Chondroitin (chondroitin sulphate) is a chemical substance which is widely taken by arthritics to slow joint cartilage breakdown.
Chondroitin sulphate is extracted mostly from shellfish, and is a component of normal cartilage, helping to give it its elasticity.
The medical professionals were for a long time reluctant to prescribe chondroitin sulphate, and its partner glucosamine, but have over the years reluctantly bowed to widespread patient pressure. Patients continued to insist that the combination gave them symptomatic relief of pain, until clinical trials were instigated and the majority of medics were surprised that the trial results were very favourable.
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