Explore the Science
JOINT HEALTH Plus - ROSEHIP, c3, optiMSM BCP&HA
OVERVIEW
VetActiv8 Joint Health Plus is a potent, natural anti-inflammatory, designed to reduce pain and swelling to keep your dog active, happier and healthier for longer.
The formula is a blend of 6 powerful ingredients that synergise together to assist in reducing inflammation, that may combat pain and swelling in joints.
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Rosehip
Rosehip is a natural anti-inflammatory which can help reduce pain, stiffness, swelling and assists to boost the immune system.
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VetActiv8 Joint Health’s rosehip has standardised daily dose levels of vitamin C -113mg per scoop. Studies show that consuming more vitamin C increases your blood antioxidant levels by up to 30%. Antioxidants inhibit the migration of white blood cells to joints with tissue damage, resulting in a reduction of inflammation in these areas. In addition, vitamin C is a co-factor in collagen synthesis, the main protein in joint tissue and bone. Vitamin C is also well known to assist the immune system.
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Rosehip is used to treat and aid many health conditions such as assisting with; poor skin, hair and coat, boost immunity and eye and bone health. The reason for its wide use is that it contains vitamin C, A, E, and B-complex, as well as calcium, iron, selenium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, silicon, and zinc. Furthermore, it contains compounds, such as lycopene, pectin, lutein, beta-carotene which are very powerful and essential to the body.
Curcumin C3
VetActiv8 Joint Health uses a patented active that has a minimum of 95% curcuminoids, the active that reduces inflammation and assists with joint health. The three types of curcuminoids used in the formula are curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemothoxycurcumin. These curcuminoids are responsible for blocking key inflammatory pathways and have shown to lower the number of chondrocyte cells destroyed, which are an integral part of cartilage. VetActiv8 Joint Health’s turmeric is highly potent in deactivating pain sensitivity mechanisms in the body thus decreasing swelling and protecting joint tissue from damage.
VetPerine
VetActiv8 Joint Health’s formula synergises these ingredients with VetPerine, which is a natural extract that enhances the oral bioavailability of raw materials. VetPerine is clinically proven to increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%, and the uptake of Vitamin C by 52.7%. This active, further enhances our key active ingredients to effectively reduce inflammation, pain and swelling caused by arthritis and other joint problems.
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Hyaluronic acid (HA)
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in the body, known for its remarkable ability to retain moisture, particularly within connective tissues like the joints. In dogs and cats, HA is increasingly recognized for its role in supporting joint lubrication, cushioning, and flexibility. Clinical studies highlight how HA supplements, particularly oral formulations, help support joint fluidity and reduce inflammation, which is critical for pets with osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint conditions. For instance, a study using high concentrations of oral hyaluronic acid, shows marked improvements in key biomarkers related to osteoarthritis in dogs, such as increased synovial fluid HA levels and reduced oxidative stress markers after a 10-week regimen. This supports HA’s effectiveness as a non-invasive joint supplement alternative for dogs, particularly after surgery, as it can aid in both pain management and joint recovery without requiring injections.
Additional studies on HA in veterinary medicine underscore its anti-inflammatory effects, which extend beyond joint health to broader systemic support, potentially benefiting overall vitality and comfort in aging pets. By providing a lubricating effect within joints and supporting cartilage resilience, HA plays a crucial role in minimizing joint friction and alleviating pain during movement. The growing body of evidence around HA in pets suggests its safe use as part of a long-term, preventative approach to joint health.
Furthermore, research has shown the potential of HA in supporting overall skin and coat health due to its moisture-retaining properties.
Given HA's ability to support multiple facets of health, from joint integrity to skin quality, it is an invaluable ingredient in pet supplements, particularly for senior animals or breeds predisposed to joint issues. With consistent HA intake, dogs and cats may experience reduced joint stiffness, enhanced mobility, and a better response to physical activity, making it a versatile addition to their wellness regimen.
OptiMSM® (Methylsulfonylmethane)
OptiMSM is the purest and only GRAS-designated MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). Bergstrom Nutrition uses a proprietary multi-stage distillation process, and every batch is third-party tested, ensuring optimal purity, quality, and consistency. In contrast to OptiMSM, other commercially available MSM uses crystallization to isolate the MSM molecule. As this crystallized material cools, occlusions can develop that trap contaminants within the MSM and lead to material that may contain heavy metals, residual water, and other impurities.
OptiMSM is made exclusively in the USA and manufactured in a single purpose cGMP-certified, ISO-registered facility to help provide essential traceability.
