Description
Why choose Joint Armor?
Joint Armor’s complete formula provides your horse with the nutrients necessary to support both healthy joint cartilage and synovial fluid.
The goal is to maintain healthy joint tissue
In healthy joints, the ends of the bones are coated with a thin layer of friction-reducing tissue known as articular cartilage. The articular cartilage contains synovial fluid, a thick liquid that serves two primary functions: (1) as a source of nutrients for the articular cartilage and (2) as a lubricant and shock absorber for the bones that form a joint. Lameness can result when damage occurs to any joint tissue, whether it involves the bones, articular cartilages, or synovial membranes.
Research has shown that when used in combination, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and manganese sulfate support cartilage structure and optimal joint function. Horses with healthy joints feel better, perform to their potential, and stay sounder longer.
- Joint Armor maintains fluid motion and flexibility in joints
- Joint Armor provides high levels of both glucosamine and chondroitin, plus 100 mg of hyaluronic acid
- Joint Armor supports normal cartilage development and reduces joint deterioration
- Joint Armor is affordable; one jar lasts up to 75 days
Joint Armor includes:
Per 7 g scoop
Glucosamine HCl …………………2,500 mg
Glucosamine sulfate ……………2,500 mg
Chondroitin sulfate ……………..1,200 mg
Hyaluronic acid ……………………..100 mg
Manganese sulfate ………………..100 mg
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are key nutrients necessary for maintenance of normal joint function. Glucosamine is used as a substrate for certain components of the cartilage matrix, while chondroitin sulfate plays an important role in controlling the enzymes associated with inflammation and tissue destruction. Numerous studies have documented the benefits of combining these two ingredients to joint health.
Studies using equine cartilage explants (small pieces of actual living tissue) have shown these ingredients complement each other in inhibiting the production of inflammatory cells. Interestingly, when these ingredients were used independently of each other, they did not show similar benefits (Orth et al., 2002; Schlueter and Orth, 2004; DeChant et al., 2005).
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been evaluated in several field studies. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study (Hanson et al., 2001), 14 horses with progressive forelimb lameness showed significant improvement (evaluated by lameness specialists using standardized lameness scores) when administered a treatment of glucosamine and chondroitin for a 28-day treatment period when compared with the control group. In a more recent study (Rodgers, 2006), administration of glucosamine and chondroitin significantly decreased the necessity and frequency of intra-articular therapeutic injections of the hock joints in working show hunters and jumpers.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an integral component of synovial fluid and articular cartilage, and is responsible for lubrication of the joint surfaces. While glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate work mainly on the cartilage, HA is more beneficial to the joint fluid. In a study conducted by Bergin and coworkers (2006), oral HA was effective in reducing synovial effusion (an abnormal collection of fluid) following arthroscopic surgery for removal of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in joints.
Manganese Sulfate
Manganese is an important cofactor in the formation of the cartilage matrix and synthesis of connective tissue.
Serving instructions:
1 scoop = 7 g
For the first 3-4 weeks, offer 2 scoops (14 g) daily, top-dressed on feed.
After the initial stage, offer 1 scoop (7g) daily, top-dressed on feed.
Storage and shelf life:
Store in a cool, dry place and keep lid tightly closed between uses. Shelf life is 24 months from date of manufacture when stored under suitable conditions.
Available sizes:
1.16-lb container (75 day supply for 1 horse)