Articular cartilage is composed of four basic substances: collagen, cartilage tissue, chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and water. Collagen hydrolysate , glucosamine and chondroitin are counted among the cartilage building substances. All of them are also natural components of cartilage tissue. Collagen provides the structural support framework in articular cartilage. Glucosamine and chondroitin form the cartilage tissue as proteoglycans (sugar-protein building blocks) and are characterized by their high water-binding capacity.
Load-bearing capacity and mobility of the joints
All three substances contribute to the resilience and mobility of the joints: Glucosamine, chondroitin and collagen hydrolysate help repair and rebuild damaged cartilage in the joints and spine.
- Collagen Hydrolysate: Collagen hydrolysate is a pure protein that provides important amino acids for cartilage rebuilding. To renew and strengthen collagen structures, 10 grams of collagen hydrolysate is recommended daily. Studies confirm the pain-relieving effect of this dosage already after a few weeks.
- Glucosamine: The bioactive form of glucosamine is glucosamine sulfate, which improves the viscosity of the synovial fluid and thus the “synovial fluid”. It also stimulates anabolic processes in articular cartilage and can counteract joint space narrowing. Glucosamine sulfate has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Chondroitin: Chondroitin is also bioavailable only in sulfated form as chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin sulfate is characterized by its high water-binding capacity. In this way, the elasticity as well as the elementary function of the articular cartilage is maintained. In addition, the water-binding capacity serves to nourish the chondrocytes in the cartilage tissue that is not supplied with blood. With decreasing elasticity, the cartilage can no longer ensure its shock absorber function.
Influencing joint inflammation.
Often, signs of wear and tear due to age and stress are accompanied by inflammatory reactions. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, have the property of intervening regulatively in the inflammatory process. The anti-inflammatory effect has a soothing influence on inflammatory rheumatic complaints.
Importance of antioxidants
During an inflammatory reaction, substances called free radicals are formed, among others. These increase inflammation by damaging cell membranes. Vitamin E acts as protection against radicals in cell membranes. Vitamin C supports the effect of vitamin E and is also involved in the collagen metabolism of the supporting tissue.
Due to their various functions in cartilage, these joint nutrients collectively improve cartilage structure as well as pain sensation, resilience and mobility of the joints. These joint nutrients improve cartilage structure, relieve pain sensation, and strengthen joint resilience and mobility.
