Chondroitin sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan, a long chain of alternating glucuronic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine units, found in animal cartilage. It is extracted from bovine, porcine, chicken or fish (often shark) cartilage by enzymatic digestion, then purified and dried, usually as the sodium salt. Fermentation-made, non-animal grades also exist. Brands buy it by declared chondroitin content and species of origin.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Extracted from cattle trachea or other cartilage; buyers usually ask for BSE/TSE documentation and country of origin.
Extracted from pig cartilage; matters for halal and kosher status.
Extracted from chicken sternum cartilage, sometimes sold as part of a cartilage extract with collagen.
From shark or other fish cartilage; can carry a fish allergen statement and higher sulfation.
Made by microbial fermentation and chemical sulfation, for vegetarian products.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store sealed in moisture-barrier packaging in a cool, dry place; chondroitin is hygroscopic and cakes after exposure to humid air. Reseal opened containers. The supplier's specification sets shelf life, with assay and moisture repeated at retest.
Assay results depend heavily on method, so record the method alongside the value for every lot and compare like with like. Keep species-of-origin and BSE/TSE paperwork tied to the lot, and rotate first-expiry-first-out.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Joint Health Products monograph lists chondroitin sulfate and sodium chondroitin sulfate, with cartilage from animals including cattle (Bos taurus), chicken (Gallus gallus) and pig (Sus scrofa) as sources.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)GRN 666, for chondroitin sulfate sodium notified by Gnosis S.P.A. for use at 50 to 200 milligrams per serving in beverages, milk products and chewing gum, closed on March 15, 2017 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
Sells it as CSbioactive
Spanish life sciences company that produces heparin and joint-health ingredients from animal co-products. For supplement makers it offers native type II collagen, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and a hyaluronic acid matrix.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include bovine, porcine, chicken, marine (shark or fish) and non-animal (fermentation-derived). Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect chondroitin assay, identity and species, protein and molecular weight, loss on drying and pH, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store sealed in moisture-barrier packaging in a cool, dry place; chondroitin is hygroscopic and cakes after exposure to humid air. Reseal opened containers. The supplier's specification sets shelf life, with assay and moisture repeated at retest.
Health Canada's Joint Health Products monograph lists chondroitin sulfate and sodium chondroitin sulfate, with cartilage from animals including cattle (Bos taurus), chicken (Gallus gallus) and pig (Sus scrofa) as sources. GRN 666, for chondroitin sulfate sodium notified by Gnosis S.P.A. for use at 50 to 200 milligrams per serving in beverages, milk products and chewing gum, closed on March 15, 2017 with FDA having no questions.
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