Feedmark Best-Flex HA^® is the highest specification joint supplement you can buy - see the chart below;

This chart compares the milligrams of active ingredients in the recommended daily amount (for a 500kg horse) of each supplement

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The scientific basis of our Best-Flex HA® formulation: It has been shown through multiple scientific studies and published clinical evidence that oral supplementation with joint nutraceuticals can be beneficial in supporting joint function, flexibility and overall suppleness. Glucosamine, Chondroitex®, hyaluronic acid (HA) and methylsulphonylmethane (MSM) are the well researched ingredients proven to provide significant results. Additional helpful joint nutrients include antioxidants and soothing foods such as boswellia, vitamin C and those rich in omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Other manufacturers may choose to include other, sometimes peculiar, ingredients to make their formulation different - these ingredients may not be so well researched or proven and may have consequences if fed above certain rates or on a long term basis. Best-Flex HA® is SAFE to feed at increased levels and for extended periods for horses that may require additional support. Furthermore, Feedmark's CPI policy (Continuous Product Improvement) ensures we are constantly updating our formulations to provide the latest beneficial ingredients based on our experience, research and trials - we have 44 years of excellence in equine nutrition under our belt.

The ingredients of Best-Flex HA®

Glucosamine is a well known and widely researched joint health ingredient. It is a small, water soluble molecule and plays a vital role in building cartilage, ligaments and tendons. It also occurs naturally in the fluid around the joints and in bones. Cartilage is the firm, rubbery tissue that pads the ends of bones where it meets a joint. Ageing and general ‘wear and tear’ results in cartilage becoming less flexible and steadily breaking down. Glucosamine is required for the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), the compression-resistant components of cartilage. Two GAGs specific to joint mobility are chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronic acid.

Chondroitex® comprises of freshwater microalgae of the Schizochytrium species, which is then combined with HA. Algae are plants that have no roots or stems, making them suitable for a herbivorous diet. The algae contain high levels of the Omega-3 fatty acid Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is one of the Omega-3's that the body converts to compounds known as pro-resolving mediators. These pro-resolving mediators reduce inflammation, and so support your horse's joint health in the short and long-term. For more in-depth information on the role of DHA in the body refer to the article on in the Feedmark Knowledge Base.  Hyaluronic acid also has a role in resolving inflammation, so its combination with DHA in Chondroitex® enhances the action of both ingredients. 

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a key component of connective tissue and cartilage which aids joint lubrication. It has high shock absorbing properties and although a horse can make HA, it breaks down relatively quickly and as they age, the body produces less. HA supplemented daily can help support joint health and flexibility.

MSM is found in many foods and it is a source of sulphur and necessary for the production of collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in horses and is found in tendons, ligaments and cartilage.  MSM has been shown to have antioxidant benefits that make it a helpful joint nutraceutical to support flexibility and elasticity.

Boswellia is the resin collected from the Boswellia tree. This resin contains boswellic and other organic acids that have been shown to be effective for joint comfort. In line with our promise to always provide the best possible products, we source the finest quality Boswellia we can from suppliers aligning to the same strict feed assurance schemes as ourselves and with the highest possible levels of Boswellic acid.

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin and acts as an antioxidant. It is required for the production of collagen and connective tissue, such as tendons and ligaments Collagen forms part of the extracellular matrix of joint cartilage.

Omega 3 fatty acids, such as those found in a high ratio in linseed, have been shown to have a supportive role in joint health and stiffness. Daily supplementation with omega 3 rich linseed may help with general flexibility and suppleness.

The practical, ongoing trials of our Best-Flex HA® formulation: To our knowledge, Feedmark are the only professional equine nutrition company to be able to trial products on a controlled long term basis and monitor results. We have over 35 horses of different breeds and ages kept at our own facilities under the care of our Equine Director Mrs. Rebecca Townsend BSc. (Hons) MCSP. and her team. Rebecca is a life long equine enthusiast with multi disciplinary experience and as a qualified physiotherapist she is a Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. She and her equine team are pleased with the results of Best-Flex HA® - "When we feed Best-Flex we not only see short-term benefits but also we believe it helps them to perform for longer. Many of our horses are still working well into their teens and beyond. We all know good horses are hard to find so keeping them healthy and performing for as long as possible is crucial”