Science Supplements FlexAbility Plus+ (Equine)

What's different about FlexAbility+ PLUS? FlexAbility+ PLUS is one of the highest specification joint supplements available in the UK and the only joint supplement with two clinical and scientific studies demonstrating the positive effects of joint supplementation. FlexAbility 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. 

How does FlexAbility Compare? We believe that when comparing joint supplements the key elements to consider are: - The actual level of active ingredients as declared by the manufacturer - The rate at which each manufacturer is advising you to feed (This needs to be sufficient to provide the correct level for a horse, not a smaller animal) - The quality of the ingredients used (Are they an approved and certified manufacturer. Look for UFAS and FEMAS certification) - Do they have any published or clinical data to support their claims?

What? A high specification supplement that provides 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) and Vitamin C. Low dust, highly palatable and manufactured under the strictest conditions in our approved and certified UFAS and BETA NOPS approved manufacturing facility.

Why? Wear and tear on the skeletal system particularly the joints occurs both as the result of exercise training and simply as part of the ageing process. A key factor in maintaining joint health and function is an adequate supply of the nutritional building blocks needed to support cartilage turnover and joint lubrication. FlexAbility+ PLUS helps to promote and maintain normal mobility and joint function, is suitable for all horses and ponies and provides nutrient support for joints against the rigours of training and competition. It can also help to maintain normal mobility and joint function in older animals

When? Suitable for all horses and ponies to provide nutrient support for joints against the rigours of training and competition, can help to maintain normal mobility and joint function in older animals and for use in young animals to support normal joint health and mobility.

How? Simply add to feed, ideally split between meals. Feed at loading rate for 14 days then reduce to the maintenance rate. Effects can be seen in as little as 7 days, but normally by 10-14 days. What to expect: freer movement, longer stride, less stiffness, increased rolling, more athleticism

The science behind each active ingredient. 

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.

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.

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.

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