The present invention describes combinations comprising chondroitin sulphate (CS), one or more enzymes or enzymatic mixtures possessing proteolytic activity, and sulphydryl compounds, for the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis and correlated acute and chronic inflammatory processes, or as nutraceutical compositions for the maintenance of musculoskeletal well-being in humans and animals. The characteristic of said combinations is that they increase the intestinal absorption of CS when administered orally. The effect of said combinations is exerted on a wide range of molecular weights of CS, including CS samples with very low molecular weights which already possess greater bioavailability than samples with a higher molecular weight. The effect is exerted on CS samples of any origin.