A significant number of published research studies in the USA claim that cartilage is a material that can stabilize itself significantly by the use of oral and intravenous applications. Cartilage is essential for optimal joint function and pain free performance of your horse.
Numerous articles can be now be accessed on the internet discussing these studies and their findings. Extracts from some of these are outlined below.
Published research results regarding oral supplements indicate the following:
- they may be a conservative and economical approach for the management of symptoms and as a preventative against early joint disease.
- they may promote long term improvement in joint function and reduce discomfort.
Glucosamine sulphate - studies have shown that when Glucosamine Sulphate is given orally, within 30 minutes 87-97% is actively taken from the gut into the blood. A common source of Glucosamine is derived from marine life, such as crustacean shell extracts. Within 4 hours the chondrocytes (joint cells) have actively taken it from the blood. When linked together with sulphur, chains of glucosamines become several different types of connective tissues and joint fluid. A lack of sulphur will cause the production of connective tissues to stop.
MSM (methylsulphonylmethane) - studies have shown MSM may provide sulphur that assists in the production of connective tissue, enzymes and hormones. It aids immune system maintenance and acts as an anti-inflammatory that can reduce joint and muscle soreness. It also supplies biologically active sulphur, which is an important element in connective tissue, skin, hair, hooves, immune function, amino acid formation and many other reactions in the body.
Glucosamine sulphate and the healthy joint
The articulating surfaces of the bones (the ends of the bones that come/rub together forming the joint) are covered in articular cartilage and are bathed in Synovial Fluid - "joint oil". In a normal healthy joint the articular cartilage is smooth and the synovial fluid is of sufficient high quality to provide adequate lubrication.
Glucosamine sulphate
Glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate help the body repair damage and wear and tear to cartilage.
Glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin only work when they get absorbed into the body - the problem Glucosamine sulphate is a very large sized molecule.
There are many scientific articles proving the effectiveness of glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin...
There is now very little serious doubt that glucosamine helps in cases of degenerative joint disease like osteoarthritis
This is based (not just on the huge weight of testimony from thousands of "users") but on independent scientific tests, studies and field trials.
All indications are that Glucosamine Sulphate is important for both Building and Repairing Cartilage, Connective Tissue, and Synovial Fluid. It has successfully been used as a Joint Care Supplement for over 40 years for All Aging, Performance, Endurance, and Racing Horses.
Chondroitin sulphate - studies have shown that Chondroitin sulphate derived from bovine or shark cartilage is a naturally occurring component of joint cartilage and that it may inhibit enzymes that erode cartilage. Such studies also indicate that it produces a synergistic effect by enhancing the stabilization of Glucosamine and MSM. Glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate may help the body repair damage and wear and tear to cartilage. There are many scientific articles supporting their effectiveness.