NutriFLEX is a high quality, broad spectrum joint supplement that provides the essential building blocks for strong and flexible tendons, ligaments, bones and joint cartilage. NutriFLEX contains a blend of amino acids, minerals and highly bioavailable glucosamine hydrochloride to aid in strengthening all leg structures.
When do they need it?
Preventing injury in the performance horse is pivotal. The pressures that heavy training place on the legs over time eventually shows, with early retirements, re-training to lower impact disciplines or euthanasia. To maintain healthy joints the body must maintain: synovial fluid viscosity, bone strength, as well as the strength and flexibility of the cartilage, ligaments and tendons. Strength of the cartilage, ligaments and tendons can be largely attributed to collagen production in these tissues.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex, progressive disease that affects a large proportion of the horse population. Studies have shown that more than 60% of equine lameness is attributed to OA.
A typical approach to equine joint care is to commence treatment once a problem (such as arthritis) has arisen. While treatment can help to reduce joint pain, slow the progression of the disease and prolong the horse's athletic career, this approach is flawed because you cannot cure or reverse OA. The adage prevention is better than cure could not be more applicable when discussing joint health. Joint disease in horses is an age-old problem, but it isn't just an old age problem and young horses can also be affected.
Ideally, if you are planning on exercising your horse you should add a joint supplement to their feed programme to help reduce the wear and tear that will from everyday activity and exercise.
How it works:
NUTRACEUTICALS
*Glucosamine Hydrochloride – Glucosamine is a direct precursor for the synthesis of collagen and an important family of macromolecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). GAGs make up many body tissues including ligaments, tendons and cartilage. Examples of GAGs are hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulphate (CS).
*CS is the primary GAG that makes up the proteoglycans that make up joint cartilage.
*HA contributes to the viscoelasticity and lubricating properties of synovial fluid in the joint.
*Sub-optimal glucosamine levels in the joints may lead to specific tissue weakness. As tissues in the joints become damaged, the lubricating synovial fluid in the joint spaces becomes thin and watery (less viscous). The normal cushioning effect with the joint is lost, leaving the bones and cartilage to grind against each other in the joint space, eventually leading to inflammation, pain and osteoarthritis.
MINERALS
* Zinc – Zinc is essential for hydrolysis and cross-linking needed for collagen formation and supports the synthesis of chondroitin sulphate, which is necessary for cartilage formation. Collagen is a tough, fibrous material that cements cells together, providing strength and elasticity.
* Copper – Copper is a coenzyme required for the formation of the disulphide bonds in collagen, which are needed for strength and elasticity. Copper is also vital for several enzymatic processes that are involved in maintaining elasticity in connective tissue.
* Manganese – Manganese is essential for the formation of chondroitin and aids in the formation of connective tissue and of bones. Low levels of manganese contribute to bone malformation and weakness.
* Boron – Boron uses include the ability to prevent bone loss by facilitating calcium, the main mineral involved in bone mineralisation, directly into the bones, where it helps prevent porous and weak bones from developing.
AMINO ACIDS
* DL-methionine – Methionine is a suphur-bearing essential amino acid that cannot be synthesised by the body and therefore must be provided in the horse's diet. Methionine aids in the metabolism of glucosamine to GAGs and the sulphur supplied by methionine is used in the synthesis of collagen, which gives strength to connective tissue and cartilage.
* D-phenylalanine – Phenylalanine is involved in the production of proteins that have a positive effect on mood which is implicated in pain relief.
* L-proline – L-proline and glycine (as copper glycinate) play a role in the synthesis of collagen. Proline is a required component for the production of collagen's triple helix structure (i.e. no proline, no collagen). Proline is not readily available in equine diets and so is an essential addition to any joint supplement.
Features & Benefits:
* Concentrated and highly bioavailable form of glucosamine. Glucosamine hydrochloride (as found in NutriFLEX) provides more glucosamine per molecule compared to glucosamine sulphate.
* Not only targets joint health, but the structures that support the joints (i.e. ligaments, tendons and bone).
* Minimises downtime due to injury and lameness from leg and joint issues.
* Concentrated dose (30g/day).
* Highly palatable butterscotch and pineapple flavour.
* Made in Australia.
Ingredients : Per 30g dose.
Glucosamine hydrochloride – 7500mg
Zinc ascorbate – 596mg
Copper glycinate – 428mg
Manganese ascorbate – 672mg
Boron amino acid chelate – 600mg
DL-Methionine – 1500mg
D-Phenylalanine – 1000mg
L-Proline – 500mg
Ground lucerne meal base – 60mg
Pineapple and butterscotch flavouring – 60mg each.
Directions for Use:
Top dress the feed according to the following recommendations:
For maximum benefit, a loading dose should be given for the first four weeks.
Horses:
Loading dose: 60g per day
Maintenance dose: 30g per day
Ponies:
Loading dose: 40g per day
Maintenance dose: 20g per day
