Chondroitin Sulfate Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Source (Bovine, Swine), By Application (Nutraceuticals, Pharmaceuticals), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Chondroitin Sulfate Market Size & Trends

The global chondroitin sulfate market size was valued at USD 1.29 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2024 to 2030. The driving factors of the growth include rising demand for nutraceutical goods and increased prevalence of osteoarthritis. Pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin sulfate is commonly used to treat cataracts, Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), and osteoarthritis. Such increased medical use of chondroitin sulfate is expected to boost the demand for the source. In addition, it is used as a medication to treat diabetes, helping to lower blood sugar levels, promote liver function and prevent tumor spread. Furthermore, the market is expected to expand due to the increasing demand for its use in treating osteoarthritis and various disorders.

Chondroitin sulfate, a sugar chain found in human connective tissues, improves joint function and is also used in veterinary medicine and eye drops. The meat industry drives the demand for chondroitin sulfate, with rising meat consumption and pet industry demand fueling market growth. Nutrient-rich animal byproducts are utilized across various sectors. According to the Statistisches Bundesamt, annual meat consumption has increased in recent decades. While the average global consumption per capita was 41.6 kilograms in 2010, it had risen to 42.8 kilograms by 2020.

Animal organs have multiple uses: intestines for fat, meat meal, fertilizer, and pet food; glands for medical purposes in several countries; and specific extracts such as liver for dietary supplements and fish waste for industrial sources and feed. In addition, parts such as cartilage are transformed into collagen and chondroitin sulfate for use in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food products.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

Osteoarthritis is increasingly treated with chondroitin sulfate, which helps alleviate pain and slow its progression, particularly in aging populations of developed regions such as the U.S. and U.K., promoting market growth. For instance, based on data from the CDC released in June 2024, close to 53 million individuals in the U.S. are affected by arthritis.

The demand for chondroitin sulfate is rising due to its applications in food, dietary supplements, pet food, and pharmaceuticals, fueled by an aging population, increasing health consciousness, and higher healthcare spending. According to the American Medical Association, from 2012 to 2022, physician services, hospital care, and prescription drugs had average annual growth rates of 4.2%, 4.4%, and 4.7%, respectively. However, in 2022, physician spending grew by only 2.6% due to slower growth in prices and utilization. This followed higher growth rates in 2020 due to federal relief spending and in 2021 due to increased use of medical services.

Extracting sodium chondroitin sulfate from animal cartilage requires significant capital investment. The product must undergo multiple purification steps to mitigate contamination risks, and fluctuating cartilage prices increase production costs. Due to the high investment required, market growth is hindered.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The global chondroitin sulfate market is concentrated, with several companies focusing on regional markets. The key players involved in the market are TSI Group Ltd., Hebei SanXin Industrial Group, Sino Siam Biotechnique Company Ltd., and Bio-gen Extracts Pvt. Ltd. Most of the companies have established exclusive agreements with distributors to cater to end-users.

Large-scale manufacturers in developed economies such as the U.S., France, Germany, and the UK supply most of the chondroitin sulfate to major players in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Market growth is driven by the rising prevalence of osteoarthritis and increasing dietary supplement consumption. The industry faces intense competition due to high capital investment requirements and significant R&D spending for product innovation and efficiency. For instance, Foodchem International Corporation supplies high-quality chondroitin sulfate, which they produce and provide for various applications. Their chondroitin sulfate is primarily used in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. The company emphasizes the purity and efficacy of its product, catering to the growing demand for joint health supplements and other health-related applications

Source Insights

Bovine source segment dominated the market and accounted for a share of 37.9% in 2023. The factors driving the segment growth include increased source usage in several industries, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics & personal care, and nutraceuticals worldwide. Nutraceutical, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed industries are few sectors utilizing chondroitin sulfate sourced from sharks. According to muccagreen. it, tallow is an odorless, tasteless, waxy white fat derived from suet, mainly composed of glyceryl esters of oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Traditionally used for soap and candle making, tallow is now used in animal feeds, chemicals, and lubricants. It is extracted by rendering or cooking fatty tissue and then collecting the fat by skimming or centrifuging.

The shark source segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.0% over the forecast period. Shark-derived products are useful in treating diseases such as HIV and arthritis due to their production method, which doesn't use animal cartilage and could see increased demand. This process, catering to vegetarians and those with specific dietary or religious restrictions produces synthetic sodium chondroitin sulfate through fermentation.

