Hip & Joint

UC-II® un-denatured type II collagen

Type II collagen is the collagen found primarily in articular cartilage. It is the main component of the intercellular substance and is one of the basic components of articular cartilage. UC-II® is a patented, non-denatured type II collagen produced from chicken bridges.

Non-denatured type II collagen provides a source of antigens that can react with immune cells and increase the production of anti-inflammatory factors, which reduces inflammation within the joints. It also stimulates the body to increase the production of type II collagen and promotes joint cartilage regeneration (1).

Studies in dogs show that supplementation with UC-II® for 90 days significantly reduces symptoms of osteoarthritis, reducing pain and lameness and allowing dogs to be more physically active (2). Supplementation of type II collagen in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin for as little as 30 days has also been shown to provide dogs with significant relief from joint pain (3). Type II collagen supplements are also recommended for dogs following surgery for a ruptured cruciate ligament, as they can speed up recovery (4).

Fish oil with Omega-3 fatty acids

Fish oil is a source of the unsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 family: EPA and DHA, whose positive effects on the health of dogs and humans have been proven by numerous scientific studies (1, 2). Supplementation with EP and DHA can reduce inflammation, pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis and slow the progression of the disease by reducing the activity of enzymes responsible for the breakdown of joint cartilage and inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors (3).

Studies in dogs have shown that supplementation with EPA and DHA can reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis (4). A diet high in omega-3 reduces lameness, improves joint mobility and allows dogs to undertake more physical activity (5). It has also been observed that reducing the ratio of pro-inflammatory omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet of dogs suffering from osteoarthritis resulted in significant improvements after just six weeks – enabling dogs to lift more easily from bedding and increasing their willingness to play (6).

Hydrolysed collagen

Collagen is a protein that is the main component of the intercellular substance. It is found throughout the body, particularly in the skin, tendons, bones, blood vessels and cartilage. It is responsible for the elasticity of tissues, their regeneration and their resistance to stretching. Hydrolysed collagen consists of low molecular weight peptides, which allows it to be absorbed and used by the body. It provides a source of amino acids necessary for the body to synthesise collagen.

Collagen supplementation has been shown to increase collagen concentration in skin and joint cartilage (1). It may also stimulate the synthesis of elastin, type II collagen and glycosaminoglycans within the joints, promoting joint regeneration (2,3), and indirectly reduce the activity of enzymes responsible for joint cartilage degradation and reduce the concentration of pro-inflammatory factors (4).

It has been shown that in humans suffering from osteoarthritis, hydrolysed collagen supplementation can reduce the symptoms of the disease (5) and allows dogs to return to normal physical activity. It may also reduce the risk of developing joint dysplasia in later life (6).

Chondroitin

Chondroitin is a compound from the glycosaminoglycan family. It is produced by chondrocytes and is one of the main components of articular cartilage. It is also found in other tissues that make up the musculoskeletal system, particularly tendons, bones and intervertebral discs in the spine. The role of chondroitin is to maintain proper tissue hydration and tissue thickness and elasticity (1).

Chondroitin can also stimulate chondrocytes to produce collagen and hyaluronic acid and reduce the activity of inflammatory factors and enzymes responsible for the degradation of joint-building structures (2).

In humans, chondroitin sulphate supplementation prevents joint stroma narrowing and reduces swelling and pain (3, 4). Studies in dogs have shown that the use of supplements containing chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride can significantly reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis in as little as 70 days (5).

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a glucose derivative that is a precursor for the production of glycosaminoglycans (including chondroitin and hyaluronic acid) that build articular cartilage (1). It stimulates chondrocyte activity, has an anti-inflammatory effect, allows articular cartilage regeneration and reduces the activity of enzymes responsible for its breakdown (2, 3).

Glucosamine hydrochloride has almost twice the glucosamine content of sulphate (4).

Studies in dogs have shown that the use of supplements containing chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride can significantly reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis in as little as 70 days (5).

Boswellia serrata

Boswellia serrata (Indian frankincense) is a plant known for its anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellic acids contained in its resin are responsible for this action. Scientific studies show that frankincense extract can be a safe alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for reducing osteoarthritis-related complaints (1).

Boswellic acids inhibit the synthesis of enzymes responsible for inflammation (2) and may reduce the production of collagen fibre degrading factors. Supplementation with Boswellia serrata extract has been shown to improve the comfort of arthritis sufferers (3,4).

Studies on dogs with osteoarthritis show that supplementation with Indian frankincense extract for 42 days significantly alleviated disease symptoms such as lameness and stiff gait (5). The use of Boswellia serrata extract in combination with non-denatured UC-II® type II collagen in dogs has also been shown to not only reduce lameness, but also enable dogs to undertake more physical activity (6).

MSM

Methylsunphonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulphur compound that provides a source of sulphur for other organic sulphur compounds, including the sulphur amino acids (methionine, cysteine, homocysteine and taurine) (1).

Studies show that MSM supplementation can reduce inflammation in the body by indirectly reducing the production of pro-inflammatory factors and factors that act to degrade articular cartilage (2, 3). In combination with glucosamine, MSM can significantly reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis by reducing pain and swelling associated with inflammation (4).

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a substance from the glycosaminoglycan group synthesised by cells in the synovial membrane of the joint capsule. It is the main component of the joint synovium and is also part of the connective tissues, including the dermis. Hyaluronic acid, which is present inside the joints, enables the distribution of cartilage nutrients, ensures the viscosity of the synovium and protects the cells from crushing (1).

Studies show that the administration of hyaluronic acid supplements increases the concentration of this substance in the skin, joints and bones, and can also inhibit the production of anti-inflammatory factors and reduce the activity of enzymes responsible for joint degradation. Thus, hyaluronic acid supplementation may reduce swelling in the joints, relieve pain, slow the progression of osteoarthritis and promote the nutrition of joint structures (2,3).

Hyaluronic acid supplementation for 8-12 weeks has been shown to significantly reduce osteoarthritis symptoms in humans (4,5). Studies in dogs indicate that administration of hyaluronic acid supplements for 10 weeks can increase hyaluronic acid concentrations in joint synovium (6).