When moving is no longer comfortable, the strategy must change.
Cracking, stiffness upon waking, discomfort when going down stairs... Joint pain doesn't appear overnight. It's the result of years of micro-injuries, progressive cartilage wear, and often, inadequate recovery from exertion. You don't have to have an illness to feel like your joints "aren't the same as they used to."
Fortunately, there are nutrients and strategies that can help alleviate this discomfort and regain some of the lost function. This doesn't mean resorting directly to medication or giving up. The combination of glucosamine , chondroitin , and vitamin C is one of the most scientifically supported in this field, and its continued use can make a difference for people with mild to moderate joint discomfort.
What happens to joints over time?
Over the years, the cartilage that covers joint surfaces becomes thinner, less elastic, and less able to withstand impact. Added to this are:
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A decrease in collagen production .
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Increased exposure to degrading enzymes such as collagenase.
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Chronic microinflammation , which alters natural regeneration.
This deterioration translates into pain, loss of mobility, stiffness, and a reduced quality of life. This is where structural supplements can support joint function from within.
Glucosamine and chondroitin: clinically validated allies
Both compounds are a natural component of articular cartilage. Their exogenous intake has been shown to:
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Stimulate the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans .
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Inhibit enzymes that degrade cartilage , such as phospholipase A2.
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Improve the elasticity and cushioning capacity of the joint.
A landmark study ( Pavelka et al., 2002 ) showed that patients with knee osteoarthritis experienced significant improvements in pain and mobility after 1,500 mg/day of glucosamine for three years, even when compared with traditional anti-inflammatory drugs. Although the dosage in some supplements is lower, prolonged use is still effective, especially in mild to moderate cases.
Chondroitin , for its part, complements the action of glucosamine by retaining water in the extracellular matrix of cartilage, which increases its resistance and impact absorption capacity.
Vitamin C: restorative and protective
Vitamin C not only strengthens the immune system, but also strengthens the joints:
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It participates in the formation of type II collagen , specific to cartilage.
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Neutralizes free radicals that accelerate structural degradation.
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According to EFSA, it contributes to “the normal formation of collagen for the normal functioning of cartilage and bones.”
Its antioxidant role is key for people with chronic joint inflammation or with habits that generate more oxidative stress (such as intense training, smoking, or a diet low in fruits and vegetables).
Practical use and continuity
These substances are not fast-acting analgesics. Their effects are progressive and cumulative. Therefore, the studies and recommendations agree:
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Minimum duration : at least 8-12 weeks of continuous use.
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Effective dose : 1000 mg glucosamine, 200 mg chondroitin, 80 mg vitamin C (or equivalent to 100% of the VNR).
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Time of intake : with main meals to improve absorption and digestive tolerance.
This profile is found in specific formulas such as the one developed by Sevens , which combines these active ingredients with natural anti-inflammatories such as MSM and Boswellia, offering a comprehensive approach to joint care.
Who is this approach ideal for?
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People over 40 years of age with frequent joint discomfort.
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Adults with mild osteoarthritis, morning stiffness, or functional limitations.
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Former athletes or people with a history of joint injuries.
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Users who want to avoid NSAIDs or complement them with a nutritional strategy.
Conclusion
Regaining mobility doesn't always require aggressive treatments. Often, what's needed is consistency, information, and a formula that respects the body's physiology. Nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and vitamin C act on the root of the problem: cartilage deterioration and associated inflammation. Their continued use not only relieves discomfort but also preserves what's most valuable: the freedom to move without pain.
The supplement developed by Sevens is inspired precisely by this philosophy: addressing the root of the problem from within, with ingredients that work with biology, not against it.