Ruff KJ, et al. - Whether NEM (natural eggshell membrane) would reduce exercise-induced cartilage turnover or alleviate joint pain or stiffness, either directly following exercise or 12 hours post exercise, compared with placebo, was investigated herein. Healthy, postmenopausal women who received NEM demonstrated rapidly improved recovery from exercise-induced joint pain (Day 8) and stiffness (Day 4) and reduced discomfort immediately following exercise (stiffness, Day 7). Furthermore, a substantial chondroprotective effect was demonstrated via a decrease in the cartilage degradation biomarker C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type-II collagen.