Chondroitin
When combined with glucosamine, chondroitin is widely regarded as one of the most effective joint health ingredients available today. Similar to glucosamine, chondroitin does have some solid evidence behind its potential benefits, however, one should not expect life-changing results from this compound, alone or when paired with the likes of glucosamine.
What it does
Chondroitin users who suffer from osteoarthritis may experience a moderate/low level pain relief in conjunction with about 8% better mobility of the affected joint[1].
A recent meta analysis of chondroitin when taken for osteoarthritis of the knee or hip show users will experience minimal or nonexistent benefits and suggest chondroitin usage should be discouraged as a result[2].
How it works
Chondroitin provides its purported benefits via enhanced cartilage generation in the body. Reduced cartilage levels can cause bone on bone friction which causes joint pain. By reducing the amount of bone on bone friction, one should experience less joint pain on a daily basis.
Dosing
Standard dosing is from 1,000-1,200mg per day, split between 1-3 doses taken directly after meals.