There are countless different commercially available products all claiming to have amazing abilities to resolve your horse’s problems. There is also a minefield of information so to assess the benefits it is worth looking at each component individually to fully understand which components are necessary. Of the oral products marketed there are really only a few research proven compounds (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, & HA) that can be completely justified for use in maintenance of healthy joints.
It is a mistake to assume that a product which contains more component compounds is better. Although many commercial products do contain additional compounds this is usually to the detriment of Glucosamine and Chondroitin levels. Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM are virtually completely absent from a horse’s ‘normal’ diet, thus making them an important addition to an already balanced diet.
Glucosamine Hydrochloride (HCl) 11,000mg
Glucosamine is by far and away the most studied ingredient when it comes to joint care and studies suggest results are superior when combined with Chondroitin. Most Joint supplements for horses contain the cheaper Glucosamine Sulphate, with PharmaQuin Joint Complete HA we have used 2 varieties which are of the highest quality, Glucosamine Hydrochloride and N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine.
Glucosamine (HCL) is an amino sugar used as a building block to form tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and synovial fluid (joint lubrication). It gives cartilage its strength, structure and shock absorbing qualities.
Glucosamine is a natural substance whose effectiveness has been demonstrated in countless scientific studies. It has been said to be superior to conventional choices as it does not merely mask issues but instead works on a cellular level to target the origin and actual cause of the problem.
N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine (D-GlcNAc) 1,000mg
There is growing evidence to support N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine as having anti-inflammatory properties, essential in treating joint problems. N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine is a derivitised glucose monomer found in polymers of bacterial cell walls, chitin, hyaluronic acids and various glycans which can also help repair cells.
MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane) 12,000mg
MSM is a natural form of bio available sulphur essential for the health and elasticity of tendons, ligaments, and muscles. The sulphur found within MSM is needed for the proper repair and maintenance of collagen, such as that found within the connective tissue of healthy joints. It also helps to maintain the natural anti-inflammatory actions of the metabolism.
Chondroitin Sulphate 4800mg
Chondroitin is a natural source of essential amino acids that the body needs for cartilage synthesis and inhibiting the enzymes that destroy cartilage molecules, thereby promoting cellular nourishment. This facilitates the creation of watery spaces within cartilage, giving it back its elasticity. By restoring fluid to the cartilage, Chondroitin supports the repairing action of Glucosamine, working at a cellular level to alleviate the actual cause of joint discomfort and stiffness.
Vitamin C (As L-Ascorbic Acid) 500mg
Vitamin C is for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It helps the body make collagen, an important protein used to make skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is needed for healing wounds, and for repairing and maintaining bones and teeth. It also helps the body absorb iron from nonheme sources.
HA (Hyaluronic Acid) 300mg
Ha is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is a substance that attaches to collagen and elastin to form cartilage. HA not only helps keep the cartilage that cushions joints strong and flexible, but also helps increase supplies of joint-lubricating synovial fluid. Each of these compounds is a synergist, which means that when administered together they help each others effects, providing a more powerful joint supplement.
Magnesium Sulphate (Mg) 200mg
Magnesium plays a number of important roles in your horse’s body. In his muscles, it attaches to ATP (adenosine triphosphate. basically its ‘energy currency’ in the body, formed by respiration) so that the ATP can be used by the muscle cells. If the Magnesium is not present, the ATP cannot be used and the muscle would not be able to generate energy to carry out any functions. It also plays roles in your horse’s blood, as well as acting as an activator for many enzymes throughout the body. It is necessary for many of the enzymes that work with ATP.
Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate 100mg
Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate is involved in a number of body enzyme functions. It is important for healing
Copper Chelate 50mg
Copper is an essential trace mineral. All tissues of the body need it for normal metabolic functions. It is excellent for reducing inflammations, strengthening connective tissue, restoring hair colour and the oxidative energy metabolism as well as fighting parasites and it may even improve brain and liver functions.
Bioperine (Piperine) 50mg
What levels should joint components be fed at in order to be effective?
In order for your joint supplement to be fully effective it is vital that you feed your horse with the correct help. The body of scientific literature indicates that most effective treatment is given by a product that provides adequately high levels of the active compounds per kg of body weight.
Research shows a 600Kg horse, should be administered a daily level of
10,000mg+ Glucosamine
10,000mg+ MSM
4000mg+ Chondroitin
100mg+ Hyaluronic Acid
Levels that are substantially lower than this will give reduced benefits, and minimal levels are likely to be completely ineffective especially in horses that are competing or working hard.
