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.

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.

High levels of physical activity may increase risk for joint injury due to repetitive movements of force and rotation. A compound that could address both prevention of future joint injury and repair of existing issues would be particularly helpful for those participating in high impact exercise, where joint injuries can affect one’s ability to participate in the short term and have consequences for degenerative processes in the long term. A cartilage component called glucosamine may be part of the solution.