Equine America Cortaflex Review

Equine America Cortaflex is one of the most popular equine joint supplements on the market. So we thought to take a ‘test and review’ into our own hands to see how it shapes up against some of its competitors.

Feeding Equine America Cortaflex

Equine America Cortaflex comes in powder and liquid form, which means it can be easily disguised in food or you can choose to feed the liquid product by syringe for fussy feeders.

Inside the [poweder] container of Cortaflex, users will find a 7g scoop; which is the recommended daily dose of the joint supplement. This small but nutrient-dense amount is, again, great for disguising from fussy feeders. The exact measurement scoop also makes it quick and easy to add into feed.

BETA NOPS and UFAS accredited means that keen competitors will not have to worry when supplementing Cortaflex, as these accreditations ensure the product has no traces of prohibited substances on the circuit. The supplement is suitable for horses competing under both FEI regulations and the Rules of Racing.

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Cortaflex Review: PROS

The ingredient list of Cortaflex is something to behold, jampacked with all the essential ingredients for healthy joints!

Making up almost 20% of the dose and the main ingredient of Cortaflex, Methylsulfonylmethane, otherwise known as MSM, is the star of the show. Working as a key mineral for the bonding of compounds within the cartilage of joints, MSM enhances strength, joint lubrication, and shock absorption of joints. It also helps to regulate inflammation of joint structures.

The high Collagen content in this joint supplement is also great for assisting in the maintenance of cartilage. Collagen works to provide the structural framework for elastic tissue, such as cartilage and ensures strength and flexibility to reduce injury. Collagen has also been shown to alleviate symptoms of arthritis. Meanwhile, Hyaluronic Acid helps to lubricate joints and acts as an additional shock absorber, which assists also helps to prevent insult to joints.

Supporting the function of key ingredients, Equine America has included Maganese, Copper, and Silicon into the mix. Playing important support roles in the production of structural compounds for the musculoskeletal system, they also help to prevent damage from ‘wear and tear’ as antioxidants.

Cortaflex Review: CONS

Despite being full to the brim with ingredients essential to joint health, the supplements MSM levels – which can be considered an essential ingredient, maybe too low for noticeable improvements in condition.

This can raise questions as to whether or not it will actually have any effect on joint health. Dosages of MSM which have shown noticeable improvement in inflammation, pain, and performance begins at a 10g. Meanwhile, Cortaflex only contains 2.5g (per 14g loading dose).

In addition, collagen levels suggested to reduce arthritic symptoms in horses start at 0.32g, whilst a loading dose of Cortaflex only contains 0.28g.

Conclusion

Equine America Cortaflex contains a great range of ingredients required for joint maintenance. We would recommend Cortaflex to support horse’s diets for joint health maintenance, however, suggest additional supplementation if horses are in strenuous work, have joint problems, or are older due to low dosages of key elements.

Alternative product choice: Pilot Equine Freedom 

With low levels of essential ingredients present in the Equine America Cortaflex formula, are there any alternatives that will assure an impact on joint health?

Pilot Equine’s Freedom Joint Supplement has all you need in one quality dose and may be more suitable for those looking to see improvement in joint condition and performance. Containing 11g of Glucosamine HCL, 10g of MSM, and key supportive ingredients such as Chondroitin sulphate, HA, and Vitamin C, the formula containing scientifically supported amounts of all the elements required for tissue health.

Unlike Cortaflex, Freedom contains Chondroitin Sulphate; an important structural compound of cartilage which provides resistance to compression. Therefore, Freedom is more suitable for those horses undergoing strenuous workloads.

In addition, Vitamin C works to assist a body placed under high demands. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C fights inflammation which is a common cause of joint pain and discomfort, allowing for optimal performance under high-stress exercise regime.

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