Chondroitin generally refers to chondroitin sulfate, a glycosaminoglycan mainly extracted from mammalian cartilage. It is the main component of extracellular matrix in mammalian connective tissue. Its appearance is white or light yellow amorphous powder with strong water absorption, which is easily soluble in water and becomes a viscous solution but is insoluble in ethanol, ether, acetic acid and other organic solvents.

Main function of Chondroitin

Chondroitin is mainly used in eye drops and nutritional supplements.

Health effects of chondroitin

Chondroitin is considered to have the following functions.

1. Helps maintain the transparency of the cornea and maintain healthy vision. If the binding of glycosaminoglycans to collagen is lost, vision will gradually deteriorate
2. Chondroitin helps to purify blood and prevent blood coagulation. This function is used to maintain cardiovascular health.
3. Helps relieve bone and joint pain. One literature pointed out that chondroitin can relieve pain and improve joint function, but another literature pointed out that chondroitin does not appear to be more effective than placebo in relieving bone and joint pain.

Supplement advice

Chondroitin supplement is considered safe for most healthy people. However, the following people should avoid taking chondroitin supplements:

1. People with abnormal blood coagulation function taking chondroitin supplements may increase the risk of bleeding.
2.People with asthma or asthma may aggravates their condition by taking chondroitin supplements.
3.If dyspnea, rash and other adverse reactions occurs after taking chondroitin, please consult a doctor immediately.
4.Pregnant women and lactating women should avoid taking chondroitin.

Main source of chondroitin

Chondroitin mainly exists in cartilage, ligaments, tendons, skin and blood vessels of mammals. When taking chondroitin supplements, be cautious not to take warfarin and other anticoagulants ,otherwise it may increase the risk of bruises and bleeding.