What is chondroitin sulfate?
Q: What is chondroitin sulfate?
A: Chondroitin sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that is a chain of alternating sugars (N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid).
Q: What is chondroitin sulfate usually found attached as?
A: Chondroitin sulfate is usually found attached to proteins as part of a proteoglycan.
Q: How many individual sugars can a chondroitin chain have?
A: A chondroitin chain can have over 100 individual sugars.
Q: What is the role of chondroitin sulfate in cartilage?
A: Chondroitin sulfate is an important structural component of cartilage and provides much of its resistance to compression.
Q: What is the common use of chondroitin sulfate as a dietary supplement?
A: Chondroitin sulfate, along with glucosamine, has become a widely used dietary supplement for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Q: Where is chondroitin sulfate commonly extracted from?
A: Chondroitin sulfate is commonly extracted from shark cartilage.
Q: Can chondroitin sulfate be sulfated in variable positions and quantities?
A: Yes, each of the over 100 individual sugars in a chondroitin chain can be sulfated in variable positions and quantities.
