How to choose nutritional supplements for joint health. Advantages of Biocell Collagen. Elgenoflex -Natural supplement for joint health - FAQ

WHAT MAKES ELGENOFLEX DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SUPPLEMENTS FOR JOINT HEALTH? 

The vast majority of supplements to support joint, and connective tissue health contain glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), as well as their combinations, which are widely used as supplements in patients with osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disorders, and their beneficial effects have been documented in multiple clinical trials.

Along with glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) Elgenoflex also contains BioCell Collagen, which is a multifunctional, patented ingredient for joint, and vascular support.

It is a collagen type II hydrolysate derived from chicken sternal articular cartilage, which also contains hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate and makes the supplement more effective for patients with osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disorders.

WHAT IS BIOCELL COLLAGEN? 

BioCell Collagen, the main component of Elgenoflex (approximately 2/3 by weight), produced by BioCell Technology LLC (Newport Beach, CA, USA) is a multifunctional, patented ingredient for joint, skin, and vascular support. BioCell Collagen plays a vital role in helping maintain healthy cartilage, tendons, and ligaments that support joint function; it is also a source of elasticity and strength for articular surfaces. It also helps in maintaining the mobility and flexibility of joints. BioCell Collagen is made from 100% pure enzymatically hydrolyzed chicken sternum cartilage, and naturally contains depolymerized chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid and cartilage matrix glycoprotein (CMGP), powerful substances that support cartilage health and function as well as joint comfort.

WHAT IS COLLAGEN TYPE II (TYPE TWO)? 

Collagens are structural proteins found in various connective tissues. Of the 28 known types of collagens, type II is the major collagen found in cartilage.

A substantial number of studies have documented the beneficial effect of supplementation with various forms of collagen. Collagen type II hydrolysates are used most often, both in healthy people and in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Like other ingested proteins, collagens are hydrolyzed in the digestive tract and cannot be directly incorporated into human tissues. Nevertheless, their ingestion may be beneficial because it may stimulate production of endogenous collagens.The intake of collagens, especially collagen hydrolysates, may facilitate the synthesis of endogenous collagen.

ARE COLLAGEN HYDROLYSATES SAFE? 

Collagen hydrolysates are safe for our bodies, which is confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission for Health and Consumer Protection; gelatin (denatured collagen from which the hydrolysates are produced) is also recognized safe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

IS IT SAFE TO TAKE ELGENOFLEX IF I HAVE ARTHRITIS? 

Elgenoflex is a dietary supplement that contains several ingredients: hydrolyzed type II collagen, which also naturally contains chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that mainly affects small joints in the hands and feet and results in their inflammation, pain, and eventually deformation. No definitive cure exists for rheumatoid arthritis. An abnormal immune response against the patient’s own collagen type II (cartilage collagen) is thought to play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is not an autoimmune disease. It develops with age when the cartilage on bone ends wears down. Osteoarthritis mainly affects joints that are under continuous stress (most often knee joints); joint injuries and repetitive stress due to work or sports activities increase the risk of osteoarthritis. As in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, no cure exists for osteoarthritis, and in severe cases joint replacement may be needed. Degradation of collagen type II is associated with the progression of osteoarthritis in the knees and hands.

After a pioneering study was published in 1993, a number of studies reported positive effects of chicken type II collagen and its hydrolysates in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In particular, short collagen fragments (as found in collagen hydrolysates such as BioCell Collagen used in Elgenoflex) reduce joint swelling and tenderness, and improve several other criteria used to assess the disease.

Collagen type II hydrolysates are also effective in patients with osteoarthritis, as shown by many clinical trials, including one that used exactly the same collagen type II hydrolysate as that is included in Elgenoflex: BioCell Collagen, a patented preparation produced by BioCell Technology LLC (Newport Beach, CA, USA). This trial reported a significant reduction in pain improvement in physical activity and the scores used to assess various parameters of the disease. These effects were noticeable after just five weeks of supplementation.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which is also included in Elgenoflex, has been suggested by several clinical trials to have beneficial effects in patients with osteoarthritis, such as a reduction in pain and physical function impairment, and an improvement in performing daily activities, although it does not affect joint stiffness.

CAN ELGENOFLEX BE BENEFICIAL FOR PATIENTS WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS? 

Although musculoskeletal disorders are not life-threatening, they are the most common cause of disability and considerably affect the quality of life of those who suffer with them. The most common musculoskeletal disorders are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Taking food supplements for musculoskeletal disorders has gained popularity in the last two decades. Collagen hydrolysates, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane, which are all components of Elgenoflex, are among the substances most widely used for this purpose.

Most clinical trials that investigated the beneficial effects of these substances involved patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, Elgenoflexcomponents can also be useful for prevention of musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal conditions, especially in people who are at increased risk because of a high level of physical activity, which puts considerable strain on the musculoskeletal system.

HOW LONG SHOULD I TAKE ELGENOFLEX?

The absence of side effects and safety of long-term intake of Elgenoflex ingredients have been confirmed by clinical studies. Therefore, there are no time restrictions on regular intake of Elgenoflex, if consumed at the dosage of 1 tablet a day.