Ortho Molecular Products Chondro-Flx

What is Chondro-Flx?

Chondro-Flx combines glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, vitamin C and bromelain, all of which have demonstrated in research to support joint health. As the key precursors to cartilage formation, the ingredients in Chondro-Flx provide full support for joint integrity and help relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Overview

Cartilage is composed of collagen fibers that impart tensile strength, and proteoglycan molecules (especially chondroitin) that serve as a cushion for joint impact. Proteoglycan molecules are made of a linear core protein with several hundred molecules of glycosaminoglycans and the protein’s core molecules are attached to a hyaluronic acid frame work. Lifestyle factors and age can both contribute to a breakdown of healthy cartilage and lead to discomfort, which can lead to nutrient and fluid deprivation of the affected articular cartilage. The ingredients in Chondro-Flx addresses one of the most common causes of joint pain, which is osteoarthritis, by providing the precursor glucosamine, which helps to protect against the deterioration of cartilage.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine sulfate (GS) is a naturally occurring, joint- supporting compound. As a precursor to the primary building blocks of joint tissue (glycolipids, glycoproteins, hyaluronate, and proteoglycans) it is an important starting point for cartilage synthesis. Meta-analyses have long confirmed positive trends for the use of glucosamine.1-3 In an early double-blind,

placebo-controlled trial (80 subjects, half received 1.5 g of glucosamine sulfate in three divided doses, and the other half received placebo), those given glucosamine had double the joint health benefits compared with placebo (71% vs 41%).4 In a double-blind trial of 178 patients with joint discomfort, 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate led to significant improvement in joint health after four weeks and continued to maintain joint benefits two weeks after treatment was stopped.5 Lastly, a 2013 study of data from a French database of 11,772 adults taking a glucosamine supplement showed a significant positive effect in joint health, functional limitation and quality of life.6

Chondroitin Sulfate

As the major glycosaminoglycan associated with articular cartilage, chondroitin sulfate (CS) is designed to draw water into the joint tissues and hydrate them, allowing for compression when pressure is put on the joint and to rehydrate when the pressure is released. There is a growing body of research supporting the benefits of chondroitin for joint discomfort. A review of seven clinical trials (327 total patients in which CS was compared with placebo for 120 days or more) revealed it to be significantly superior to placebo.9 Key research in the use of chondroitin sulfate confirmed the use for knee7,8 and finger joint benefits.9 A one-year, randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled study of patients with knee discomfort showed a significant positive effect in joint health in patients taking CS (800 mg/day) compared to placebo.10