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Equine Joint Health
Tools for Choosing Joint Supplements
Not all nutritional joint products are created equal. The grade of the raw ingredients, the potency and formula combination are just a few of the important facts that will determine the product's effectiveness. Jack Grogan, Certified Nutritionist and Chief Science Officer for Uckele Health & Nutrition, has developed several formulas that work strategically for horses with joint issues specific to their ages and activity levels, "Important research regarding joint structure and natural supplements has shown that Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid, Silica, Yucca and Devils Claw are significant to joint health. Knowing what these nutrients are, and how they perform in the body will provide you with the tools you need to make educated choices when addressing your horse's joint issues."
Grogan strongly feels that the most important of all the joint nutraceuticals is Glucosamine, "It is the key building block for tissue integrity, with studies showing that Glucosamine supplementation provides symptomatic relief for pain, more rapid recovery, and partial restoration of joint function." The two forms of glucosamine in pure form, hydrochloride and sulfate, deliver equally effective amounts of glucosamine. However, the ideal form of glucosamine is hydrochloride, the advantage being that it contains approximately 25 - 30% more pure glucosamine for considerably less cost.
"Chondroitin Sulfate is the primary substance found in cartilage," Grogan explains, "Its key functions include the ability to inhibit enzymes that degrade cartilage tissue, decrease water retention for synovial fluid production and the ability to utilize glucosamine in the formation of proteoglycans." Proteolglycans organize collegen and water binding to give cartilage its desired flexibility, resiliency and resistance. Chondroitin sulfate has also shown the ability to activate chondrocytes, which produce new collagen.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is found naturally in food and throughout the body. A bio-available source of sulfur, MSM is important for connective tissue production and repair and has been shown to reduce cartilage breakdown by protecting the cartilage tissue. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is also found throughout the body, with the highest concentration in soft connective tissue. HA gives elasticity to the joints and retains water in the cellular matrix. It is important for tissue hydration, lubrication, and proper cellular function.
Grogan points out that many herbs and botanical extracts have shown great promise in supporting joint health, "Yucca Schidigera Extract, Devils Claw Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Turmeric Extract, Cat's Claw, Fever Few, White Willow and Cayenne have proven to be a powerful group of joint supporting plants."
Jack Grogan, CN, has worked extensively in the fields of biology, biochemistry and nutrition, is an expert in tissue mineral balancing, and has experienced notable success in balancing mineral chemistry to strengthen the basic metabolism and improve efficiency in horses.
Uckele Health & Nutrition has built a reputation over 50 years creating a broad spectrum of nutritional supplements from concept to shelf, also providing private labeling and custom manufacturing for reputable companies and organizations worldwide. With decades of nutritional knowledge and experience, Uckele's team of experts develop, formulate and manufacture a vast array of high potency, balanced nutritional supplements to support optimal health and performance at the highest level.
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