Joint wear, inflammation, injury and pain in joints and ligaments are common among athletes of all levels and ages. Substances that lubricate and strengthen cartilage tissue over time become insufficient to maintain healthy joints, and this is due to excessive stress, injury, age and even poor nutrition due to diets that reduce fat deposits. The Animal Flex complex contains not just the familiar chondroitin and glucosamine, but many substances that help eliminate all negative factors.
What is Animal Flex and what is it for?
Universal Nutrition Animal Flex is a chondroprotective complex from the USA for athletes, containing active ingredients for the health of joints and ligaments. The supplement serves not only for the prevention, but also for the treatment of joint wear and ligament ruptures, spinal protrusions and hernias.
The substances contained in the complex, in total, provide building materials for connective tissue, increase the elasticity of cartilage tissue, nourish it, restore damage, increase collagen content and the quality of its absorption.
The sports nutrition company has two types of Animal Flex in its line, which differ only in the content of hydrolyzed collagen in one of the mixtures.
The good thing about the products is that in addition to the usual two components for maintaining joints, the complexes contain all the substances that help solve problems that sometimes chondroitin and glucosamine paired cannot solve. In addition, the effect of such supplements is noticeable only after six months, but with Animal Flex the effect is felt after just a week of use. And yet, there are no analogues to such dosages.
Classification of dietary supplements
According to various classifications, there are several main groups:
1. Nutraceuticals – used to adjust the content of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and amino acids in food. The main thing is to use them carefully so that their quantity does not exceed the daily requirement by more than 6 times.
2. Parapharmaceuticals – used as medications to maintain the normal state of various organs and systems (especially the immune system).
3. Eubiotics (not always isolated) - the purpose coincides with the purpose of nutraceuticals; these dietary supplements include microorganisms and their metabolites. Used for preventive purposes.
Forms of release and composition of Animal Flex
There are two forms of the drug: sachets of capsules and tablets, as well as a powder form.
Animal Flex 44 packs
The supplement contains 44 servings, each containing 3 capsules and 5 tablets. One package contains 9 calories per gram of fat, the components in the complex are divided into groups:
- Complex of building substances 3000 mg: glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonimethane (MSM).
- Complex of lubricants and anti-inflammatory substances 1000 mg: hyaluronic acid, linseed oil, cetyl myristoleate mixture.
- Extracts: ginger root, turmeric, boswellia, quercetin, bromelain.
- Vitamin complex:
- Ascorbic acid – 100 mg.
- Vitamin E – 100 mg.
- Zinc – 15 mg.
- Selenium – 70 mcg.
- Manganese sulfate – 1 mg.
The ingredients of the complex are extracted from shark cartilage, gelatin, shellfish, carob, and glycerin.
Animal Flex Powder rock solid 0.38 g orange flavor – 30 servings
The complex is improved by the addition of collagen. One serving (12.7 g scoop) contains 16 kcal, 1 g fat, 4 g protein. Including:
- Complex of building substances 3000 mg: glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonimethane (MSM).
- Complex of lubricants and anti-inflammatory substances 6000 mg: collagen hydrolyzate, hyaluronic acid, linseed oil, cetyl myristoleate mixture.
- Extracts: ginger root, turmeric, boswellia, quercetin, bromelain.
- Vitamin complex:
- Ascorbic acid – 100 mg.
- Vitamin E – 100 mg.
- Zinc – 15 mg.
- Selenium – 70 mcg.
- Manganese sulfate – 1 mg.
Vitamin C 500 mg / Ascorbic acid / Capsules / 120 servings / 120 capsules
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is taken to strengthen the immune system, normalize the condition of connective and bone tissue, and improve the condition of the skin. Also necessary for the functioning of the cardiovascular system, brain function and iron absorption(1).
Functions in the body
Vitamin C is essential for humans, that is, it is not synthesized by the body on its own. It is necessary for the production of collagen (a fibrillar protein that forms connective tissue). Without Vitamin C, the amino acid tryptophan is not metabolized to serotonin, and without it, catecholamines and corticosteroids are not formed, and cholesterol is not converted into bile acids. Vitamin C is involved in the metabolism of phenylalanine, tyrosine, folic acid, norepinephrine, histamine (2).
In hepatocytes (liver cells), ascorbic acid, together with the cytochrome P450 enzyme, ensures detoxification processes. Vitamin C is the main antioxidant in the human body; it neutralizes the superoxide radical to hydrogen peroxide. In the context of immunomodulation, it stimulates the synthesis of interferon, the C3 component of complement, antibodies, and accelerates phagocytosis. Also necessary for the restoration of ubiquinone and Vitamin E (3).
By a mechanism that is still unclear, ascorbic acid ensures the absorption of iron in the small intestine. Vitamin C also slows down the glycosylation of hemoglobin (4). Stimulates the use of glucose in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, participates in the formation of tetrahydrofolic acid and tissue regeneration. Through inhibition of hyaluronidase, it ensures normal capillary permeability. Activates proteolytic enzymes, promotes the accumulation of glycogen in the liver. Stimulates bile secretion, normalizes the exocrine function of the pancreas and the endocrine function of the thyroid gland (5).
Vitamin C deficiency
Symptoms of deficiency (hypovitaminosis) of ascorbic acid are weakening of the body’s immune function, susceptibility to infections, and the development of chronic diseases. The condition of bones, joints, skin, teeth, nails and hair worsens. With prolonged deficiency, fibromyalgia occurs and mental and physical performance decreases. A critical lack of Vitamin C in the body leads to scurvy - a disease in which collagen synthesis is disrupted and all connective tissue in the body loses strength (6).
