Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine & Chondroitin: Moveable joints are complex structures that consist of many different parts. When healthy, they grant us the mobility and strength to move our bodies with ease.

The component that is primarily affected in osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is cartilage. Articular cartilage protects the ends of the bones that move against each other thus reducing friction. It also provides an innate “suspension” for weight-bearing joints to protect the bones from shearing forces.

Loss of articular cartilage is inherent in osteoarthritis. This leaves the underlying bone unprotected and subject to wear and tear from friction and the constant load of the body, particularly in the knees and hips. Another common site for cartilage degeneration is the joints of the hands.

Healthy cartilage has a complex structure. Of its components, proteogylcans give cartilage its firm quality and also act as a pump for the fluid in the joint. They permit enough fluid to be released into the joint whilst bearing weight to provide lubrication for the joint. The proteoglycans then draw the fluid back into the cartilage when the load is released.

Glucosmaine, Chondroitin and Glycosaminoglycans

Glycosaminoglycans are a crucial component of these proteoglycans and glucosamine is essential for producing glycosaminoglycans. Glucosamine is not found in any food source so must be manufactured by the body. The increasing incidence of osteoarthritis today, particularly in the elderly, reflects the decreasing ability of the body to manufacture glucosamine.

Fortunately, glucosamine supplements are readily available and are increasing in popularity due to consistent success in easing pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis.

Although cartilage has no blood supply of its own and therefore regenerates slowly, studies have shown that glucosamine supplementation in the form of sulphate and hydrochloride are very well absorbed and travel primarily to the sites needed.

These include cartilage, ligaments and tendons. The glucosamine is then used to regenerate the connective tissue in these areas.

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