin C, potassium and manganese in a wheat-, soy- and sodium-free formulation.  


For an excellent selection of high-quality Chondroitin Sulfate supplements, please see the Chondroitin Sulfate Section on CAMFormulas.com!