Vitamin C and chronic diseases
One of the main functions of ascorbic acid in the human body is antioxidant, that is, protecting cells from the activity of oxygen free radicals that destroy them. This condition of cells is called oxidative stress, and it acts as a stimulus for the development of a wide range of chronic diseases (7). Regular consumption of Vitamin C as a bioactive supplement to the natural diet increases the level of antioxidants in the blood by 30%, suppressing inflammatory processes of various etiologies (8,9).
Improved immunity
Vitamin C stimulates the production of two types of leukocytes - lymphocytes and phagocytes, which provide the body with resistance to infections (17). At the same time, ascorbic acid protects white blood cells from damage by free radicals, which makes them more effective. Vitamin C also increases the barrier functions of the skin (18) and accelerates regenerative processes (19). In the case of existing pathologies, additional intake of ascorbic acid accelerates recovery and reduces the rehabilitation period (20).
Ascorbic acid and the cardiovascular system
Vitamin C, when consumed regularly, normalizes systolic and diastolic blood pressure, if it is elevated. It has no effect at normal and low blood pressure (10). The main mechanism of action is relaxation of the walls of blood vessels, increasing their elasticity (11).
In addition to normalizing high blood pressure, ascorbic acid reduces the risk of developing heart pathologies by eliminating other factors of heart pathologies, including high levels of low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (“good” cholesterol). Thus, ascorbic acid normalizes total cholesterol levels, improving the functional state of blood vessels.
Research has shown that regularly taking Vitamin C in addition to your diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 25%(12).
Effect on cognitive function
A reduced level of Vitamin C in the body significantly impairs higher mental functioning (21). Additional intake of Vitamin C eliminates inflammatory processes in the brain and spinal cord, as well as in the central nervous system, caused by oxidative stress and a number of other destructive factors (22). Research has shown that supplementation with ascorbic acid prevents age-related decline in memory and cognitive function(23,24) and may improve information processing speed regardless of age. A lack of Vitamin C in the diet may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease(25).
Ascorbic acid and iron deficiency
Iron is involved in a wide range of metabolic processes, including oxygen transport, so its absorption is vital for the body. Vitamin C promotes the absorption of iron from plant sources, which naturally has low absorption rates(15). From this point of view, ascorbic acid is recommended in meat-free diets. On average, absorption improves by 67%(16), which helps reduce the risk of anemia among people prone to iron deficiency for one reason or another.
Vitamin C and gout
Gout is a metabolic disease in which urate crystals in the form of monosodium urate or uric acid are deposited in various tissues of the body. The clinical picture of gout is recurrent acute arthritis. The reason is excessive accumulation of uric acid in the blood, which is a natural product of the body. With regular use of Vitamin C in addition to that obtained from the diet, uric acid levels are reduced and the risk of developing gout is reduced by 44% (13,14).
Other effects of taking Vitamin C
- Vitamin C cannot directly reduce the risk of colds, but if taken as a supplement during a cold, the recovery period is accelerated by 8-14% (26).
- Also, taking ascorbic acid for colds and flu significantly reduces the risk of developing associated complications, such as pneumonia and lung infections (27).
- With a high amount of Vitamin C in the diet, the risk of stroke is reduced by 42% (28).
- Additional intake of ascorbic acid improves the aesthetic properties of the skin, in particular, it eliminates dryness, normalizes tone, and reduces the number and severity of wrinkles (29).
Analogues of Animal Flex
Maxler Joint Pak 45 pak
The brand has released the most similar product, which contains 45 packets, each containing 7 tablets. A serving should be consumed in the morning with food or throughout the day.
One serving contains:
- Glucosamine sulfate – 1500 mg.
- Lubricant blend 1500 mg: methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), chondroitin sulfate, boswellia, turmeric, bromelain, hops, black pepper extracts, hyaluronic acid,
- A mixture of regenerating components 1200 mg: shark cartilage, boswellia resin extract and ginger root.
Ultimate Nutrition Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM
Another American product with a similar composition, containing 90 tablets per package. One serving is 3 tablets and contains:
- Glucosamine – 1500 mg.
- Chondroitin – 1200 mg.
- MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) – 1200 mg.
Overdose
It is not recommended to exceed the dose indicated in the instructions for use or recommended by your doctor. Symptoms of a serious vitamin D overdose include:
- from the gastrointestinal tract: constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting;
- from the cardiovascular system: increased blood pressure, changes in heart rate;
- from the musculoskeletal system: sharp pain in muscles and joints.
Long-term use of high doses of vitamin D together with food or preparations containing calcium is fraught with deposition of calcium salts in organs.
Where to buy at a good price
Now Foods, Vitamin D-3, 5,000 IU, 240 Capsules
from 881 ₽
More details
Dietary supplements from America can also be found in Russian pharmacies. But their cost is sometimes terrifying. Pharmacy owners do not hesitate to double or even triple markups on the cost of drugs, so it is easier to buy domestic liquid or capsulated vitamin D3. But domestic factories almost do not produce dietary supplements with a high concentration of cholecalciferol; they are suitable for maintaining normal levels, but will not relieve deficiency.
Order supplements containing 5,000 or more units of vitamin D3. costs on iHerb. Here:
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