Joints allow for movement where two or more bones meet, and healthy joints support healthy movement throughout the lifespan.1 While they vary in shape, size, and type, joints are an important part of the musculoskeletal system, and taking steps to ensure healthy joints can result in benefits for years to come. In this article, we’ll walk through some of the nutrient support for joints that have shown promise for supporting healthy maintenance and joint repair.

The bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the musculoskeletal system serve a fundamental purpose: move the body. The musculoskeletal system also provides general support to other body systems, as many systems in an animal’s body rely on the actions of muscles, from chewing and swallowing to breathing and seeing. A healthy musculoskeletal system also provides stability, strength, cushioning, and flexibility for the entire body as well as secretes important signaling compounds.

Bone is a dynamic, living organ that plays structural, protective, and functional roles in the body. It is made up of a protein matrix and mineral deposits. The matrix provides a framework, and the mineral deposits provide hardness and strength. Remodeling is a process of removing old bone and rebuilding new. Remodeling is ongoing throughout life, continually working to maintain bone homeostasis and responding to injury, inflammation, and mechanical load.  The process is regulated by several hormones, cytokines, and growth factors, and it requires many nutrients for building and maintenance.