Power-Flex® Pellets

Features & Benefits

• Chondro-srb™ Chondroitin Sulfate–Designed for pelleting
• Glucosamine HCl–Improved joint function
• Ester-C® Calcium Ascorbate– Needed to maintain and repair structural tissues; helps increase compression resistance of cartilage
• Yucca–Natural ingredient
• Pelleted - Easy to use and no waste

Select Power-Flex® Pellets is a complete joint support in easy to feed and economical pellet form. More than just a typical formulation of joint supplements, Power-Flex® Pellets contains clinically proven components in a pellet for quick absorption and long-term support of the joint structure. Key vitamins and minerals are provided in the most effective forms for synergistic support.

The joint support nutrients are; Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin sulfate, Ester-C®, Manganese Proteinate, and Yucca. All of these operate synergistically and should be provided concurrently in a feeding regime. These nutrients support or enhance the connective tissue matrix and the synthesis of joint fluid1. Due to the weight bearing and mechanical functions of the joints the connective tissue matrix (namely collagen and proteoglycans) is under constant rebuilding. Added stress and hereditary factors can cause tissue breakdown. The optimal solution would be to support joint function before deterioration occurs.

Recent research shows that combination products may offer better absorption and effectiveness of Chondroitin sulfate alone². Power-Flex® Pellets are uniquely formulated to be fed with a ration or alone, highly palatable even with the pickiest horses.

Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan and is one of the proteoglycans present in the articular cartilage. CS is the major cartilage constituent, with hyaluronic acid which is also present in a lesser amount. In osteoarthritis there is a reduction in proteoglycan concentration due to loss. Concurrently with that loss, inflammation occurs because of enzymatic activity, which increases the degradation of the cartilage matrix. Chondroitin sulfate maintains the cartilage characteristics through the increase of the glycosaminoglycan pool used by the chondrocyte in the proteoglycan synthesis3. In addition to the restorative affect, the incorporation of CS in the articular cartilage slows down the inflammatory process acting directly on the degenerating enzyme which attacks the articular structure4. Power-Flex® Pellets use a unique form of Chondroitin sulfate, “Chondro-srb™.” Chondro-srb™ is specifically designed for pelleted feeds to maintain structural integrity during the higher temperatures of the pelleting process. This allows the greater absorption rate and better effectiveness of its chondro-protective properties.

Glucosamine HCl
Glucosamine is the key precursor in the synthesis of the connective tissue matrix. It also composes over half of the hyaluronic acid found in the joint structures. Being the key rate limiting step, Glucosamine stimulates production of GAGs like hyaluronic acid, and Chondroitin sulfate (the production of collagen), and finally, connective tissue5. In recent human and dog trials, Glucosamine supplementation showed significant reduction of joint pain, tenderness, swelling, and improved joint function in a short period of time6.

Ester-C® (Calcium Ascorbate)
Ester-C® is a patented ascorbate supplement that contains calcium ascorbate, naturally occurring dehydroascorbate and the Vitamin C metabolite, threonate. Threonate allows ascorbate to be more rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, cross cell membranes more efficiently, to reach higher cellular levels and be excreted more slowly than ordinary Vitamin C. Vitamin C is involved in a number of biochemical processes. Most importantly, the body needs Vitamin C to grow, maintain, and repair structural tissues. Vitamin C has been shown to play an integral role in production of specific proteins, like collagen, and other structural elements of connective tissues. The antioxidative qualities of Vitamin C also limit the deterioration of connective tissues by free radicals7. Various types of stress can apparently increase the animal’s need for Vitamin C while decreasing their ability to synthesize it8. Ester-C® provides greater levels of intracellular ascorbate and helps increase compression resistance of cartilage, it mobilizes white blood cells to the location of the inflammation and enhances prostaglandin synthesis.

