The Science Behind Our Ingredients

Glucosamine is a compound that is naturally made in humans as part of the structure of cartilage. In the body, it is a naturally occurring amino sugar that is used to make complex proteins. Some of these complex proteins are the major components of the cartilage extracellular matrix. This complex connective tissue matrix is responsible for cushioning joints and bones.

Glucosamine helps promote healthy joints and comfortable movement. Glucosamine is present in high quantities in articular cartilage, intervertebral disc, synovial fluid and other joint structures. Articular cartilage is the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints.

As you get older, your levels of glucosamine begin to drop, which leads to joint concerns. Glucosamine is a key structural component in cartilage; the tough connective tissue that cushions the joints. Glucosamine helps promote healthy cartilage and joints. Articular cartilage is the healthy cartilage in our joints that facilitates movement. It allows the bones to glide over each other with less friction.

There are no major food sources of glucosamine so it is challenging to get in your daily diet, you must get it from supplements. Glucosamine supplements usually are derived from marine shellfish. These supplements often come in tablet and capsule forms. Doses vary considerably between and within preparations. A commonly used dosage is 1500 mg per day.

UC-II is a source of undenatured type II collagen that supports joint health. In the body, type II collagen is an integral component of articular cartilage, the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints. Articular cartilage is a thin layer of specialized connective tissue with unique properties that exhibit both viscous and elastic characteristics and is the primary component of extracellular matrix.

UC-II supplementation has been shown to support joint health, knee range of motion, and comfortable joint movement. Oral administration of UC-II helps promote joint comfort and supports healthy joints for comfortable movement. This effect is temporary in nature requiring that the supplement be consumed continuously in order to maintain the benefit. Daily oral supplementation with only 40 mg of UC-II supports joint function and flexibility, and has the potential both to support the joint health and comfortable movement ^[2]

There are no major food sources of UC-II collagen, so you must get it from supplements. UC-II collagen is a novel undenatured type II collagen derived from chicken cartilage. Based on various efficacy studies the daily dose of 40 mg UC-II provides an efficacious amount of undenatured type II collagen ^[3]. UC-II is an ingredient now found in many supplements for joint health, either as a stand-alone ingredient or in combination with other ingredients.

5-LOXIN Advanced is a novel composition extracted from Boswellia serrata tree that produces a highly scented sap that has been a prized substance since ancient times. Boswellia serrata extract is deeply rooted in the ancient history of Boswellia serrata tree and contains boswellic acids. 5-LOXIN Advanced contains high concentrations of the boswellic acid, AKBA which is an important Boswellic acid that helps with occasional joint flare-ups.

5-LOXIN Advanced is a joint health ingredient. Recent studies have shown that modern Boswellia serrata extracts provide powerful benefits in promoting joint comfort and joint health.

There are no food sources of 5-Loxin Advanced, so you must get it from supplements. Osteo Bi-Flex’s Joint Shield 5-LOXIN® Advanced is a unique ingredient that contains AKBA, which is an important Boswellic acid that helps with occasional joint flare-ups. The oral bioavailability of AKBA from 5-LOXIN Advanced was found to be significantly higher in comparison with that of other commercially available Boswellia extracts ^[5].

Osteo Bi-Flex is proud to serve you products with Joint Shield™ 5-LOXIN® Advanced that shows improved joint comfort within 7 days!*◊

MSM is a stable sulfur-containing compound that occurs naturally in a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains. It is even present naturally in the human body as an integral part of endogenous cellular matrices. MSM contains 34% elemental sulfur and sulfur is a vital ingredient that helps support healthy connective tissue. Articular cartilage is composed of one-third sulfur signifying the importance of MSM for healthy cartilage. Articular cartilage is the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints.

MSM has been used as a supplement for musculoskeletal health. It has been shown to support total antioxidant capacity. As a dietary supplement it is popular for supporting joint health. The sulfur content in MSM can rectify dietary deficiencies of sulfur, supporting antioxidant capacity and healthy joint cartilage. MSM is one of the top ingredients found in popular joint products because it is important for joint health and supports mobility.

MSM is found in natural food sources in small amounts, thus it is challenging to get adequate level in your daily diet. To get a greater amount you must get it from supplements. As a dietary supplement MSM is often used in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin.