I suffer from joint pain and recently underwent surgery on my hip. Wanting to find a natural way to ease pain and maintain joint health, I began researching glucosamine and chondroitin. Chondroitin is a naturally occurring substance formed of sugar chains. Chondroitin is believed to help the body maintain fluid and flexibility in the joints. Glucosamine is sugar protein that helps your body build cartilage (the hard connective tissue located mainly on the bones near your joints). Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance found in bones, bone marrow, shellfish and fungus. Chondroitin and glucosamine is a combination product that has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating osteoarthritis pain. Other uses requiring additional research have included treating Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, cataracts, glaucoma, bladder problems, heart disease, high cholesterol, or tmj. I was excited to try this supplement and needed a vegetarian version since it is typically derived from shellfish and I have recently developed an adult onset allergy to it. I have taken this supplement for about a month and have noticed less stiffness and pain in my joints. I also do not have the fatigue I generally experience after spending all day on my feet in the classroom. Overall I am very pleased with this product and it's value