Application Insights

The nutraceutical segment dominated the market and accounted for a share of 34.4% in 2023. The growth is attributed to factors such as rising investments in the sector, driven by the need to develop new and effective dietary supplements. Chondroitin sulfate is commonly used in the nutraceutical sector as a dietary supplement, primarily to treat osteoarthritis and joint discomfort. It is proven to soothe arthritis pain and to enrich bone, cartilage, and joints. The source is classified by the national laws of each nation. For instance, in March 2023, Symrise introduced a range of Diana Food bioactives for Beauty from Within products, focusing on innovative nutricosmetic ingredients for hair and nail care, skin brightening, anti-aging, and skin conditioning. This range featured naturally sourced bioactives, including vitamins C and A, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, polyphenols, and standardized 55% collagen Type I solution, which enhance skin firmness and elasticity.

The pharmaceuticals segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 3.2% over the forecast period. The segment is driven by the growing aging population, leading to a higher incidence of osteoarthritis and joint disorders. In addition, increased awareness of joint health and the benefits of chondroitin sulfate in managing these conditions is boosting demand.

Regional Insights

North America chondroitin sulfate market held the largest share of 36.2% in 2023. This growth is primarily attributed to the rising pharmaceutical sector in the U.S. coupled with FDA approvals for utilizing goods containing sodium chondroitin sulfate. In addition, the demand is boosted by factors such as rising pharmaceutical applications, including the prevalence of osteoarthritis, cataract surgery, rising usage of cholesterol treatment, and formulations for eye drops. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2022, 18.9% of adults aged 18 and older were diagnosed with arthritis, with women (21.5%) more frequently affected than men (16.1%). The prevalence of arthritis rose with age, from 3.6% in individuals aged 18-34 to 53.9% in those aged 75 and older.

U.S. Chondroitin Sulfate Market Trends

The U.S. chondroitin sulfate market dominated the North America market with a share of 76.5% in 2023 due to the rising incidences of osteoarthritis in the nation. Chondroitin sulfate derived from bovine is preferred choice in treating various health disorders and ailments such as osteoarthritis, HIV, heart diseases and cholesterol. The growing geriatric population and demand for dietary supplements are anticipated to boost the domestic market growth.

Europe Chondroitin Sulfate Market Trends

Europe chondroitin sulfate market was identified as a lucrative region in 2023. The increasing use of sodium chondroitin sulfate in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, particularly for treating osteoarthritis and heart problems, is driving market growth in Europe. This is further propelled by the aging population facing joint health issues.

Germany chondroitin sulfate market is expected to witness rapid growth. The product is increasingly utilized for treating osteoarthritis because of its effectiveness in managing joint pain and inflammation. The high prevalence of osteoarthritis in the country drives this growing demand. According to the Joint German Occupational Safety and Health Strategy, four out of five Germans experience musculoskeletal disorders at least once in their lives. Typically, the pain results from factors such as muscle tension, inadequate exercise, stress, or improper strain rather than age-related wear or spinal injuries.

The chondroitin sulfate market in Spain held a significant market share. Spain is a key player in R&D for nutraceutical products, particularly in innovations such as chondroitin sulfate-infused supplements, driving market growth. Manufacturers in Spain heavily invest in R&D to stay at the forefront of product innovation in the nutraceutical industry.

Asia Pacific Chondroitin Sulfate Market Trends

The Asia Pacific chondroitin sulfate market is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.1% from 2024 to 2030. The market growth is driven by the growing demand from industries such as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, along with rising chondroitin sulfate production and exports primarily from China and Japan.

China chondroitin sulfate market holds a significant market share as the market is inherently fragmented, consisting of more than 200 manufacturers. Raw materials are a major cost driver, accounting for a significant portion of the final product cost. However, large exports of goods from China to developed nations such as the U.S. and some European countries are expected to further stimulate market growth. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized "oversulfated chondroitin sulfate" as a pollutant in heparin originating from the country, which is anticipated to hamper the market growth in China.

The chondroitin sulfate market in Japan is estimated to witness significant growth. Exploring new glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) sources, particularly from marine invertebrates such as scallops, is important, as they are abundant and typically discarded as waste. According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as chondroitin sulfate, heparan sulfate, heparin, and hyaluronan, are linear, acidic polysaccharides present in the extracellular matrix of animal tissues. These GAGs are commonly used in health products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics and are derived from biological sources such as shark cartilage and porcine intestinal mucosa.

