Joint health supplements are some of the most sought-after dietary supplements for equines, primarily due to the high prevalence of joint wounds and damage later in life. Many of the components often touted for enhancing joint health have less research in horses. And some of the most famous supplements believed to function have been made ineffective when studied in equine populations. Some compounds have been well-researched in equines and show efficacy for enhancing metrics of joint, function, and cartilages.
Why are supplements required for joints?
Joints consist of cartilage that connects to bones, acting as padding while encapsulating the joint. As horses age, complete heavy work, or become impaired, their joints can become soft and damaged in several ways. There can be a rash in the cartilage pushing it to decline. This can cause considerable pain to the horse and reduce performance and comfort. When the cartilage begins to worsen, the horse might be diagnosed with osteoarthritis. This condition can lead to several consequences such as Persistent pain, Reduced training days, and tiredness.
How does it work?
Heavily exercised horses are likely to require a supplement that supports joint health. Choosing the best joint supplement for horses can be overwhelming. Some factors to consider are the current health status of your horse, other goals, and demonstrated efficacy in horses.
Dietary supplements to sustain joint health may have several actions that have the rate of enzymes that deteriorate cartilage, improving the synthesis of hyaluronic acid by synovial cells, Reducing inflammation and stress, and Managing pain.
Some of the joint supplements used are
Methylsulfonylmethane
Found in alfalfa and grains, MSM, is a readily known natural form of sulfur. It is well-tolerated by equines and is regarded as one of the safest supplements to add to your equine feeding program. Sulphur is important in the horse’s diet as a component of glucosamine and collagen which are found in connective tissue and cartilage.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a naturally happening mixture that is an important structure block of cartilage, the structural tissue that is found between joints throughout the body. As a dietary supplement for joints, glucosamine is commonly harvested from beef and marine sources, but it can also be made synthetically. There are three forms of glucosamine which are known as hydrochloride, sulphate, and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Glucosamine has been heavily studied for its possibility as a common health supplement in multiple species.
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulphate is a chain of different sugar molecules found in cartilage. It is generally accepted by bovine species to incorporate in nutraceuticals. However, it is hard and expensive to extract, and synthetic forms are usually hard to synthesize. Therefore, it is commonly paired with glucosamine in supplements. May nitric oxide concentrations and regulate prostaglandins for anti-inflammatory effects may stop cartilage degradation by interfering with glycosaminoglycans contaminating enzymes and promoting cartilage synthesis by chondrocytes.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is an important part of many tissues, including the joints, cartilage, and connective tissues. It is understood to be effective for promoting common health when infiltrated directly into the joint. Dietary supplements for oral management of hyaluronic acid are increasing on the market.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is known as a component in wine. Resveratrol is found in many manufacturers such as blueberries, pines, and Japanese knotweed. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic combination that is suggested to be beneficial in joint fitness mostly due to its antioxidant results.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid are discovered in marine oils and plants such as flaxseed. They have existed creating headlines for a variety of beneficial impacts on humans, companion animals, and horses.
Soybean Unsaponifiables
These are a combination of vitamins, sterols, and triterpene alcohols dragged from avocado and soybeans. The plant sterols are known to play a direct role in enabling benefits for joint healthiness by operating on chondrocytes, the partitions that create cartilage.
Bottom line
Here we provide a synopsis of the potential mechanisms, bioavailability, safety, and efficacy of a few of the numerous popular ingredients available in joint supplements today. From this blog, we have seen the various supplements that are used for the joint health and fitness of horses. Use these supplements in the right way and enjoy its benefits.
