Glucosamine
-230x230.jpg "Glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin and vitamin C 90 tablets")
They are substances that preserve the health of articular cartilage. Together, they are often active ingredients in sports nutrition for joint and cartilage health.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are produced by the main cells of the cartilage and are its main components. Consequently, the lack of both components in the body leads to the gradual destruction of cartilage tissue.
Also, these compounds are part of the synovial fluid and provide normal mobility of articular cartilage. In addition, chondroitin and glucosamine help to relieve pain caused by inflammation of the cartilage tissue.
More information about glucosamine and chondroitin 
Everyone, from athletes to housewives, wants to maintain their health and stay physically active, including in old age. However, not many people know that there are special products that can provide the necessary components to maintain the health of the musculoskeletal system. Anyone who wants to strengthen their ligamentous apparatus can buy them.
These include primarily supplements based on glucosamine, chondroitin, which support the production of synovial fluid in bone tissues and improve the integrity of connective tissues to build a strong joint and ligamentous foundation.
In terms of chemical structure, glucosamine is a monosaccharide produced by the cartilage tissue of the joints. It is part of the synovial fluid and is a component of chondroitin. The latter is essentially a polysaccharide, a large gel-forming molecule that can absorb a lot of liquid.
Glucosamine is the best support for ligaments and joints
This component is present in the cartilage tissue of our connective apparatus. It consists of chains of sugars and proteins linked together and acts as a natural shock absorber, allowing us to move without pain in our joints, bones, and muscles. It also has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. It is most often used for arthritis and osteoarthritis-degenerative processes in the cartilage tissue.
Our body needs this compound to synthesize certain proteins and fats that form various tissues. This is important for the formation of joints, ligaments, and tendons. In addition, it is part of the synovial fluid that surrounds connective tissues and provides them with cushioning.
How does glucosamine work?
This monosaccharide is produced in our body naturally with the help of chondrocytes (the main cells of cartilage tissue). The main function of glucosamine is to produce long chains of glycosaminoglycans, which are required for the repair of all connective tissues, including cartilage. Glycosaminoglycans are long chains of modified disaccharides and the main component of proteoglycans, which in combination with chondrocytes and collagen form cartilage tissue.
Glucosamine is the main component of proteoglycans. It determines how many proteoglycans will be formed. In research, it is shown to be effective in accelerating the synthesis of both proteoglycans and collagen, as well as in normalizing metabolic processes within the cartilage tissue, which protects it from destruction. By affecting the metabolism of cartilage, this monosaccharide helps the body repair damaged cartilage. In other words, it stimulates the natural recovery processes in our body. In addition, it reduces pain and inflammation in the joints.
Studies show that taking glucosamine and chondroitin in complexes or with natural food sources increases the mass of cartilage and synovial fluid in the body. This prevents damage to the ligamentous apparatus and associated pain.
Chondroitin is a true magnet for liquids
This compound is the main building block of connective tissues and synovial fluid. In the body, it is produced by cartilage tissues.
If it is not enough, the condition of the bone system deteriorates sharply. As an integral part of the cartilage, it supports the structure of the ligaments.
While glucosamine is involved in the formation of proteoglycans that fill the space of cartilage, chondroitin acts as a "liquid magnet" because it is able to bind to water molecules.
This process is important for two reasons. The fluid acts as a "cushioning sponge" and also helps to nourish the cartilage tissue. After all, there are no blood vessels in the cartilage tissue. It has only the synovial fluid that washes it. Without a sufficient amount of this fluid, the cartilage does not receive enough nutrition, becomes dry, thinned, and damaged.
The most affordable way to obtain the required amount of this polysaccharide is to use additives from the category of chondroprotectors.
Glucosamine and chondroitin in sports nutrition
Industrial glucosamine is obtained from chitin that is the main component of crustacean shells. Crabs, shellfish, and lobsters are the most popular raw materials in the production of additives based on it. Calcium carbonate and proteins are removed from chitin, then hydrolyzed, while glucosamine hydrochloride is obtained. If the goal is to produce glucosamine sulfate, a sulfate group is simply added.
Chondroitin is obtained from natural sources such as shark or cow cartilage. Most often, this is chondroitin sulfate, which is a compound of chondroitin with mineral salt.
Every person needs support for the bone and joint system. Whether you are a professional athlete or a person who has an active lifestyle and cares about your own health, you should be interested in ensuring that your ligaments and joints are completely healthy. If you do not provide the connective tissues with the necessary nutrients, you weaken their protection, thereby increasing the risk of sprains and injuries. Glucosamine and chondroitin are the best solutions in such cases.