Silicon (Sodium Zeolite A) is involved in the formation of the collagen matrix as well as bone mineralization. Collagen is an often overlooked factor in joint health as it makes up to 90% of the connective tissue in dry weight. While 70% of the bone is comprised of mineral components, this collagen matrix makes up the other 30% and is necessary to preserving the integrity of these tissues that otherwise may become brittle and susceptible to damage. When silicon is deficient in the diet, the formation of the bone matrix appears to be limited; potentially resulting in even greater problems than if it is deficient in the mineralization process alone. Sodium Zeolite A converts into orthosilicic acid (silicon) in the body. Here is a link to some Silicon Research in Horses or simply google search "orthosilicic acid joints" to read about all the amazing benefits it has from a bone and joint standpoint. Most equine supplements fail to feature this new nutrient. OSTEO-FUEL is ahead of the rest! Schütze et al. reported that the Sodium Zeolite A stimulated DNA synthesis in osteoblasts (bone building cells) and inhibited osteoclast (cells which breakdown bone)-mediated bone resorption in vitro. This is possibly attributable to the ortho-silicic acid-releasing property of Sodium Zeolite A. Studies in young thoroughbred race horses show that horses supplemented with silicon (as Sodium Zeolite A) can train and race almost twice the total distance as horses not supplemented with silicon before suffering injuries. This is a very impressive statistic, in a sport where injuries are inevitable

Glucosamine supports cartilage production, improves joint comfort and inhibits inflammatory mediators, which contribute to cartilage breakdown and joint pain.

Chondroitin supports production and slows breakdown of cartilage. It has shown to improve joint comfort & inhibits inflammatory mediators. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been shown in published equine cell research to work better together than either alone over long term studies.

MSM is known for anti-inflammatory activity, which typically applies most specifically to tissues in and around the joint. Research done on exercised horses given MSM reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits in the bloodstream.

Zinc assists in the metabolism of nutrients and blood formation. It is required for the immune system to function correctly. It also plays a vital role in production of healthy skin, hair and hooves. The Zinc:Copper ratio is important to keep balanced in the horses diet.

Copper is critical in the formation and repair of collagen, the major component of bone matrix. Copper is required for activity of lysyl oxidase, the enzyme needed to form crosslinks in collagen, which hold the bone tissues together. Think of collagen crosslinks as rebar or steel wire placed into an area before concrete is poured. The rebar or steel wire will hold the concrete together, making it more durable. Copper deficiency could impair the strength of collagen and in turn, bone & connective tissue. Insufficient copper in the diet has been implicated in osteochondrosis and flexural deformities.

Manganese is required for the utilization of fats and carbohydrates. It is involved as a co-factor for the formation of cartilage and bone production through chondroitin synthesis.

Vitamin C plays a vital role in the production of collagen, which is a key component in bone & connective tissues like cartilage, tendons and ligaments. It also has shown to have benefits for the immune system in horses low in Vitamin C.

Vitamin E is important for stabilizing cell walls by protecting their destruction from oxidation, and is thus referred to as an “anti-oxidant” vitamin. It is also involved in supporting the immune system.


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References:

Lang, K.J., B.D. Nielson, K.L.Waite, J. Link, G.M. Hill and M.W. Orth. 2001a. Increased plasma silicon concentrations and altered bone resorption in response to sodium zeolite A supplementation in yearling horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 21(11):550-555.

Neilson, B.D., G.D. Potter, E.L. Morris, T.W. Odom, D.M. Senor, J.A. Reynolds, W.B. Smith, M.T. Martin and E.H. Bird. 1993. Training distance to failure in young Quarter Horses fed sodium zeolite. A.J. Equine Vet. Sci. 13(10):562.

Carlisle, E.M. 1974. Silicon as an essential element. Fed. Proc.33:1758.

Schutze , Oursler MJ, Nolan J, Riggs BL, Spelzberg TC: Zeolite A inhibits osteoclast mediated bone resorption in vitro. J Cell Biochem 1995, 58(1):39-46.

Calomme MR, Vanden Berghe DA. Supplementation of calves with stabilized orthosilicic acid. Effect on the Si, Ca, Mg, and P concentrations in serum and the collagen concentration in skin and cartilage. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1997 Feb;56(2):153-65.

Hanson RR, Smalley LR, Huff GK, et al. Oral treatment with a glucosamine-chondroitin sulfate compound for degenerative joint disease in horses: 25 cases. Eq Practice 1997;19(9):16-22.

Forsyth RK, Bridgen CV, Northrop AJ. Double blind investigation of the effects of oral supplementation of combined glucosamine hydrochloride (GHCL) and chondroitin sulphate (CS) on stride characteristics of veteran horses. Equine Vet J Suppl 2006;36:622-625.

Gupta RC, Canerdy TD, Skaggs P, et al. Therapeutic efficacy of undenatured type-II collagen (UC-II) in comparison to glucosamine and chondroitin in arthritic horses. J Vet Pharmacol Therap 2009;32(6):577-584.

Vogel, Colin. 2006.The complete performance horse: feeding, fitness, lameness, preventive medicine. 122

Marañón G, Muñoz-Escassi B, Manley W, et al. The effect of methyl sulphonyl methane supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress in sport horses following jumping exercise. Acta Vet Scand 2008; 50:45.

Gilberd, Mark. 2006. Natural Remedies for horse health. 5-7

J.D. Pagan, R.J. Geor . 2005. Advances in Equine Nutrition III. 82

Norman Edward Robinson, Kim a. Sprayberry . 2009. Current Therapy in Equine Medicine, Volume 6. Elsevier Health Sciences, 79-82

DeChant JE, Baxter GM, Frisbie DD, et al. Effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, alone and in combination, on normal and interleukin-1 conditioned equine articular cartilage explant metabolism. Equine Vet J 2005;37(3):227-231.