What is Select Nu-Flex™?

It is a scientifically formulated and designed strengthen the skeletal system, support joint health. Nu-Flex™ is a balanced blend of natural body lubricants (Chondroitin Sulfates), cartilage support (Hydrolysed Collagen), natural herbs (Yucca) and vitamins (Vitamins C, E, and Beta-Carotene) in a palatable, and affordable complete product.

What is chondroitin sulfate?

Chondroitin sulfate, (sometimes called glycosaminoglycans or mucopolysaccharides) interact with the building blocks of connective tissue. They maintain the normal function and structural integrity of joints and other tissues, resulting in the elastic gel nature of connective tissue. Unfortunately, these building blocks are difficult for the horse to produce internally from basic food sources. Studies have shown that chondroitin sulfate supplies connective tissue support and has a powerful capacity to regulate immune response¹. It does this by stimulating the secretion of synovial fluid, increasing its viscosity and reducing damaging protein levels in the blood. Most importantly, recent research has found substantiating evidence that chondroitin sulfate is absorbed through the intestines and up to 40% can be absorbed into the bloodstream². Furthermore, chondroitin sulfate is absorbed in a way that does not alter its chemical blueprint. Supplementation may be beneficial to the horse in many ways. Other health benefits for the performance horse include: 1) a lipid clearing of the blood; 2) stimulation of cellular metabolism; 3) increased fatty acid metabolism; 4) Increased RNA and DNA synthesis of cells, and increased growth, size, and quantity of cell³. Nu-Flex™ contains the highest purity porcine sourced chondroitin sulfate available to insure the best absorption, and quality.

Hydrolysed Collagen:

Hydrolysed collagen is a protein that accounts for about a third of the total protein in the body and most importantly, is the major structural constituent in articular cartilage. In the cartilage matrix it provides structural form and strength and promotes a smooth flexible surface on which the joint moves. It is a protein that contains a high proportion of hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine, arginine, and L-glycine. These amino acids are the principal substances for the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans in cartilage tissue⁴. In field trials, supplementation of hydrolysed collagen was shown to decrease pain and provide better mobility for the knee in humans⁵. One recent human trial showed both absorption and increase in the re-building of articular cartilage by radioactively labeled hydrolysed collagen⁶. Nu-Flex™ uses only the highest-quality Type II hydrolysed collagen.

Vitamins C, E & Beta-Carotene:

While oxygen is absolutely essential to life, it can also be harmful. For example, both through normal body processes and external sources, such as the air breathed, the horse is exposed to highly-reactive, oxygen-containing chemicals called “free radicals.” These free radicals can damage equine cells and tissues. While we cannot readily see what is happening in our horse’s body, every day examples of oxidative, free-radical damage can be seen through the rusting of metal and the rapid browning of a cut apple. Vitamins C, E, and Beta-Carotene can help curb these damaging oxidative reactions. vitamins neutralize free radicals and other reactive chemicals and help protect the body’s cells. One study showed calcium ascorbate (Ester-C®) as in Nu-Flex™ can support joint health⁷. Unfortunately, most hays and grains lose most of the vitamins when harvested and processed. Select Nu-Flex™ contains a potent combination of these ingredients in their most readily available form to insure sufficient cell protection.

Yucca is the common name for 40 species of herbaceous plants of the genus yucca, native to the Southwest U.S. and Central America. The active ingredient in yucca is “Saponin,” which is a group of basic sugars. Saponins have been a tremendous equine additive to for 50 years. Yucca is nontoxic and is supplied in a pure standardized extract form.

Sources

1.) Ishikawa, K., Kitagawa, T.Tanaka, T., Tereama, K., Kurina, N., Iwata, H., Niwa, S., Sakurai M, Clinical Evaluation of Glycosaminoglycans Polysulphate for Osteoarthritis of the Knee Joint: A Multicentric Double Blind Controlled Study. Z Orthop, 1982; 120: 708-716

2.) Videla Dorna I. DVM and R.C. Guerro DVM, Effects of Oral and Intramuscular Use of Chondroitin Sulfate in Induced Equine Aseptic Arthritis. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, pgs. 14-18, Supplement 1: March 1, 1999

3.) Bucci, Luke R., PhD, CCN, C(ASCP), Chondroprotective Agents: Glucosamine Salts and Chondroitin Sulfates. Townsend Letter for Doctors, January 1994

4.) Bauer. Nutritional Therapy of St. Hildegard 3rd Edition. Freidburg, Germany. GDC 1986-German Drug Codex-first amendment 1989

5.) Goetz. Chondropathia Patellae. Orthopaedic speciality clinic 1982 Schwartz, Germany. Arztliche Praxis. 92: 3130-3143

6.) Seeligmuller, Bonn & Happel. Help and Support for Cartilage. 1993 Bonn, Germany. Therapiewoche 43, 36 1810-1813

7.) Vetilangieri, Anthony J., Ester-C Research Summary. Inter-Cal Corp., Prescott AZ, 1987-1991

Nu-Flex™ Label Information

Select Nu-Flex™ is a Joint Support supplement for horses containing Chondroitin Sulfate, Hydrolysed Collagen, Yucca, and an Antioxidant Package with Ester-C®.

Directions:

Administer 2 scoops daily (1 scoop = 1 oz, scoop enclosed) per head per day for 26 days, then a maintenance dose of 1 scoop per day.

Inactive ingredients:

Ground extruded whole soybeans,and Tertiary butyl hydroquinone (used to preserve freshness)

Ester-C® “Manufactured under U.S. Patent No. 4,822,816. Other foreign patents pending.” “The E-C logo and Ester-C® are licensed trademarks of Inter-Cal Corporation.”

PRECAUTIONS:

Consult with your veterinarian before using this product in animals; with clotting disorders; being treated with anticoagulant medications; diabetes, or any metabolic disorder causing hyperglycemia; history of urinary tract stones.

If lameness worsens, discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.