| Helping Osteoarthritis: Chondroitin sulphate (Part 2)
A significant research study (Wildi et al, 2011) that confirmed the benefits of high dose Chondroitin sulphate (CS) for joints affected by osteoarthritis. This week we dig a little further. I have no doubt that the correct dose of high grade CS is the most important natural compound to help joints affected by osteoarthritis.
As an example I have been helping a man with osteoarthritis in both knees. The pain levels had become quite debilitating. We started with a booster dose of 1600mg of high grade chondroitin with the same amount of glucosamine and 400mg of high potency curcumin (from turmeric). After 3 months the pain level had significantly reduced and is now mobile again. These compounds are in my Bettaflex. Each capsule has Chondroitin 400mg, Glucosamine 400mg and Curcumin 95% extract (from turmeric). The standard dose is 2 capsules daily but a higher initial dose, as in the above example, can be taken for a few months under my supervision.
More recent research from the British Medical Journal (May 2017) compared high grade Chondroitin with common anti-inflammatory medication and found that 800mg of CS was beneficial. Researchers  commented “This compelling benefit-risk profile, in light of the known clinical risks associated with chronic usage of NSAIDS and paracetamol, underscores the potential importance of pharmaceutical-grade [chondroitin sulfate] in the management of knee [osteoarthritis], especially in the older population requiring long-term treatment,” write the researchers.
The question is how can it help? What does it do to arthritic joints? Researchers have found that CS has multiple benefits. Firstly it helps regulate inflammatory processes within the joint capsule. Secondly and more importantly it helps specialised cells that reside in cartilage called chondrocytes. CS improves the ability of chondrocytes to secrete and repair cartilage. This comes as no surprise as CS is an important component of cartilage. I have worked with so many people with osteoarthritis that I am genuinely surprised if we cannot get an improvement within 3 months.
John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med.) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. If you have questions or need help you can contact John 0800 423559. You can email John at john@abundant.co.nz.
Please note that the health advice given through this column is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem. © John Arts 2021 |
