What's different about FlexAbility PROFESSIONAL?
FlexAbility PROFESSIONAL is the highest specification joint supplement available in the UK. It is a nutritionally advanced formula of FlexAbility which is the only joint supplement on the market with two clinical and scientific studies demonstrating the positive effects of joint supplementation and is the only joint supplement in the UK with a published, peer reviewed paper in The Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.
The study is the largest undertaken in recent history and the findings were also accepted and presented at the British Equine Veterinary Association Congress.
The clinical trials suggest for stiff horses, 6-7 out of 10 fed FlexAbility benefit in maintaining normal joint function and mobility.
FlexAbility PROFESSIONAL is designed for those horses needing the absolute maximum levels of support such as those competing at the highest levels of competition and undergoing the greatest stress to joints, tendons and ligaments.
What's in it?
Providing declared levels of key nutrients involved in cartilage synthesis and support 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)
- Boswellia
- Collagen Peptides
- Rosehip
- Vitamin C
Manufactured under the strictest conditions in our own fully approved and certified UFAS and BETA NOPS manufacturing facility.
The science behind each active ingredient.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is a natural component of Aggrecan (a proteoglycan – a protein combined with carbohydrates), a large molecule found in cartilage. 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.
Boswellia Serrata.
Boswellia is an established nutraceutical in the human market, predominantly used for its anti-inflammatory effects in Arthritis. Boswellia Serrata contains Boswellic acids which work many different inflammatory pathways including the Arachidonic inflammatory pathway.
Collagen Peptides.
Collagen is a key component of every structural tissue in the body from bone to tendon to skin. Collagen makes up the scaffold of joint cartilage and is essential for its overall integrity. Oral supplementation with predominantly Type I bioactive collagen peptides in horses has been shown to reduce the signs of lameness over a 6 week period.
DHA & EPA
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 improving 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.
Rosehip (Rosa canina)
Commonly found in British hedgerows, Rosehips are known for the beneficial effects for managing Arthritic pain. Rose hips are packed full of plant based anti-oxidants including flavonoids and carotenoids.
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid)
A natural water-soluble anti-oxidant which 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 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 the human.
When supplementing vitamin C to horses it is important to use a form which can be absorbed efficiently such as Ascorbyl monophosphate.
Green Lipped Mussel Extract (GLME)
Green lipped mussel extract has become popular in past years following on from work performed in dogs and cats. Since then GLME has been trialled in horses and has been shown to be beneficial in cases of arthritis. GLME contains a combination of marine omega 3 fatty acids.
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.
