Chondroitin

Supports the production of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and collagen—building blocks of healthy cartilage. Helps attract fluid into the joints that acts as a sponge or shock absorber during impact. May help increase joint flexibility and resiliency. Aids in getting essential nutrients to the cartilage. Helps protect cartilage from damaging, nutrition-depleting enzymes. Cartilage functions to protect bones from moving against each other and to reduce friction. Chondroitin helps bond connective tissue to maintain strength and inhibits enzymes that can deplete cartilage nutrition. It helps retain moisture in the joints, allowing for flexibility and resiliency, and cushioning against activities like jumping and lifting. In addition, chondroitin works with other nutrients like glucosamine to stimulate the rebuilding and maintenance of cartilage. The body produces chondroitin, but that production decreases as we age. Chondroitin is found in foods, but usually only in small amounts. Fortunately, the body absorbs chondroitin well, making supplementation a viable alternative.