Chondroitin
sulfate can help form a coating on nasal passages. Perhaps as a result, researchers
found that when chondroitin sulfate was sprayed onto nasal passages in a small group of
snorers, the amount of time people spent snoring was reduced about one third in a double
blind trial.9 No further studies have investigated the effects of oral
chondroitin sulfate on snoring.
- Chondroitin
sulfate sulfate is classified as a type of glycosaminoglycan; it is rich in sulfur and
is related to glucosamine.
Glycosaminoglycans affect how the body processes oxalate—a substance linked to kidney
stones. In one study of forty people with a history of kidney stones, 30 mg twice a day of mixed
glycosaminoglycans reduced urinary oxalate excretion in fifteen days—a change that
could drop the risk of stone formation.10 However, while experts believe that
glycosaminoglycans effectively prevent formation of kidney stones in test tube studies,
effects in humans have been inconsistent.11
Where is it found? The only significant food source of
chondroitin sulfate is animal cartilage.
Who is likely to be
deficient? Because
the body makes chondroitin, the possibility of a dietary deficiency remains uncertain.
Nevertheless, chondroitin sulfate may be reduced in joint cartilage affected by
osteoarthritis and possibly other forms of arthritis.
How much is usually taken? For atherosclerosis, researchers have
sometimes started therapy using very high amounts, such as 5 grams twice per day with
meals, lowering the amount to 500 mg three times per day after a few months. Before taking
such high amounts, people should consult a nutritionally oriented doctor. For
osteoarthritis, a typical level is 400 mg three times per day. The ability for chondroitin
to be absorbed orally is still under question. |
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