Glucosamine & Chondroitin

Chondroitin is often provided in supplement alongside Glucosamine because it is also a component of articular cartilage (which coats the knees and elbow joints) and seems to be particularly valuable in attracting fluid into the cartilage tissue making it more spongy and improving its shock absorbing qualities.

By helping reform and renew cartilage in the joint, chondroitin is intended to provide specific benefit in supporting joint mobility and reducing joint stiffness. Some trials have found that greater benefits are achieved when chondroitin is provided in addition to glucosamine, which is why they are often combined in products.

In the opinion of the experts, studies indicate that best results come from the supplementation of 1200mg of chondroitin sulphate, particularly for an initial period of up to six months. After this a maintenance dose of between 400-600mg per day is often found to be sufficient.

 

Practically, the expert opinion is to prioritise getting the correct amount of Glucosamine and any Chondroitin is then a bonus, with the gold standard being 1500mg and 1200mg respectively.