Approximately 30 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, an often painful condition in which the cushioning cartilage between bones wears away. In their search for relief, many people are trying new therapies and dietary supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

Glucosamine is found naturally in the body. It stimulates the formation and repair of joint cartilage. In turn, over-the-counter supplements come from animal sources. Chondroitin sulfate is another naturally occurring substance in our body and prevents other enzymes in the body from breaking down the building blocks of joint cartilage. The type of medication sold in health food stores and pharmacies is derived from animals.