Boosting joint health – supplements for pets

An articulating joint is where bones and muscles come together to support the skeleton and facilitate movement and stability. Importantly, the ends of the bones are covered by a thin layer of cartilage that enables a smooth transition of movement and absorbs any forces impacting the joint.

Joint health – all about cartilage and synovial fluid

The articular cartilage is a dense fibrous connective tissue attached to the bones via specialized zones at the end of each involved bone. Articulating bones are held together by tendons and muscles, creating a joint capsule. This resembles a sac-like envelope containing synovial fluid. Joint health refers to either or both articular cartilage and synovial fluid.

Replenishing the protective shock absorber

The cartilage layer covering each end of the articulating bones is a strong, flexible connective tissue that protects joints and bones. It acts as a shock absorber, reducing friction and preventing the bones from rubbing together in movement.

Cartilage is made up of specialized cells called chondrocytes. These chondrocytes produce large amounts of extracellular matrix composed of collagen fibers, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans and elastin fibers. There are no blood vessels in the cartilage to supply the chondrocytes with nutrients.

Replenishment of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans can be supported with glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. Supplementation of collagen is also seen, although the efficacy of supplementation is debatable, because the collagen structure forms early in a pet’s life.

Effective pain management

Joint pain is extremely complex as it can have multiple causes that are outside of the joint itself. Joint pain caused by inflammation, however, may be reduced with the aid of oral supplementation. Inflammation is a natural bodily response to physical trauma, but it creates a swelling that can cause severe pain.

Commonly used ingredients include sources of omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric and selenium. These ingredients have different pathways in which they serve as an antioxidant and can be used alongside each other.

Choice of ingredients

Glucosamine can be either animal-derived or plant-based. Chondroitin is only animal-derived. Ethical choices should avoid Chinese sources which are likely to contain shark fins. Green-lipped mussels provide a great mixture of key supplements: glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen and omega 3. However, these mussels grow in New Zealand only, which makes them less attractive for pet supplement brands looking to reduce their footprint.