This product combines chondroitin, hyaluronic acid and calcium with the vitamins D and E. Chondroitin is made up of repeating molecule chains (mucopolysaccharides) and is an important component of cartilage. It gives the cartilage its structure, and is also responsible for water-binding capacity and nutrient permeability. The latter is of particular importance, as cartilage does not contain blood vessels and so can only be nourished via diffusion. Hyaluronic acid is indispensable for healthy synovial fluid (joint lubricant). It not only absorbs shock and lubricates, but also supplies the cartilage with nutrients and transports away the waste products of cellular metabolism. Tip for combining: Take with Glucosamine with Collagen. The detailed paper related to this can be found in "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage" (2010) on pages 297-302. Free of lactose, fructose and gluten