Equine joint health is a critical concern for horse owners and understanding the role of supplements, particularly hyaluronic acid (HA), is essential. This article delves into the science behind HA, its absorption, and the optimal dosage for maintaining healthy joints in horses. We'll also explore the perspective of Grand Meadows, a company that has researched and developed a patented HA supplement with proven absorption and efficacy.
Hyaluronic acid, commonly referred to as HA, has become a prominent ingredient in the equine supplement industry. Initially developed for injection directly into the joint or for intravenous use, oral forms of HA were once met with skepticism due to their large molecular structure and questionable absorption rates. Sodium Hyaluronate, the form of HA used in many products, is similar to Chondroitin Sulfate in that it has a large molecular size, which poses challenges for effective oral absorption.
The molecular size of HA is significantly larger than that of Chondroitin Sulfate, as illustrated in diagrams comparing the two. HA is a key component of proteoglycans, with Chondroitin Sulfate strands branching off its central spine. However, the question remained whether the simple HA molecule could be effectively absorbed through the stomach lining.
Grand Meadows has taken a critical stance on the use of HA in equine supplements. They argue that many competitors use HA more as a marketing tool than as a genuinely effective ingredient. Following the success of injectable HA products like Legend™, the market saw an influx of oral HA supplements. However, the actual HA content in these products often decreased significantly, especially when blended with other ingredients like Glucosamine, MSM, and Chondroitin Sulfate.
The average HA content in blended products fell to a mere 15-20 mg, a stark contrast to the 100 mg found in HA-only products. This reduction is attributed to the high cost of HA, which is primarily sourced from rooster combs and can be up to a hundred times more expensive than Glucosamine. Manufacturers began including minimal amounts of HA in their products to capitalize on its branding, despite these token amounts being insufficient for a 1,000 lb horse. For humans, the average dose is 20 mg of HA per 150 lb, which highlights the inadequacy of these blended products for equine needs. An effective HA dosage for horses should range between 150-200 mg per day.
HA plays a crucial role in joint health as a major constituent of articular cartilage and synovial fluid. It is the simplest of all glycosaminoglycans and is essential for nutrient delivery within the joint.
Convinced that the HA products on the market were not effective, Grand Meadows sought a form of HA that could be properly absorbed into the bloodstream. Their research led them to BioCell Technology, LLC, which developed BioCell Collagen II. This ingredient, backed by three US Patents, undergoes a complex hydration process that reduces the HA molecules to 1/90th of their original size, enhancing absorption.
BioCell Collagen II is the first oral HA product supported by clinical research for both absorption and efficacy. It contains a unique structure of Type II Collagen, Depolymerized Chondroitin Sulfate, Hyaluronic Acid, and Glucosamine, providing a concentrated source of materials for cartilage reconstruction. Grand Meadows introduced Grand HA and Grand HA Synergy, patented HA oral supplements clinically proven for absorption and efficacy.
The use of HA in equine joint supplements is a nuanced topic. While HA is a vital component for joint health, its efficacy in oral supplements has been debated. Grand Meadows' research and development of a patented, clinically proven HA supplement represent a significant advancement in the field, offering horse owners a reliable option for supporting their equine companions' joint health.
For further reading on equine joint health and the role of supplements, reputable sources such as The Horse and Equus Magazine provide valuable insights and research findings.
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