Chondroitin Side Effects

Before we understand the significant side effects of chondroitin, you must understand what chondroitin, in specificity, is. Chondroitin is also known as chondroitin sulfate. The chondroitin is a compound that is naturally found in the cartilage of the human body. Chondroitin increases, escalates and enhances the health of the cartilage in terms of promoting elasticity and increasing the capacity of water retention. When chondroitin is administered in the form of a supplement, the generation and the natural production of the compound is made effective. The chondroitin supplements are administered to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, also known as arthritis is a condition that affects bone health. There are disputes that have their arguments based on the credibility of the supplement. There are medical experts who are of the view that the intake of these supplements relieve the pain that the individual faces, making joint movements all the more flexible. Studies are being carried out to understand if chondroitin is helpful in rebuilding the cartilage that was damaged due to osteoarthritis.

When chondroitin is administered in the form of dietary supplements, the body has the capacity to absorb around 15% of the supplement. The daily dosage that is recommended is 400 to 600 gms of chondroitin sulfate three times every day. Chondroitin sulfate is combined with glucosamine sulfate. This is another compound that is known to benefit bone health and help in repairing the cartilage. Chondroitin supplements are synthetically manufactured, however there are some supplements that are extracted from shark cartilage or cow tracheas. Out of the two, the synthetic chondroitin is preferred as the dosage and safety of administration of the supplement can be controlled and measured.

Side Effects of Chondroitin

• The side effects of Chondroitin are mild in nature. When chondroitin supplements are taken according to the dosage that is prescribed, its side effects are predominantly absent.
• When the chondroitin supplements are taken orally, the risk of side effects does not arise. However, there have been troubles that have been conformed relating to the gastrointestinal issues.
• Stomach upset, marked by constipation and nausea are the general and the most noted side effects that chondroitin intake purports to have.
• Diarrhea is another prevalent complain that chondroitin bears when administered to an individual enduring osteoarthritis.
• The NSAID's or the Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs should preferably not be mixed with the chondroitin. Nevertheless, they are known to null the pain that is caused by osteoarthritis. An expert must be consulted before administration of the drug. The NSAID's and chondroitin supplements are taken in order to manage the arthritis pain that is elicited in the individual.
• Chondroitin must also not be administered when administering another drug that work as a blood thinner. Chondroitin can escalate the effects of other blood thinners such as Ecospirin or aspirin and elevate the levels of blood thinning.
• Hair loss and palpitations are also frequently noticed as hallmark side effects of chondroitin. However they are not as prevalent as complaints dedicated to stomach pain and constipation.
• Women who are expecting must not be recommended chondroitin. Lactating women are also advised not to administer this supplement on their own. There are studies taking place, in understanding and evaluating how the fetus is affected, if at all, chondroitin is administered.
• This supplement is not recommended for children as well. Keep children away from products that have the potential to derail their well-being.
• Practitioners are of the view that patients diagnosed with diabetes must not consider chondroitin supplements. Although there are no hard core evidences that show that the administration of this drug can have any potential side effects.
• Eye products that consist of chondroitin such as the ones meant for cataract removal and for correcting the itchiness that is experienced in the eye must be administered and advised with care.
• The individual who is exposed to eye drops containing chondroitin are at a greater risk of developing intra-ocular hypertension. This condition is extremely serious and is at the highest risk of adversely affecting the vision.
• In certain conditions an individual may experience extreme toughening and tightening of nails.
• Skin rashes and reactions develop if the individual is administered with the glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. With regards to the side effects, the skin sensitivity against sun is also elevated.

Glucosamine and chondroitin side effects are coupled with some other supplements that generated adverse health reactions. As a word of caution, do not consume chondroitin at your own discretion, it is best to leave the judgment and dosage decisions to the medical practitioners. They know Best!