In 1992, clinical trials to assess and quantify the effects of Ester-C® calcium ascorbate on Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) in horses were begun9. Over an 18-month period, horses diagnosed with a variety of DJD conditions exhibiting moderate to severe lameness were given oral Ester-C®. Preliminary classified the severity of lameness and degree of response in accordance with the American Association of Equine Practitioners Lameness Classification Scores10. At the conclusion of the trial, over 90% of the horses had shown good to excellent response to Ester-C® calcium ascorbate. Eighty percent (80%) of the “improved” horses remained sound and usable even after the supplement was discontinued11. On-going clinical trials are being conducted to monitor the long term effects. Ester-C® promotes a higher level of intracellular ascorbic acid without negative side effects, and can be a useful alternative to steroids and aspirin.

Manganese Proteinate
Manganese is an essential trace mineral for horses. Often cited as a key mineral relating to the normal metabolism of sugar and fat, and duplication of cells. But most importantly; it is essential for the production of Chondroitin sulfate, important in maintaining normal joint cartilage, and repairing cartilage12. Power-Flex® Pellets supplies manganese in an organic form for better assimilation.

Yucca Schidigera
Yucca is the common name for 40 species of herbaceous plants of the genus Yucca, native to the Southwest U.S. and Central America. The active ingredient in Yucca is “Saponin,” which is a group of basic sugars. Saponins have been recommended as an anti-inflammatory herb. Yucca is nontoxic and is supplied in a pure dried standardized extract form.

Sources
1.) Bucci, Luke R., PhD, CCN, C(ASCP), Chondroprotective Agents: Glucosamine Salts and Chondroitin Sulfates. Townsend Letter for Doctors, January 1994
2.) Videla Dorna I. DVM and R.C. Guerro DVM, Effects of Oral and Intramuscular Use of Chondroitin Sulfate in Induced Equine Aseptic Arthritis. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, pgs. 14-18, Supplement 1: March 1, 1999
3.) Adolphe, M., Ed, Biological of Chonrocytes. CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1992
4.) Ishikawa, K., Kitagawa, T.,Tanaka, T., Tereama, K., Kurina, N., Iwata, H., Niwa, S., Sakurai M, Clinical Evaluation of Glycosaminogylcans Polysulphate for Osteoarthritis of the Knee Joint: A Multicentric Double Blind Controlled Study. Z Orthop, 1982; 120: 708-716
5.) Setnikar L, Giachtti, C., Zanolo, G. Pharmacokinetics of Glucosamine in the Dog and Man. Arzneimttelforscung 36(2) 729-736 (1986)
6.) Wong, SF. Halliwell,B., RichMond, P., Skowroneck Wr., The Role of Superoxide and Hydroxyl Radicals in the Degradation of Hyaluronic Acid Induced By Metal Ions and by Ascorbic Acid. Jinorg Biochem 1981; 14: 127-134
7.) Ivos, J, et al 1971. Thermic stress as a factor of disturbances in the reproduction of pigs and the possibility of prevention of these disturbances by the addition of ascorbic acid. Veterinarski Archiv. 41 No. 7-8:202
8.) Vetilangieri, Anthony J., Ester-C Research Summary. Inter-Cal Corp., Prescott, AZ., 1987-1991
9.) Guideline for Veterinary Service and Judging of Equestrian Events. 4th ed., American Association of Equine Practitioners, Lexington, KY., 1991, Pg. 19
10.) N. Lee Newman , D.V.M., Equine Degenerative Joint Disease. A Nutritional Approach with Ester-C, Natural Pet, Pgs. 56-57, March-April 1995
11.) Equine Supplements & Nutraceuticals, Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD (Breakthrough Press, Ossining NY, 1998) pgs. 62-63

Select Power-Flex® is a nutraceutical for a joint support in performance horses.

Directions:
Loading dosage: Feed 4 ounces for 4 days. Performance dosage: Feed 2 ounces per day. Maintenance dosage: Feed 1 ounce per day.

DO NOT FEED TO CATTLE OR OTHER RUMINANTS.
DO NOT ADMINISTER TO HORSES INTENDED FOR USE AS FOOD.

Ingredients: Ground extruded whole soybeans, Yucca schidigera extract, Glucosamine HCl, Calcium ascorbate, Chondroitin sulfate, Manganese proteinate, Citric acid, Potassium sorbate, and Propylparaben (used to preserve freshness)