Vetpro 3 Horses Flex-Equine Plus is a nutriceutical (100% natural) supplement formulated for feeding to horses with impaired joint function. It helps to maintain cartilage elasticity and aids in the repair of damaged cartilage. It is an improved development of Flex Equine as it also contains Undenatured Collagen Type ll, which has been scientifically proven to increase the already established benefits of our formula with Glucosamine, mixed Glycosaminoglycans (Chondroitin), Manganese Ascorbate, Copper Chelate, Zinc Chelate and Gelatin.
Joint Soreness – Trauma or Age?
In fact it can develop from trauma, direct or from the concussive effects of the legs striking on hard surfaces, or from age i.e. degenerative loss of cartilage quality. The resulting osteoarthritis is similar in humans and horses. Joint pain can affect horses of all ages as confirmation defects, work on hard or uneven surfaces can be detrimental at any age. While anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain and reduce inflammation, it has been scientifically proven that drug free Nutriceuticals containing key ingredients at the right levels can in fact assist cartilage quality and so help relieve the prevalent condition.
The role of the Actives: Glucosamine – Chondroitin – Coolagen Type II – Gelatin – Zinc and Copper
Glucosamine is the major structural component of the principle Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in cartilage. It is the GAGs that maintain the high water content of cartilage and hence its ability to resist the compressive forces during weight bearing. When the joints need more Glucosamine, as suggestive age or working damage, resulting finally in degenerative joint disease, the body is unable to speed up production because it is set at a fixed rate, therefore a supplementary form of Glucosamine is beneficial. Scientific studies have shown that 10-12,000 mg daily is required for effective repair, and that the body is able to absorb the Glucosamine and use it directly in the joints to repair and maintain the cartilage.
The mixed Glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) include Chondroitin Sulphate and Keratin Sulphate. Both these are used in the cartilage repair process. The Manganese Ascorbate is necessary for the conversion of the Glucosamine to GAGs to occur. Note Glucosamine alone is not effective – it needs to be in a formulation that ensures the required dose is not absorbed by the liver, but reaches the cartilage. Science has also shown that the combination of Glucosamine and Chondroitin provides a more effective response than either actives alone.
Undenatured Collagen Type ll is a new discovery that was determined to be effective in relieving osteoarthritis in humans but has now been independently scientifically tested on horses and showed remarkable positive responses. Flex Equine Plus contains 555mg – higher than the 450mg shown to be effective in the science trials.
Copper and Zinc are important trace elements that are essential for cartilage repair and maintenance. 3 Horses Flex-Equine Plus uses these minerals in the latest chelated form (glycinated) which means they are absorbed quickly and efficiently from the gut.
The gelatin in the formula includes high levels of Glycine and Proline, both of which are important components of collagen, the protein found in the cartilage matrix and again science has shown that gelatin improves the homeostasis of those amino acids required for cartilage synthesis.
Vetpro Flex Equine Plus contains the recommended amounts of the actives to be effective in improving joint elasticity and joint repairs. It puts the spring back into the horse and can assist to prolong the competitive life of the horse.
Read more about joint damage, deterioration, arthritis and DJD here…