Ultimate Nutrition Glucosamine, Chondroitin MSM Osteoarthritis is associated with a breakdown of cartilage in joints and commonly occurs in the hips, knees and spine. Osteoarthritis occurs when there is significant wearing of the articular cartilage of the joint. As the articular cartilage is worn down, swelling and pain occur due to inflammation. Chondroitin and glucosamine, as dietary supplements, are used together to help ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is an amino sugar normally produced in the human body. It is necessary for the construction and repair of connective tissue and healthy joint cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate also occurs naturally in the body. Like glucosamine, chondroitin is a building block of proteoglycans: large protein molecules that give cartilage elasticity. Chondroitin sulfate acts by attracting fluid into the proteoglycan molecules and stimulates collagen production. MSM is useful for relieving inflammation and pain in joints that are associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle pain, fatigue and back pain. MSM relieves inflammation and pain by helping to equalize cell pressure.