Nutrients for cartilage formation

Silica is absolutely essential for the formation of cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments. Silica itself though  is poorly absorbed, especially in the elderly and in those using antacids and acid blockers due to insufficient stomach acid. Therefore taking your silica containing supplements with a source of acid is a real good idea. You can use a little unbuffered ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or some cider vinegar to enhance silica absorption.

By the way horsetail grass (shavegrass) is usually recommended for a silica source. Though I do not recommend it. Horsetail grass constricts blood vessels, which can be a problem for people with circulatory disorders such as heart disease, diabetes and Raynaud's. Better choices are bamboo, which is 7 times higher in silica than horsetail grass, or purified diatomaceous earth, which is pure silica.

Vitamin C is also essential for the formation of cartilage proteins and connective tissue.

Sulfur is needed for the production of cartilage proteins and connective tissues.

Manganese (do not confuse with magnesium) is also required for cartilage formation.

Zinc and copper are required as catalysts, but they are only needed in trace amounts.

Seaweeds, nettle leaf, and alfalfa are all good sources for these nutrients.

Glucosamine is good in the sulfate form. Though it is extremely slow to take effect. In general it takes at least 4 months to really start seeing results. And again keep in mind that sufficient stomach acid is required to properly absorb glucosamine. Therefore antacids, acid blockers, alkaline waters, and age can all decrease or block absorption of glucosamine.

I do not like chondroitin. Though it is a component of cartilage it is not absorbed well enough to be of much benefit. Only about 8% of chondroitin in typically absorbed. This is why I prefer using the building blocks, such as silica, to help build cartilage. I also find that it is faster, probably in part due to higher levels of intake compared to the average dose of glucosamine and chondroitin normally taken.

A final note, both glucosamine and chondroitin are found in gelatin. Gelatin also provides additional protein for the formation of bone and cartilage. So gelatin makes an excellent substitute for glucosamine and chondroitin, and is less expensive. But I am not talking about gelatins full of sugar, since sugar breaks bones down. I am talking about straight gelatin, which can be mixed in a little juice for flavor, added to some foods, or sweetened with stevia.