Kosher and Halal certified, non-GMO, gluten-free, allergen-free, non-shellfish-derived, and vegan, our OptiMSM backed by extensive toxicology data.
MSM is a naturally occurring compound rich in sulfur, which has been shown to offer multiple benefits for dogs and cats, especially in relation to joint health and inflammation. Research highlights MSM’s role in managing inflammation and supporting joint function. For example, it works as an anti-inflammatory by reducing cytokine production, which can lessen pain and swelling related to conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia.
In addition, MSM supports joint lubrication and muscle relaxation, further alleviating pain from stiff or overworked muscles and joints. By improving collagen synthesis, MSM contributes to healthier connective tissue, which, in turn, reduces the strain on joints and relieves pressure points that can lead to discomfort.
MSM is increasingly recognized for its natural pain-relieving properties, making it an effective supplement for dogs and cats with chronic pain or inflammation. MSM’s sulfur content contributes to its analgesic effect, helping to reduce nerve pain and muscle soreness associated with joint conditions. Studies highlight MSM’s ability to reduce inflammatory markers, which plays a crucial role in minimizing pain signals in the body.
Studies show MSM’s pain-relieving effects are linked to its role in inhibiting certain pain-related chemicals in the body, such as prostaglandins, which are often elevated in pets with chronic inflammation. By modulating these chemicals, MSM helps reduce discomfort, allowing pets to maintain a more active lifestyle without the limitations of constant pain. This natural mechanism of pain relief can be especially beneficial for pets needing long-term management of pain due to conditions like arthritis or injuries, as it can serve as a gentler alternative to pharmaceutical painkillers.
Collagen Peptide Type II (FORTIGEL®)
Taken from the Gelita website
FORTIGEL® keeps people physically active and mobile
Today, every fourth person suffers from joint problems and the number is constantly increasing. The principal cause is wear and tear of the joint cartilage brought about by age, over exercise and stressed joints. But there is help available for those in need of joint support.
Developed by GELITA, FORTIGEL® is an innovative ingredient for the regeneration of joint cartilage. Collagenous protein makes up nearly 70% of cartilage mass. Optimized specific collagen peptides of FORTIGEL® have been proven to activate the growth of new cartilage by stimulating cells helping to ease joint discomfort and make the joints smooth and mobile. By keeping people physically active and mobile, FORTIGEL® can improve quality of life.
FORTIGEL® promotes growth of cartilage tissue
The effectiveness of FORTIGEL® has been scientifically proven in numerous studies. According to published research, orally administered FORTIGEL® is absorbed intestinally and accumulates in cartilage. The ingestion of FORTIGEL® stimulates a statistically significant increase of cartilage tissue metabolism.
Penn State study confirms improvement of mobility with FORTIGEL®
At Penn State University (USA, 2008), 147 athletes were recruited who experienced activity-related joint pain. Those athletes (mean age 20.1 years) were subdivided into one group taking FORTIGEL® as a nutritional supplement and a control group taking a placebo for 24 weeks. The severity of symptoms was rated both by the treating physician and by the study participants with a visual analogue scale.
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In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, it was interesting to observe a statistically significant difference of pain perception between treatment and control groups. When utilizing alternative therapies such as hydrotherapy, massage and ice and heat packs, there was a clear-cut difference between the treatment and the placebo group in favor of the FORTIGEL® group. This was the first trial to show improvement of joint pain in healthy athletes treated with FORTIGEL®.
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In summary, the studies confirm that the intake of FORTIGEL® results in improvement of mobility in healthy individuals.
McAlindon proves long term effect of FORTIGEL®
In a study published in March 2011 by McAlindon and colleagues, the long term effect of FORTIGEL® treatment on the composition of hyaline cartilage in individuals with early knee osteoarthritis was investigated. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was performed at the Tufts Medical Center in cooperation with Harvard University.
A specific type of magnetic resonance imaging (dGEMRIC) was utilized in order to visualize structural changes in cartilage tissue of the respective study participants. Overall, 30 subjects were randomized into one group receiving 10 g FORTIGEL® a day for 48 weeks and a control group receiving a placebo. Three MRI scans of the knee were performed on each subject, one at baseline, one at 24 weeks with the final scan at 48 weeks.
The analysis of the cartilage scans revealed a statistically significant increase in proteoglycan density in the medial and lateral tibial regions of the FORTIGEL® treated subjects compared to the placebo group. Results indicate that oral supplementation of FORTIGEL® has a direct impact on human cartilage tissue. This confirms previous experimental data and clearly demonstrates that specific orally administered collagen peptides can have an influence on cartilage tissue regeneration. It can be assumed that this observed effect is not limited to pathophysiological conditions, as indicated by additional clinical studies.
