Sandridge Q&A ~ Supplements

FEED SUPPLEMENTS

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We often get asked about joint supplements - which is the best one; what do the ingredients do, and so on. I've summarized (as well as I understand it!) some of the things you should know in order to make a more informed choice of Equine Joint Supplement - hope it helps! - Tracey 2000

JOINT SUPPLEMENTS

Joint neutraceuticals can be very effective in relieving pain and restoring movement for a range of problems, including Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), early to advanced degenerative arthritis, and some spinal-joint related back problems. It is important to determine the cause of a problem, as pain in and around the joints as a result of muscle, tendon or ligament damage, bone or cartilage chips, and a variety of other conditions are not likely to improve with joint supplements.

- Very little scientific evidence of efficacy in horses – mostly anecdotal evidence.

- Some evidence of beneficial effect in humans and dogs

- Very little regulation of quality or purity control of neutraceuticals – but look for stated quantities and purity levels on the label and from the manufacturer

"LOADING" DOSE

It will often be recommended that the horse be given a considerably higher dosage of a supplement for a period of time (usually a few days) when he first starts receiving it. This is called a "loading" dose and it helps speed up the effect on the horse. As a medication or nutrient works its way from the intestine, through the bloodstream, to the intended part of the body that needs it, certain "binding sites" in the body may soak up the supplement. This continues until these sites are saturated or "loaded" to their capacity; then the supplement will be able to make it all the way to the target sites. If a larger dose is given initially, the binding sites are loaded more quickly, allowing the positive effects to begin more rapidly.

GAGs

- Glucosaminoglycans are substances, including hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, keratan sulfate, and others, that are components in the structural make-up of joints. Due to weight-bearing, mechanical function of the joints, hereditary factors and stress, this connective tissue matrix is constantly rebuilding, thus the need for the various Chondroprotective agents like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, amino acids, vitamins and minerals– contributing to healthy synovial fluid, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bones, blood vessels and capillaries. Thick, abundant synovial fluid and healthy cartilage are the keys to smooth, pain-free joint movement.

GLUCOSAMINE

- A component of GAGs and an ingredient in many kinds of connective tissue, including making up half the hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) molecule, and is part of the structure of chondroitin sulfate.

- Consists of glucose and the amino acid Glutamine.

- Thought to stimulate the body’s production of more GAGs

- May be bound to sulfates or hydrochloride:

· Glucosamine Sulfate contains less glucosamine by weight

· Presence of sulfur may provide additional benefit, may be less palatable

· Glucosamine HCl is less expensive

- Improvement should be seen quickly (7-10 days), but remission may return quickly if supplement is discontinued

- Initial loading dose for 1100 lb horse about 9000-10,000 mgs/day, which may be reduced to a level where benefit is maintained. Suggested maintenance dose of 1500 – 3000 mgs/day for horses without symptoms

- Osteoarthritis or other chronic joint disease, dosage may range from 5,000 – 15,000 mg/day

- Acute joint injury may benefit from up to 15,000 mg/day (and in some cases even higher doses)

CHONDROITIN SULFATE

- A type of GAG, and a component of cartilage

- Thought to protect joints by inhibiting the enzymes that damage cartilage

- A larger molecule than glucosamine, less easily absorbed. Key active isolates include Glutamic Acid, Glucuronic Acid, Proline and Glycine

- Improvement not usually seen as quickly as with glucosamine, but may be longer-lasting

- Starting dose about 7,500 mgs/day. Most cost-effective to begin at this level and attempt tapering once improvement is seen

- When both glucosamine and chondroitin are given, normal to supplement slightly less chondroitin than glucosamine

- Important to be using at least 95% pure chondroitin

PERNA (MUSSEL) EXTRACT/SHARK CARTILAGE

- A source of chondroitin sulfate, there may also be other beneficial effects from high levels of omega fatty acids and trace minerals

- Absorption rate is questionable, palatability can be a problem

- If combined with glucosamine or chondroitin, about 2000 mg/day may have some effect

- Alone, useful dosage could be 7,500 – 10,000 mg/day

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

VITAMIN C

- Essential in the production of some connective tissue structures, including collagen and glucosaminoglycans

- Water-soluble antioxidant. Requirements are increased with injury rehabilitation and other stresses

VITAMIN E

- A fat-soluble antioxidant works to contain free-radicals which proliferate at inflammatory sites

BETA-CAROTENE

- Part of a group of nutrients called cartenoids

- Immune system booster, antioxidant

- Sometimes called Pro-Vitamin A because the body converts it to Vitamin A

MANGANESE PROTEINATE

- An essential trace mineral for tendon and ligament health, and the production of chondroitin sulfate

- Part of superoxide dismutase

OTHER INGREDIENTS

SULFUR

- important for the formation of strong cross-bridges in connective tissue. Methionine is a sulfur-containing amino acid

MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane)

- A source of organic sulfur, important in helping the body form a strong collagen matrix and in the healing process

- Some pain-killing, anti-inflammatory and anti-histamic properties

BROMELAIN

- Protein-digesting enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties

- How much is absorbed into the bloodstream may be questionable

SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE

- A potent antioxidant enzyme

YUCCA

- An herbal supplement for pain relief

DEVIL’S CLAW

- An herbal supplement for pain relief

If a joint supplement contains significant quantities of vitamins and minerals, it is important to ensure it is compatible with the rest of your feeding program

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