The following ingredients, in a variety of combinations, may be found in joint supplements to help support and maintain the horse’s joints:

Glucosamine

• The ‘building block’ of connective tissues, including cartilage
• Keeps joints and cartilage lubricated  - an ageing or working horse may not produce glucosamine naturally – therefore the cartilage acts as less of a shock absorber and the joints become stiff and painful

Hyaluronic acid

• An integral part of joint cartilage and joint fluid (which provides the lubrication between surfaces)
• Works with glucosamine
• Makes joint fluid ‘sticky’

Chondroitin sulphate

• Enhances glucosamine
• Inhibits enzymes that break down cartilage
• May support bones as they heal

MSM

• Helps form cartilage matrix
• Helps to support joint lubrication
• For correct synthesis of amino acids, vitamins and chondroitin sulphates

Vitamin

• Vital for collagen formation and health
• Has anti-oxidant properties
• It is important not to ‘overdose’ on Vitamin C as this can be harmful to the horse

Manganese

• A trace mineral
• Plays important role in cartilage metabolism

Copper

• Has important role in connective tissue formation

Herbs
e.g. Yucca, Devil’s Claw
Shark cartilage and green lipped mussel

• Shark cartilage is used due to its presence of chondroitin sulphate
• Green lipped mussel contains Glucosamine and GAGs (the main components of cartilage and synovial fluid)