Background
inflammation, impairments of the musculoskeletal system, pain
INFLAMMATION, JOINT DISORDERS
Modern Western societies are facing the challenges of an ever-aging population, where life expectancy and the proportion of older people in the population continue to increase. According to the United Nations, at least 1.5 billion people aged 65 years or older are expected for 2050, compared to 703 million in 2019 [Aging is frequently associated with impairments of the musculoskeletal system (joints, bones, and muscles), and many elderly people experience joint discomfort or pain which might reduce their ability to move [Current medical treatments of joint discomfort are mainly symptoms-oriented and rely on analgesic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation [As an alternative, high-quality food supplements are being explored for the prevention and management of joint discomfort [Glucosamine sulfate (GS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) are important basic natural components of cartilage. They are naturally formed by the body but can also be provided in the diet. Supplementation may be especially beneficial when there is a disturbed balance between catabolic and anabolic processes. While several in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that these compounds taken alone or in combination can modify or stabilize joint disorders, conflicting and controversial results have been observed in clinical trials with regards to their symptomatic and structure-modifying effect [A dried and concentrated fish cartilage hydrolysate (FCH) including the glycosaminoglycans GS and CS together with collagen hydrolysate to support joint cartilage has recently been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on pain and joint function in an in vivo efficacy study [