Chondroitin

                                           The function of Chondroitin

Chondroitin sulfate is a polysaccharide made up of two things, D glucuronic acid and N acetyl D galactosamine. Chondroitin sulfate is an important constituent of cartilage, bones and extracellular matrix of other connective tissues of the body and provides great resistance to compression. Loss of chondroitin from the cartilage is a major cause of osteoarthritis, a disease of joints characterized by stiffness and pain. Because of this reason chondroitin sulfate is being used for the treatment of osteoarthritis worldwide. Chondroitin sulfate also plays an important role in regulating cellular activities by interacting with proteins present in extracellular matrix. One may ask that what the role of chondroitin sulfate in treating osteoarthritis is?  Well, it is helpful because of its inflammatory nature, ability to stimulate synthesis of other proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid, decreasing the catabolic activity of chondrocytes. They are produced within the body naturally. To build and repair cartilage our body relies on the chondroitin. We need it for repairing damage cartilage and for new cartilage growth. It is also very important for the synovial fluid or for the lubrication of the joints as well as for slowing down the progression of many joint diseases.

For enhancing the absorption of glucosamine, chondroitin is often combined with glucosamine.  The main function of the chondroitin is to attract fluid and nutrients in the protroglycan molecules. It add resiliency of the joints and protect the cartilage by increasing the flow of the fluid. Its deficiency can lead to many diseases of joints and can cause pain and inflammation.

It is very important to add these supplements in our diet as it is almost impossible to take these nutrients through food. These supplements are the symptomatic treatment for arthritis as it decreases the pain and improve the joint mobility and have the ability to reverse the arthritis.