Cartilage
The silent cushion. Cartilage is smooth, rubbery tissue that caps bone ends in joints. It has no blood supply—nutrients come from synovial fluid pumped in through movement. This is why "motion is lotion" and why cartilage heals slowly when damaged.
Types of Cartilage
Hyaline Cartilage
Most common. Covers joint surfaces. Smooth and glassy. Articular cartilage in joints.
Fibrocartilage
Tough and dense. Menisci, spinal discs. Absorbs shock. More collagen fibers.
Elastic Cartilage
Flexible. Ears, epiglottis. Contains elastin. Maintains shape.
Cartilage Composition
Water (65-80%)
High water content. Provides cushioning. Hydration matters for joint health.
Type II Collagen
Structural framework. Different from skin collagen. Specific supplements target this.
Proteoglycans
Trap water. Provide resilience. Glucosamine and chondroitin components.
Chondrocytes
Cartilage cells. Produce and maintain matrix. Low density. Limited repair capacity.
Supporting Cartilage Health
Movement
Pumps nutrients in. Compression and release. Daily movement essential.
Type II Collagen
UC-II (undenatured) or hydrolyzed. 40mg UC-II or 10g hydrolyzed daily.
Glucosamine
Building block for proteoglycans. 1500mg daily. Sulfate form preferred.
Chondroitin
Attracts water to cartilage. Often combined with glucosamine. 1200mg daily.
Vitamin C
Essential for collagen synthesis. Antioxidant protection. 500-1000mg daily.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Reduce cartilage breakdown. Omega-3, turmeric. Avoid seed oils, sugar.