Joints connect bones within the body, some are weight bearing and all enable you to move. Generally they are made up of bone, muscles, synovial fluid to lubricate the joint enabling pain-free movement, cartilage (which if becomes worn over time can lead to painful movement, decreased range of motion and as a result osteoarthritis) and ligaments (which can become lax from damage making the strength of the surrounding muscles of the joint all the more important). There are different types of joints though.
Joints in the elbow and knee are ‘Hinge Joints’ which essentially act as a door hinge would with two ranges of motion – forwards and back. Hips and shoulders provide a greater range of movement and therefore are ‘ball-and-socket joints’. Such different joints provide unique points of stability and mobility.
Helping maintain joint stability and mobility through regular stretching & muscular strengthening exercise, through healthy eating (providing the body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally), you will better help your body prevent developing conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis or gout. Joint health supplements provide additional support to helping maintain stability and mobility by feeding the joint the exact nutrients it requires to help stay strong and function optimally.
The claim that collagen can stimulate the growth of new cartilage in joints is borne out by recent medical studies which say that patients with arthritic or damaged joints showed improvement in mobility and pain relief when taking the supplement.
A laboratory study has also shown that collagen can stimulate the growth of new cartilage tissue. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body at about 33 per cent. It is present in bones, joints, muscle and other connective tissue. Scientists believe that in some people, particularly the elderly, its production slows down or stops. Supplements seem to perform the same role as natural collagen in keeping the tissue in joints healthy and supple.