Glucosamine belongs to the group of amino sugars and is a natural component of joint cartilage and synovial fluid. Glucosamine has a significant influence on normal joint function. It is important for the formation and supply of connective tissue, tendons, cartilage, joint capsules and synovial fluid.
Healthy cartilage allows the joint surfaces to slide on each other without pain during movement and supports the damping of hard impacts. However, joint changes with loss of glucosamine can occur during growth and in genetically predisposed, active and older animals.
Chondroitin (chondroitin sulphate), like glucosamine, is an endogenous component of joint cartilage. It serves the elasticity and has shock-absorbing properties, and also increases the nutrient permeability for optimal joint supply.
The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin has proven to be particularly effective in supporting the musculoskeletal system and joint metabolism. Supplementing the diet with these substances has been shown to produce positive results in some scientific studies.*
*Heisel und Kipshoven (2011): treatment of osteoarthritis with crystalline glucosamine sulfate. Results od the IDEAL-study. MMW Fortschr Med. 153 Suppl 3: 95-100
Iovu et al. (2008): Anti-inflammatory activity of chondroitin sulfate. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 16 Suppl 3:S14-8.
McCarthy et al. (2007): Randomised double-blind, positive-controlled trialto assess the efficacy of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis. Vet J. 174(1): 54-61.
Bhatal et al. (2017): Glucosamine and chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis: A review. Open Vet J. 7(1):36-49