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Stimulating bone matrix formation
University of Freiburg, Germany confirms mobility improvement in young adults
Intention of the mono centric, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, observational trial on 160 subjects at the Institute for Sports and Sports Science, University of Freiburg, Germany was to investigate the effect of orally administered Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP®) on young adults suffering from diagnosed activity-related knee joint pain. In the study a daily dosage of 5 g FORTIGEL® or a placebo was orally administered for 12 duration of weeks. After 3, 6, and 12 weeks changes in pain, stiffness and physical function were evaluated in the FORTIGEL® group using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index score (WOMAC)4.
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The results of the study clearly demonstrate the efficacy of a daily intake of 5 g FORTIGEL® in the treatment of gon- and coxarthritis. After only 3 weeks of oral administration of the product a statistically significant improvement in pain, stiffness and physical function could be observed. Moreover, this positive effect of FORTIGEL® persisted and was even more pronounced after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment.
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At the same time secondary treatments such as massage and physiotherapy have been substantially reduced. The increased mobility was accompanied by a statistically significantly reduction in stiffness and a clear pain relief. In more than 40 % of all patients a complete pain reduction was achieved and in 70 % a positive effect of the therapy could be demonstrated. Thus FORTIGEL® is an effective therapeutic approach for those suffering from knee- and hip conditions.
The Results
CLINICAL EVIDENCE
Effects of Oral Hyaluronic Acid Administration in Dogs Following Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Surgery for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury
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Animals 2021, 11, 1264
This study evaluates the effects of oral administration of hyaluronic acid in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture after surgical resolution. Dogs were divided into two groups that received either oral hyaluronic acid or a placebo. We measured changes in several biomarkers of osteoarthritis before surgery, and at ten weeks after surgery. Results showed significant improvements in some of these biomarkers, namely synovial fluid levels of hyaluronic acid and paraoxonase-1. These changes indicate that post-op oral administration of hyaluronic acid may be effective for the management of stifle osteoarthritis in the dog.
Hyaluronic Acid: Redefining Its Role
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2020, Cells, 9(7), pp. 1743
In this review, we reported the main aspects of the biological roles of HA and the several clinical applications of this polysaccharide which for decades was considered to be only a structural component of the extracellular matrix of skin, joints, eye and many other tissues. With the increasing interest of many biologists, in the last two decades, the view of the role of HA has changed dramatically. The discovery of cell receptors of HA is of fundamental importance in understanding its biological role in certain cell types where it is able to stimulate a cascade of events such as cell motility, adhesion and proliferation. The biosynthesis of this polysaccharide is also unique. Unlike other glycosaminoglycans that are synthesized within the cell, and as reported in the review, HA is synthesized by three transmembrane enzymes at the inner side of the plasma membrane and then extruded directly into the extracellular space.
Hyaluronic Acid: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Trajectory
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Front. Vet. Sci., 25 June 2019
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Hyaluronic acid (also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate) is naturally found in many tissues and fluids, but more abundantly in articular cartilage and synovial fluid (SF). Hyaluronic acid (HA) content varies widely in different joints and species. HA is a non-sulfated, naturally occurring non-protein glycosaminoglycan (GAG), with distinct physico-chemical properties, produced by synoviocytes, fibroblasts, and chondrocytes. HAhasanimportantroleinthebiomechanicsofnormalSF,whereitispartiallyresponsible for lubrication and viscoelasticity of the SF. The concentration of HA and its molecular weight (MW) decline as osteoarthritis (OA) progresses with aging. For that reason, HA has been used for more than four decades in the treatment of OA in dogs, horses and humans. HA produces anti-arthritic effects via multiple mechanisms involving receptors, enzymes and other metabolic pathways. HA is also used in the treatment of ophthalmic, dermal, burns, wound repair, and other health conditions.
Intraarticular sodium hyaluronate injections in the Pond-Nuki experimental model of osteoarthritis in dogs. I. Biochemical results.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 01 Apr 1989, (241):278-285
In this study, proteoglycan solubility under associative and dissociative conditions was compared in two treatment protocols at intervals of seven, 13, and 17 weeks after surgical breakage of the anterior cruciate ligament in 2.5-year-old Beagle dogs. Untreated joints showed a marked increase in both total soluble glycosaminoglycan (GAG measured as uronic acid) and in the associative fraction. In both treated groups, there was a reduced amount of soluble GAG. Cessation of treatment after seven weeks caused gradual regression, with an increasing amount of CaCl2-soluble material in the associative fraction, while inception at seven weeks gave biochemical evidence of reversal, with increasing GAG present in the guanidine-soluble (dissociative) fraction on the insoluble residue. The protective effects of hyaluronic acid suggest the potential clinical application of this therapy in retarding the advance of osteoarthritis.
