Glucosamine

Glucosamine lays down the foundation for the everyday rebuilding of the connective tissues around the joints, including tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Connective tissues are continuously being remodeled as they are worn away during activity and then reformed afterwards. As we age we become less efficient at renewing these tissues (especially cartilage).

Glucosamine is a major building block of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) - two of the main structural components of cartilage. Whilst glucosamine is a natural amino sugar already present in the body, it cannot be easily obtained from diet as it is found in only a small number of foods.

Cod Liver Oil & Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Cod liver oil and fish oils are important sources of the omega-3 EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) fatty acids that are so vital to health. It is critically important that these omega-3 fats are obtained from the diet as the body cannot manufacture them sufficiently. They can be found in oily fish like mackerel, herring and salmon. In the body these fatty acids have abundant health benefits including a role in keeping joints supple and flexible and help maintain a healthy heart and circulation.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin is naturally present in cartilage and connective tissue and is involved in the attraction of fluid that lubricates the joints. Connective tissues are continuously being remodeled as they wear away during activity and are then reformed afterwards. As we age we become less efficient at renewing these tissues (especially cartilage).

Like glucosamine, chondroitin is a building block of proteoglycans (one of the main structural components of cartilage). Hyaluronic acid is a major component of synovial fluid which is the lubricating fluid in joints. Whilst chondroitin is a natural amino sugar already present in the body, it cannot be easily obtained from diet as it is found in only a small number of foods.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D can be obtained from food but, uniquely among vitamins, its main method of production is via the skin’s exposure to sunlight. It is widely known that vitamin D is needed to aid the absorption of calcium into bones, but there is lower awareness that vitamin D is also needed to ensure the optimal function of the connective tissues found in muscles. (People who seldom leave their homes or who cover up completely may not always be able to produce sufficient levels of vitamin D.)