What are the specific “Joint Support” nutrients and how do they work together?

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan and is one of the proteoglycans present in the articular cartilage. CS is the major cartilage constituent, with hyaluronic acid which is also present in a lesser amount. Chondroitin sulfate maintains the cartilage characteristics through the increase of the glycosaminoglycan pool used by the chondrocyte in the proteoglycan synthesis³. In addition to the restorative affect, the incorporation of CS in the articular cartilage slows supports healthier joint structure⁴. Power-Flex® Pellets use a unique form of Chondroitin sulfate, “Chondro-srb™.” Chondro-srb™ is specifically designed for pelleted feeds to maintain structural integrity during the higher temperatures of the pelleting process. This allows the greater absorption rate and better effectiveness of its chondro-protective properties.

Glucosamine HCl

Glucosamine is the key precursor in the synthesis of the connective tissue matrix. It also composes over half of the hyaluronic acid found in the joint structures. Being the key rate limiting step, Glucosamine stimulates production of GAGs like hyaluronic acid, and Chondroitin sulfate (the production of collagen), and finally, connective tissue⁵. In recent human and dog trials, Glucosamine supplementation showed significant improvemed joint function in a short period of time⁶.

Ester-C® (Calcium Ascorbate)

Ester-C® is a patented ascorbate supplement that contains calcium ascorbate, naturally occurring dehydroascorbate and the Vitamin C metabolite, threonate. Threonate allows ascorbate to be more rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, cross cell membranes more efficiently, to reach higher cellular levels and be excreted more slowly than ordinary Vitamin C. Vitamin C is involved in a number of biochemical processes. Most importantly, the body needs Vitamin C to grow, maintain, and repair structural tissues. Vitamin C has been shown to play an integral role in production of specific proteins, like collagen, and other structural elements of connective tissues. The antioxidative qualities of Vitamin C also limit the deterioration of connective tissues by free radicals⁷. Various types of stress can apparently increase the animal’s need for Vitamin C while decreasing their ability to synthesize it⁸. Ester-C® provides greater levels of intracellular ascorbate and helps keeping the joint structure healthy.

In 1992, clinical trials to assess and quantify the effects of Ester-C® calcium ascorbate on horses were begun⁹. Over an 18-month period, horses were given oral Ester-C®. Preliminary classified in accordance with the American Association of Equine Practitioners Classification Scores¹⁰. At the conclusion of the trial, over 90% of the horses had shown good to excellent response to Ester-C® calcium ascorbate. Eighty percent (80%) of the “improved” horses remained sound and usable even after the supplement was discontinued¹¹. On-going clinical trials are being conducted to monitor the long term effects. Ester-C® promotes a higher level of intracellular ascorbic acid and healthier joint function.

Manganese Proteinate

Most importantly; it is essential for the production of Chondroitin sulfate, important in maintaining normal joint cartilage¹². Power-Flex® Pellets supplies manganese in an organic form for better assimilation.

Yucca Schidigera

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 recommended as an joint support herb. Yucca is nontoxic and is supplied in a pure dried form.

Sources

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

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.) Adolphe, M., Ed, Biological of Chonrocytes. CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1992

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

6.) Setnikar L, Giachtti, C., Zanolo, G. Pharmacokinetics of Glucosamine in the Dog and Man. Arzneimttelforscung 36(2) 729-736 (1986)

7.) Wong, SF. Halliwell,B., RichMond, P., Skowroneck Wr., The Role of Superoxide and Hydroxyl Radicals in the Degradation of Hyaluronic Acid Induced By Metal Ions and by Ascorbic Acid. Jinorg Biochem 1981; 14: 127-134

8.) Ivos, J, et al 1971. Thermic stress as a factor of disturbances in the reproduction of pigs and the possibility of prevention of these disturbances by the addition of ascorbic acid. Veterinarski Archiv. 41 No. 7-8:202

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

10.) Guideline for Veterinary Service and Judging of Equestrian Events. 4th ed., American Association of Equine Practitioners, Lexington, KY., 1991, Pg. 19

11.) N. Lee Newman , D.V.M., Equine Degenerative Joint Disease. A Nutritional Approach with Ester-C, Natural Pet, Pgs. 56-57, March-April 1995

12.) Equine Supplements & Nutraceuticals, Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD (Breakthrough Press, Ossining NY, 1998) pgs. 62-63

Power-Flex® Pellets Label information

Select Power-Flex® is a joint support product for performance horses.

Dosing Directions:

Loading: 4 ounces for 4 days.

Performance: 2 ounces per day.
Maintenance: 1 ounce per day.

Inactive ingredients:

Ground extruded whole soybeans, Citric acid, Potassium sorbate, and Propylparaben (used to preserve freshness)

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; know allergies to shellfish.

If lameness worsens, discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.