Amelioration of disease severity by intraarticular hylan therapy in bilateral canine osteoarthritis
Orthop Res. (2000) 18:416–25
This study examined the effect of viscosupplementation with hylan G-F 20 as a treatment for osteoarthritis, this study examined the effect of viscosupplementation with hylan G-F 20 as a treatment for osteoarthritis.
Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement
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Nutrients 2017, 9(3), 290
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MSM is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound with broad biological effects. Human absorption and biosynthesis of this compound likely depends heavily on the co-metabolism between microbiota and host. Whether naturally produced or manufactured, MSM exhibits no biochemical differences in its ability to intermediate oxidative stress and inflammation. This micronutrient is well tolerated for arthritis and a number of other conditions related to inflammation, physical function, and performance.
The anti-inflammatory effects of methylsulfonylmethane on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in murine macrophages
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Biol. Pharm. Bull. 32(4) 651—656 (2009)
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Collectively, this study indicates that MSM inhibits LPS-induced release of pro-inflammatory mediators in murine macrophages through downregulation of NF-kappaB signaling.
Suppressive effect of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) on type II collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice
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Japanese Pharmacology and Therapeutics 32(7):421-427
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This study suggested that MSM administration was able to modify the immune responses to the type II collagen, resulting in protection of the development of artiritis of type II collagen induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice.
The effect of distilled methylsulfonylmethane (msm) on human chondrocytes in vitro.
Osteoarthr. Cartil. 2007, 15, C123.
MSM might have an ability to protect articular cartilage in early OA by reducing expression of inflammatory cy tokines, i.e. TNF-alpha & IL-1. The effective concentration of 12 µg/ml MSM correlates with the dosage used in a recent clinical trial. MSM did not elicit an anabolic response in this study.
Long-term supplementation with an undenatured type-II collagen formulation in dogs with degenerative joint disease: Exploratory study
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Open Veterinary Journal, (2022), Vol. 12(1): 91–98
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CType-II collagen formulation can be considered as a good complementary feed to provide joint support in dogs with mild to moderate DJD.
FORTIGEL® Product Sheet ​
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FORTIGEL® is an innovative ingredient for the regeneration of joint cartilage. Collagenous protein makes up nearly 70% of cartilage mass. Optimized specific collagen peptides of FORTIGEL® have been proven to activate the growth of new cartilage by stimulating cells helping to ease joint discomfort and make the joints smooth and mobile.
Comparative therapeutic efficacy and safety of type-II collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin in arthritic dogs: pain evaluation by ground force plate
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J Anim Physiol a Anim Nutr 96(5):770-7, May 2011
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In conclusion, based on Ground Force Plate data, moderately arthritic dogs treated with type-II collagen (10 mg) showed a marked reduction in arthritic pain with maximum improvement by day 150. type-II collagen, GLU and CHO operate through different mechanisms of action, and were well tolerated over a period of 150 days.
Therapeutic efficacy and safety of undenatured type-II collagen alone or in combination with (-))-hydroxycitric acid and chromemate in arthritic dogs
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J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 30, 275–278
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Arthritic dogs treated with active type-II collagen alone or in combination with HCA-SX and CM showed marked reductions in arthritic pain and lameness. Overall, the dogs became very active and playful. The supplements did not
Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) in Joint Health and Disease: A Review on the Current Knowledge of Companion Animals
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Animals 2020, 10, 697
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Osteoarthritis (OA), the most commonjointdisease a ecting humansandanimals, is a painful, degenerative, and inflammatory disease that a ects synovial joints and ultimately leads to loss of mobility. Non-pharmacological preventive approaches, several pharmaceutical therapeutic agents, and some medicines may reduce the progression of OA in animals. Many clinical and experimental studies have revealed that the undenatured form of type II collagen (UC-II) o ers commonhealth benefits to patients with OA
WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY
TESTIMONIALS
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CODY, 12 YEARS OLD, NSW
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Cody was getting stiff joints and over time he needed to get injections for his arthritis as it got to a point where he would hop on 3 legs as he couldn't walk on one of them. We thought we would give VetActiv8 Joint Health a try as we wanted a more natural approach if there was one available.
He has been on it for about 2 months, and we have seen such an improvement as he now enjoys his walks and no longer struggled going up steps.
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