HEALTH & FITNESS TERMS DIRECTORY
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Chondroitin SulfateChondroitin Sulfate is a "glycosaminoglycan," which is basically a long chain of specialized polysaccharides (or sugars). In the body, chondroitin is used as a building block for larger structures known as proteoglycans—which are used to form connective tissue such as cartilage. Chondroitin is related in structure and function to another sugar derivative, glucosamine, both of which are widely used as dietary supplements to nourish joint cartilage. Chondroitin Sulfate is not found in the diet in appreciable amounts—the primary source is animal cartilage. Normally secreted by the cells that form cartilage (chondrocytes), chondroitin provides elasticity to joints by drawing fluid into cartilage tissue.
