How do glucosamine and chondroitin supplements improve joint health?

How do glucosamine and chondroitin supplements improve joint health?

Glucosamine is essential for the syntheses of several important macromolecules including glycoproteins, glycolipids and glycosaminoglycans. These macromolecules are essential building blocks for connective tissues in the joints, primarily cartilage. This rubbery tissue acts as a cushion and minimizes friction, allowing bones to move freely and painlessly across one another.


Chondroitin, is another essential building block of cartilage, giving it elasticity and shock absorbing properties, by helping it retain water. Chondroitin is also found in tendons, ligaments, bone and skin. 


As a result of age, your body starts to produce less of these two important compounds and cartilage begins to break down. This can cause bones to rub together, leading to joint pain, inflammation and tissue damage, as well as common joint disorders such as osteoarthritis.


Evidence suggests glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may help ease symptoms and slow progression of joint conditions.


What are the benefits of chondroitin and glucosamine?


Supplements containing a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin are most often taken to treat osteoarthritis, to help slow the process of cartilage breakdown and ease symptoms. These compounds are considered important for joint health and supplementation may have a number of benefits, including improving range of motion and reducing joint pain. 

Joint protection


When cartilage begins to break down as people age, joints often become stiffer, less flexible and more painful, known as arthritis. It is believed that taking glucosamine and chondroitin may help support healthy joints and prevent the breakdown of cartilage. By promoting the creation of other important structural molecules that make up tissues for proper joint function, they may help ease joint pain and friction.

Reduce inflammation


Research suggests that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may help reduce inflammation, by inhibiting inflammatory pathways in synovial cells. These cells make up the fluid around joints which lubricates their surface. When these become inflamed, this can cause swelling and tenderness. The observed anti-inflammatory effects may also lower the risk for other conditions linked to inflammation, such as diabetes.


Treatment for arthritis


Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are frequently taken to help treat osteoarthritis. This condition occurs when cartilage breaks down, causing bones to rub together. Studies have found that glucosamine may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, helping reduce pain, improve joint function and slow disease progression.

For the most effective results, it is best to take a supplement that combines glucosamine and chondroitin, like our high quality Glucosamine and Chondroitin MSM tablets. These supplements also contain hydrolyzed cartilage, vitamin C and MSM - a natural form of organic sulphur which helps with the production of key components of cartilage.

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