What goes into a joint supplement?
We’re very keen on education at Equimins as we know our customers and want to provide them with all the information that they need to make an informed choice. We also know how confusing supplements can be. In this blog, we’re looking at what actually goes into a joint supplement – so, what kind of ingredients can you expect to find in the vast majority of equine products available?
Glucosamine is naturally found in the body, in the fluid around the joints. It’s a building block of cartilage. In joints, cartilage covers the ends of the bones and helps to absorb shock and prevent friction.
Chondroitin is also found naturally in the body, in the cartilage around the joints. It helps to attract water into the cartilage, to help it act as a shock absorber, as intended. It also contributes to the inhibition of degradative enzymes.
MSM or methylsulfonylmethane to give it its full title is a bioavailable source of sulphur that can help the repair process of various tissues, including those involved with the joints.
Hyaluronic acid is present in the synovial fluid that surrounds a joint, which helps to lubricate it.
Ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C, helps to rid the body of free radicals, which can damage tissues.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but we think it’s a list of the most ‘popular’ ingredients you can expect to see on the label. If you’re looking to buy a joint supplement, whether it’s from us or you’re browsing the shelves in your tack shop, keep an eye out for…
- The amount of ‘stuff’- look at how much of the ingredients you want are in the product you’re buying.
- How much you need to feed- if you’re having to feed a lot, you might find that a more expensive product (which might include more of the important ingredients per scoop) actually works out cheaper
- Money back guarantees- do any products have the back up of a money back guarantee?
- Confused? Just call. If you’re not sure what to choose or which product is right for your horse, why not call the company? We’re always happy to talk about our products and think that others should be too!
To find out more, why not contact us? To see our full joint supplement range, visit the website.