A naturally occurring compound found in cartilage that helps maintain cartilage structure and elasticity, often taken as a dietary supplement.
From Greek 'chondros' (cartilage) + suffix '-in' (chemical compound). Chondroitin is a key component of the matrix that makes cartilage flexible and cushioned.
Chondroitin is so important to cartilage that it acts like a water magnet—it attracts and holds water molecules, which is why your joints feel cushioned and spongy rather than hard and brittle like bone.
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