What is chondroitin sulphate?
Chondroitin sulphate also occurs normally in the body, specifically, it is the most abundant GAG in the articular cartilage matrix. It is a large molecule that is made in a series of reactions by the cartilage cells. Chondroitin sulphate is important because it binds to collagen, and thus gives cartilage its tensile strength and resiliency. Lack of chondroitin sulphate contributes to joint breakdown by causing cartilage to become soft. Chondroitin sulphate is certainly an important structural part of cartilage, and it also has an important effect on cartilage metabolism, in that it inhibits degredative enzymes that break down cartilage. In other words, supplementing chondroitin sulphate helps to maintain healthy cartilage by slowing cartilage breakdown. CosaminDS contains Low Molecular Weight (LMW) chondroitin sulfate. This is important as described in the US Physicians Desk Reference as many chondroitin sulfate products are not readily absorbed in the body.
