ABDA issues statement on chondroitin in dietary supplements

The German Association of Pharmacists (ABDA) has issued a statement regarding the recent evaluation by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) concerning chondroitin in dietary supplements. The BfR's assessment focused exclusively on health risks and did not extend to the clinical efficacy or dose-response relationships of chondroitin.

ABDA highlights that chondroitin is sourced from various animal materials, including bovine tracheas, pork ears and snouts, whales, and shark cartilage. The absence of binding specifications for chondroitin sulfate creates a potential risk of allergic reactions. Chondroitin derived from fish tissues, particularly, could trigger responses in individuals allergic to fish protein.

Therefore, ABDA recommends that products containing chondroitin sulfate obtained from fish tissue should clearly indicate their origin on the label. This measure is intended to protect individuals with fish protein allergies, as fish is listed under ingredients that can cause allergic reactions according to food labeling regulations.

Furthermore, the statement points out a lack of adequate studies investigating whether chondroitin sulfate intake could undesirably affect blood coagulation, especially when taken concurrently with anticoagulant medications. Due to this data deficiency, the BfR advises, as a precautionary measure, that pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and adolescents should refrain from consuming such products.