It is often suggested that there are three requirements to keep cartilage healthy: water for lubrication, proteoglycans to attract and hold the water, and collagen to keep the proteoglycans in place. Proteoglycans are large molecules made of protein and carbohydrates. They hold water like a sponge helping to make cartilage resilient.

Glucosamine is a major building block of the water-loving proteoglycans. Not surprisingly, the very presence of glucosamine stimulates the production of more proteoglycans. In fact, for many years glucosamine has been successfully used for supporting and promoting healthy joint cartilage maintenance.* This has been demonstrated by experimental as well as clinical studies, in which glucosamine led to functional joint improvement.* Several studies have shown that besides stimulating the production of cartilage, glucosamine may significantly help to maintain joint function.*

Although usually studied independently, some reports have indicated that glucosamine and chondroitin work synergistically. Chondroitin is the perfect complement to glucosamine since chondroitin acts like a biological version of a “liquid magnet,” attracting fluid into proteoglycans. This fluid acts as a shock absorber and also brings nutrients with it into the cartilage. Perhaps of greater significance than its fluid-enhancing properties, chondroitin protects existing cartilage through its modulatory effects on enzymes that degrade cartilage.* Furthermore, like glucosamine, chondroitin stimulates the production of proteoglycans and collagen that are needed for healthy cartilage.*

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring, sulfur-containing compound that is present in body fluids and tissues and is found in milk, fruits, vegetables, and grains (in small amounts). Animal research has shown that joints with lower levels of cartilage also have low sulfur content. In one animal study, the effect of prolonged oral administration of MSM was examined in relation to joint health. It was found that MSM produced positive effects on joint health.*

In a preliminary double-blind trial in human subjects with suboptimal joint function, daily supplementation with MSM promoted joint comfort after six weeks.* In a separate placebo-controlled trial, researchers studied 50 men and women who also had suboptimal joint function. These men and women were given MSM daily or a placebo for 12 weeks. The MSM group fared much better in the areas of comfort and physical function compared to the placebo group.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.