This formula addresses the unique nutritional needs of intervertebral cartilage (IVC). IVC is avascular, wears differently, and is affected by different nutritional factors compared to articular cartilage. The basics of healthy disc composition involve glucosamine, chondroitin and collagen. Studies indicate that glucosamine and chondroitin support spinal disc integrity and have the potential to support the strength of the disc under compressive loads. In postmenopausal women, the healthy composition of the lumbar spine is directly related to collagen content. The advanced nature of this product involves its ability to maintain healthy advanced glycation end product activity, healthy immune mediator activity, a healthy inflammatory response and healthy calcium metabolism. Advanced glycation end products reduce the ability of the intervertebral disc to produce proteoglycans, which comprise healthy disc matrix. The age-related increase in advanced glycation end products also contributes to stiffening of the spine. l-Carnosine, alpha lipoic acid and grape seed extract help to maintain healthy advanced glycation end product metabolism and provide antioxidant protection. Cartilage end plate calcification also affects disc function and longevity. Vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 maintains a healthy balance of calcium uptake into extra-skeletal tissues. Vitamin D is a synergist with vitamin K2 to help maintain healthy cartilage end plate calcium metabolism. Devil's claw supports day-to-day spinal comfort and flexibility while boswellia offers key support for musculoskeletal comfort.
