Effects of Chondroitin Sulfate on Joint Symptoms and Physical Function in Adults with Mild Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
- 1Department of Food Science & Nutrition, Woosuk University, Wanju 55338, Republic of Korea
- 2Department of Sasang Constitutional Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Woosuk University, Jeonju 55338, Republic of Korea
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Although chondroitin sulfate (CS) is commonly used for knee osteoarthritis (OA), evidence regarding its effects on joint symptoms and physical function remains inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of CS supplementation on joint symptoms and physical function in adults with mild knee OA. Methods: In this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 100 adults with mild knee OA were randomly assigned to receive CS (1200 mg/day; n = 50) or placebo (n = 50). The primary outcomes were the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (K-WOMAC) total and subscale scores. Secondary outcomes comprised the pain visual analog scale (VAS), 20-m walking time, Korean Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (K-AUSCAN), and grip and pinch strength. Results: At week 12, the reduction in the K-WOMAC total score was significantly greater with CS than with placebo (−19.26 ± 2.74 vs. −2.10 ± 1.37; p < 0.001), along with greater reductions in the pain, stiffness, and physical function subscale scores (all p < 0.001). Notable improvements were also observed in the pain VAS (−18.82 ± 3.50 vs. −3.04 ± 3.10 mm) and 20-m walking time (−1.40 ± 0.62 vs. 0.23 ± 0.32 s) (both p < 0.001). K-AUSCAN scores and grip and pinch strength also improved significantly compared to placebo. No clinically meaningful safety concerns were observed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CS supplementation may be beneficial in improving joint symptoms and physical function in adults with mild knee OA, demonstrating consistent benefits across both self-reported outcomes and objective walking performance.
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BibTeX
@article{baek2026effects,
title = {{Effects of Chondroitin Sulfate on Joint Symptoms and Physical Function in Adults with Mild Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial}},
author = {Hyang-Im Baek and Soo Jung Park},
journal = {Nutrients},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/nu18203391},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/20/3391},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Effects of Chondroitin Sulfate on Joint Symptoms and Physical Function in Adults with Mild Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
AU - Hyang-Im Baek
AU - Soo Jung Park
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - Nutrients
DO - 10.3390/nu18203391
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/20/3391
AB - Background/Objectives: Although chondroitin sulfate (CS) is commonly used for knee osteoarthritis (OA), evidence regarding its effects on joint symptoms and physical function remains inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of CS supplementation on joint symptoms and physical function in adults with mild knee OA. Methods: In this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 100 adults with mild knee OA were randomly assigned to receive CS (1200 mg/day; n = 50) or placebo (n = 50). The primary outcomes were the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (K-WOMAC) total and subscale scores. Secondary outcomes comprised the pain visual analog scale (VAS), 20-m walking time, Korean Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (K-AUSCAN), and grip and pinch strength. Results: At week 12, the reduction in the K-WOMAC total score was significantly greater with CS than with placebo (−19.26 ± 2.74 vs. −2.10 ± 1.37; p < 0.001), along with greater reductions in the pain, stiffness, and physical function subscale scores (all p < 0.001). Notable improvements were also observed in the pain VAS (−18.82 ± 3.50 vs. −3.04 ± 3.10 mm) and 20-m walking time (−1.40 ± 0.62 vs. 0.23 ± 0.32 s) (both p < 0.001). K-AUSCAN scores and grip and pinch strength also improved significantly compared to placebo. No clinically meaningful safety concerns were observed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CS supplementation may be beneficial in improving joint symptoms and physical function in adults with mild knee OA, demonstrating consistent benefits across both self-reported outcomes and objective walking performance.
SN - 2072-6643
ER -