Science Supplements FlexAbility PLUS is one of the highest specification joint supplements available in the UK with two clinical and scientific studies demonstrating the positive effects of joint supplementation. A high spec supplement providing key nutrients supporting cartilage wear and joint lubrication using a unique combination and optimal levels of scientifically proven ingredients, including glucosamine, low molecular weight chondroitin, MSM, omega 3 fatty acids DHA & EPA, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and Vitamin C. FlexAbility+ PLUS is suitable for all horses and ponies and provides nutrient support for joints against the rigours of training, competition, and help to maintain normal mobility and joint function in older animals. Chondroitin has been extensively studied, and found to have a synergistic effect when used in combination with Glucosamine. Both Glucosamine and Chondroitin act as building blocks for repair, but also have their own anti-inflammatory properties. Together they counteract inflammation by inhibiting the synthesis of Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Chondroitin supplementation has been evaluated in horses in combination with Glucosamine and other ingredients. DHA & EPA are specific types of Omega 3 fatty acids which are only found in substantial amounts in Omega 3 from marine sources. DHA and EPA have been found to be beneficial to many body systems in the horse including joints, blood and lungs. It is important to note that Omega 3 from plant sources does not result increased DHA and EPA in body tissues in horses. We use a unique encapsulated DHA and EPA and not a cheap plant source. Glucosamine. An essential building block for proteoglycans which make up the non-structural component of cartilage. Glucosamine has been recognised as a beneficial nutraceutical for joint health in both horses and humans for many years. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and cartilage turnover. Glucosamine and Chondroitin work synergistically to reduce inflammatory mediators in the joint as well as improve repair. MSM Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane is a natural ingredient used in many supplements because it has two very important properties. Firstly, MSM is a source of Sulphur. Sulphur is essential for the maintenance of repair of many structural tissues within the body like skin, hoof and cartilage. Secondly, MSM itself has anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) A natural water-soluble anti-oxidant that under normal situations is made by the horse in the liver. During certain times excessive amounts of vitamin C are used, and the liver cannot keep up with the demand. Horses in work and older horses all have increased demand for Vitamin C and studies show that blood and tissue levels are often low in these groups of animals. Vitamin C has been shown to be able to pass from the blood into the joint fluid of horses, which allows it to neutralise damaging free radicals which have been produced as a result of excessive wear and tear. As the horse can produce its own vitamin C, its gut did not adapt for efficient absorption of the vitamin as it occurs naturally in fruit and vegetables in the form of L-Ascorbic acid, unlike human. When supplementing vitamin C to horses it is important to use a form which can be absorbed efficiently such as Ascorbyl monophosphate. HA Hyaluronic acid is an essential component of both synovial fluid and proteoglycans. It has been studied in horses both as an oral nutraceutical, but also in injectable forms for use straight into joints or into the vein. Hyaluronic acid shows to improve the visual swelling seen with joint disease and for use as an oral supplement in isolation daily servings upwards of 100 mg should be used.
