Chondroitin Sulfate

What is Chondroitin Sulfate?

Chondroitin sulfate is a molecule that is naturally present in the body

Chondroitin sulfate is an essential component of cartilage

Chondroitin sulfate contributes to the pressure resistance and smooth movement of healthy joints

Molecular structure

Chondroitin sulfate is a naturally occurring compound found in the connective tissues of humans and animals. It is a key building block in the family of glycated proteins known as glycosaminoglycans. Chondroitin sulfate is composed of a chain of disaccharides comprised of glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-galactosamine linked to sulfate groups. The structure of chondroitin sulfate varies depending on the number and position of sulfate groups within the polysaccharide chain and on the length of the chain (1).

The functions of chondroitin sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate is an essential component of the body's extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix is the complex three-dimensional network of proteins and carbohydrates surrounding cells. It provides a scaffold that gives tissues their shape and strength and is vital in various biological functions (2).

Chondroitin sulfate is particularly abundant in the extracellular matrix of connective tissues, especially cartilage, which is the flexible, rubbery tissue cushioning the joints in the body. Due to the negative charge of chondroitin sulfate, it retains water in the cartilage, contributing to pressure resistance.

Anti-inflammatory effects are also among the effects associated with chondroitin sulfate. For instance, chondroitin sulfate inhibits the transcription factor NF-kB, thereby decreasing the levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes (3,4). Among the downregulated enzymes are e.g., matrix metalloproteases involved in cartilage degradation, one of osteoarthritis's hallmark features.

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Why use Chondroitin Sulfate?

Chondroitin sulfate is sold as a prescription drug, as food supplements, and as veterinary and pet food products

Chondroitin sulfate has been used for maintenance of healthy joints for decades

Chondroitin sulfate is safe and well tolerated

Many uses of chondroitin sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate is used in many products, from prescription drugs, food supplements, and beauty products to veterinary and pet food products.

Chondroitin sulfate has been used as a supplement for maintaining healthy joints for many years (5,6). In some countries in Eastern Europe and Asia, they sell chondroitin sulfate as a prescription drug used for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

High quality

Chondroitin sulfate is manufactured in Denmark and purified through multi-stage processes. Chondroitin sulfate is fully compliant with EU regulations, GMP standards, and our food manufacturing authorization. We use the cartilaginous tissue of fully traceable raw materials (cows, pigs, or chickens) from high-end suppliers in the production, resulting in highly pure products with constant structure and characteristics.

Comparisons and analyses of the quality of the products from ZPD are presented in this scientific paper: Structural definition of terrestrial chondroitin sulfate of various origin and repeatability of the production process.

References

Volpi N. Quality of different chondroitin sulfate preparations in relation to their therapeutic activity. J Pharm Pharmacol. oktober 2009;61(10):1271–80.
Jerosch J. Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate on Cartilage Metabolism in OA: Outlook on Other Nutrient Partners Especially Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Int J Rheumatol. 2011;2011:969012.
Ewald CY. Drug Screening Implicates Chondroitin Sulfate as a Potential Longevity Pill. Front Aging. 2021;2:741843.
Vallières M, du Souich P. Modulation of inflammation by chondroitin sulfate. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. juni 2010;18 Suppl 1:S1-6.
Qato DM, Alexander GC, Conti RM, Johnson M, Schumm P, Lindau ST. Use of prescription and over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements among older adults in the United States. JAMA. 24. december 2008;300(24):2867–78
Satia JA, Littman A, Slatore CG, Galanko JA, White E. Associations of herbal and specialty supplements with lung and colorectal cancer risk in the VITamins and Lifestyle study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomark Prev Publ Am Assoc Cancer Res Cosponsored Am Soc Prev Oncol. maj 2009;18(5):1419–28