Ortho Molecular Chondro-Flx Musculoskeletal Health As the key precursors to cartilage formation, the ingredients in Chondro-Flx provide full support for joint integrity and movement and a normal inflammatory response. Cartilage is composed of collagen fibers that impart tensile strength and proteoglycan molecules (especially chondroitin) that serve as a cushion for joint impact. Lifestyle factors and age can both contribute to a breakdown of healthy cartilage and lead to discomfort, which can lead to nutrient and fluid deprivation of the affected articular cartilage. While most other therapies simply block the pain of joint discomfort, the ingredients in Chondro-Flx address the root cause of joint discomfort and provide the precursors that enhance cartilage synthesis for healthy joints and connective tissue. Chondro-Flx combines glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, vitamin C, and bromelain, all of which have a long history of use and a large body of research highlighting their role in supporting joint health. The formula also includes bromelain to enhance the absorption of chondroitin and vitamin C, an antioxidant that reduces free radicals and is a cofactor to enzymes critical for the synthesis of new collagen. Key Benefits and Features: Supports Joint Integrity and Movement Helps Protect Cartilage Cells Maintains Normal Inflammatory Balance Enhances Synthesis of Proteoglycans for Healthy Connective Tissue Ingredients Serving Size: 1 Capsule Amount/Serving Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid USP) 20 mg Sodium (as Chondroitin Sulfate Sodium 20 mg Potassium (as Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride USP) 60 mg Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride USP 500 mg Chondroitin Sulfate Sodium 300 mg Bromelain (from Pineapple) 15 mg (36 GDU) Other Ingredients: Gelatin (Capsule), and Magnesium Stearate. Contains: Crustacean Shellfish (Shrimp and Crab). Does Not Contain: Gluten, yeast, artificial colors, or flavors. Suggested Use Take 1 capsule three times per day on an empty stomach, or as recommended by your health care professional. Warning: If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product. Keep out of the reach of children. Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place. More Info. Glucosamine Glucosamine sulfate (GS) is a naturally occurring, joint-supporting compound. As a precursor to the primary building blocks of joint tissue (glycolipids, glycoproteins, hyaluronate, and proteoglycans), it is an important starting point for cartilage synthesis. Meta-analyses have long confirmed positive trends for the use of glucosamine. In an early double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (80 subjects, half received 1.5 g of glucosamine sulfate in 3 divided doses, and the other half received a placebo), those given glucosamine had double the joint health benefits compared with placebo (71% vs 41%). In a double-blind trial of 178 patients, 1500 mg of glucosamine sulfate significantly supported joint health after four weeks and continued to maintain joint function two weeks after treatment was stopped. A more recent 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (glucosamine-based dietary supplement combined with chondroitin sulfate and three antioxidant micronutrients) showed a synergistic improvement when these ingredients were used in combination. The treatment group showed benefits at all four assessment time points in the test group, but not at any point in the placebo group. Lastly, a 2013 study of data from a French database of 11,772 adults taking a glucosamine supplement showed a significant positive effect on joint health, functional limitation, and quality of life. Chondroitin Sulfate as CS b-Bioactive® As the major glycosaminoglycan associated with articular cartilage, chondroitin sulfate (CS) is designed to draw water into the joint tissues and hydrate them, allowing for compression when pressure is put on the joint and to rehydrate when the pressure is released. There is a growing body of research supporting the benefits of chondroitin for normal joint function. The MOSAIC study, a 24-month multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled, and comparative study carried out in five medical centers in Quebec (Canada), that looked at structural changes in patients’ knees. One hundred ninety-four patients were evaluated on standard joint function and joint symptom scales, and underwent three MRI scans: one at the beginning of the study, a second one after one year, and a third one at the end of the study. The study looked at the effects of CS b-Bioactive® (1,200 mg/day) on functional scores and cartilage volume in the knee after 24 months. The MOSAIC study found that CS b-Bioactive® was efficient across the entire study, reaching a clinically relevant improvement.9 A review of seven clinical trials (327 total patients in which CS was compared with placebo for 120 days or more) revealed it to be significantly superior to placebo.10 Key research in the use of chondroitin sulfate confirmed the use for knee and finger joint benefits. A one-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed a significant positive effect in knee joint health and mobility in patients taking CS (800 mg/day) compared to placebo. CS has also been shown to maintain normal inflammatory balance, with an affinity to synovial cartilage and to have metabolic effects on the synthesis of hyaluronate and cartilage proteoglycans. CS has also been shown to inhibit cartilage-degrading enzymes (collagenase, elastase, proteoglycanase). Bioavailability Considerations for Chondroitin Sulfate The importance of bioavailability is obvious: If consuming chondroitin sulfate has little effect on joint health, there is no reason to ingest it. Studies show that oral doses are well-absorbed and have a high affinity to cartilaginous tissues. This, however, is dependent on the size of chondroitin sulfate particles that are selected. It is well established that the molecular weight (particle size) of chondroitin sulfate has a direct influence on its permeability and absorption. A study at the University of Maryland examining random retail chondroitin sulfate products showed that a majority of products use large molecular weight, acid-hydrolyzed chondroitin particles. These particles are inconsistent in size and too large to be absorbed in the intestine. The chondroitin sulfate in Chondro-Flx is enzymatically processed, providing consistently small, highly absorbed chondroitin molecules, ensuring the best results. Bromelain Bromelain is a protease derived from pineapple stems that helps to maintain normal inflammatory balance by affecting both the kinin and fibrin pathways. Bromelain also increases the absorption of chondroitin sulfate. Synergy A number of studies support the synergy of glucosamine and chondroitin when co-supplemented. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial using GS (1500 mg/day) and CS (1200 mg/day), in 34 males (US Navy diving and special warfare communities), showed statistical significance for normal knee joint support after 4 months.
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