Central & South America Chondroitin Sulfate Market Trends

Central and South America chondroitin sulfate market is expected to grow rapidly due to increased demand for medical and dietary supplement applications in major countries such as Argentina and Brazil. In addition, the rise in osteoarthritis cases and growing consumer awareness about healthy lifestyles will likely drive-up demand.

Brazil chondroitin sulfate market is expected to witness rapid growth. Chondroitin sulfate is primarily used in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Bovine-derived chondroitin sulfate is preferred in countries involved in beef farming and domestic consumption of chondroitin sulfate products. For instance, in 2022, Brazil produced approximately 9.9 billion kilograms of beef, marking a 4% increase from the previous year. In the first half of 2023, production rose 7% year-on-year to 4.1 million tons; in 2023, production was forecasted to increase by 8% and 2% in 2024.

Middle East & Africa Chondroitin Sulfate Market Trends

Middle East & Africa chondroitin sulfate market is projected to witness rapid growth. The increase in osteoarthritis cases, particularly among the aging population, is prompting pharmaceutical companies to develop better treatments, with a focus on using chondroitin sulfate due to its efficacy in managing the condition. This trend is expected to boost the market's growth.

South Africa chondroitin sulfate market is estimated to witness rapid growth during the forecast period. Knee osteoarthritis is a major issue for over half of the aging population in urban South Africa, contributing to a rise in demand for chondroitin sulfate, used in supplements and pharmaceuticals to support joint health and immune systems. According to an article published by Pan African Medical Journal, the study was conducted in January 2023; globally, osteoarthritis (OA) affected 7.6% of people in 2019, with a 132.2% increase in cases since 1990. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had 20 million prevalent and 1.2 million incident cases. In Kenya, arthritis prevalence was 9.6% in a hospital study and 25.3% in a population-based survey in Nairobi's urban slums, emphasizing the rising arthritis burden in low- and middle-income countries such as Kenya.

Key Chondroitin Sulfate Company Insights

Some of the key companies in the chondroitin sulfate market include TSI Group Co., LTD, Qingdao Wan Toulmin Biological Sources Co., Ltd., Hebei Sanxin industry Group Co., Ltd., Bioiberica S.A.U., Sigma Aldrich, Inc. (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt), ZPD A/S, Sino Siam Biotechnique Company Ltd., BRF, Bio-gen Extracts Pvt. Ltd., and SEIKAGAKU CORPORATION. Organizations are focusing on increasing customer base to gain a competitive edge in the industry. Therefore, key players are taking several strategic initiatives, such as mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships with other major companies. For instance, ZPD A/S offers sodium chondroitin sulfate, which is versatile, adaptable to various food applications and offers compatibility to several manufacturing technologies.

• TSI Group Co., LTD is a prominent player in the chondroitin sulfate market. It specializes in the production and supply of high-quality chondroitin sulfate for the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. The company focuses on innovation and stringent quality control, catering to the global demand for joint health supplements. Its products are widely used for managing osteoarthritis and promoting joint health.

• Qingdao Wan Toulmin Biological Sources Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of chondroitin sulfate and collagen peptides in China. It is recognized for its high production capacity and comprehensive quality management systems. The company adheres to international standards, including NSF-GMP and ISO certifications, ensuring the quality of its products used across the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.

Recent Developments

• In July 2022, Infinitus (LKK Group Limited), a provider of Chinese herbal health products, launched the Li Mai Jian supplement series, emphasizing "Enhancing Bone Strength for Joint Well-being." This series includes a "Joint Care" package featuring Cartilage Extract Pressed Candy and Strawberry-Flavored Vitamin D, Calcium, and Zinc Tablets, designed to provide specialized bone and joint support across various age demographics.

• In March 2022, Bioiberica S.A.U. partnered with Byhealth Co., Ltd, a Chinese vitamin and supplement provider, to create a product for its Highflex joint health brand. The Highflex type II collagen tablets offer an innovative, low-dose solution to address unmet consumer needs in China.

Chondroitin Sulfate Market Report Scope

Global Chondroitin Sulfate Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global chondroitin sulfate market report based on source, application, and region:

• Source Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Tons; 2018 - 2030)

  • Bovine

  • Swine

  • Poultry

  • Shark

  • Synthetic

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Tons; 2018 - 2030)

  • Nutraceuticals

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Animal Feed

  • Personal Care & Cosmetics

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Tons; 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Taiwan

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

    • Chile

    • Colombia

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa