Chondroitin naturally occurs in the body and is a major component of cartilage that acts to cushion the joints. Chondroitin helps produce new cartilage and stop enzymes from breaking cartilage down. Currently, the only way to add chondroitin to the animal system is through supplementation.

Chondroitin is widely used to treat osteoarthritis. Studies have found that chondroitin is beneficial because it reduces pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints.

Chondroitin has many important functions. Chondroitin is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in articular cartilage and is a component of various tissues in the body, including tendons, bone, intervertebral disks, corneas and heart valves.

Clinical reports show that chondroitin is able to boost the production of cartilage, protects it from damage and facilitates cartilage repair.

It used to be thought that damaged cartilage could not repair itself; however, modern research suggests that damaged cartilage can be replaced by healthy new cartilage. The primary focus of joint health should be on preventing joint problems, while treatment should focus on preventing further cartilage breakdown as well as stimulating repair, a primary function of chondroitin.