Joint Health

Support of optimal joint health should be undertaken prophylactically, prior to evidence of damage, through the use of preparations developed to counteract inflammation, reduce cartilage damage, and stimulate cartilage repair. Well-known joint support compounds include glucosamine, chondroitin, and sodium hyaluronate.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are common compounds with a long history of use in joint supplements. Evidence suggests that using these two compounds together provides greater benefit than using either individually. Glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in healthy cartilage.

Sodium hyaluronate is a glycosaminoglycan that is an important structural component of joint fluid and is responsible for its viscosity or thickness. When fed orally, the molecular weight of the sodium hyaluronate preparation is important for both digestive absorption and promotion of synovial fluid viscosity.