Cosamin® DS and Cosamin® ASU work at the cellular level inside the joint to help support cartilage. Cartilage in the joint is produced and maintained by its own specialized cells, called chondrocytes. In a healthy joint, there is a natural, on-going process in which chondrocytes release chemicals that trigger enzymes that break down cartilage. Cosamin® DS and Cosamin® ASU help inhibit certain enzymes that break down cartilage.
Normally, the breakdown and production of cartilage are in balance, so that your cartilage is maintained. But there are many factors that can disrupt this balance by causing cartilage to break down:
In addition, cartilage lacks a direct blood supply and has to get nutrients from the joint fluid. If this process is interrupted by any of the factors listed above, it can disrupt the balance. This leads to the continual loss of the protective cartilage. And that, in turn, can eventually result in damage to the bone—and joint discomfort and deterioration.
