
Musculoskeletal disorders are now one of the most serious social, medical and economic trouble worldwide. In developed countries, joint diseases account for more than 50 percent of cases of chronic diseases and are the most common cause of long-term inability to work (WHO). Thus, it is one of the most common ailments that can be classified as ailments of civilization. The reasons for this fact are both overload the musculoskeletal system through intensive sport or heavy physical work, as well as degeneration of the joints, which are particularly vulnerable persons of mature age. Also, lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle and stress can contributes to this condition. All it makes everyday activities begin to cause us pain. Then we often take painkillers, which only relieve pain, but do not prevent its causes. What's more, their long-term intake may cause irritation of the stomach or kidney damage.
The prevention of the skeletal system is worth to use natural solutions.
A dietary supplement Invita Active is a preparation intended for people striving to maintain to normal functioning of the elements of the locomotor system. It is recommended for active people exposed to overload the joints and cartilage. The supplement is also recommended for the elderly, in the prevention of joints as well as during recovery after injuries of joints, tendons (or cartilage).
Invita Active supplement is rich in natural ingredients. Invita Active delivers a high dose of collagen in a form of a triple-helix formula which occurs naturally in the body. In addition, the supplement includes shark cartilage, glucosamine sulfate, hyaluronic acid and extract of Indian frankincense (Boswellia Serrata). These are well known and effective ingredients in the prevention of ailments of joints. It should be noted that both the collagen, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate (shark cartilage included) are key components of the skeletal system. Collagen is part of the tendons, cartilages and bones. Glucosamine and hyaluronic acid are components of synovial fluid. With the deficiency of glucosamine joints become more susceptible to damage. Hyaluronic acid increases the viscosity of synovial fluid and sealing the joint cavity. Chondroitin sulfate is also included in the articular cartilage, its prolonged deficiency can lead to rheumatic diseases.
Collagen and collagen proteins make up 70% of the dry weight of cartilage. It is also an important component of tendons, bones forms compounds with calcium. Collagen gives remarkable mechanical properties of tissues. Thanks of collagen tendons are both flexible and durable. Our bones are composed of 90% of collagen. Abnormal metabolism of collagen in bones may lead to decalcification, which makes it susceptible to bone fractures. Bones poor in collagen are also at risk of osteoporosis. Collagen is also necessary for the production of synovial fluid2. Amino acids contained in the collagen stimulate the activity of cartilage cells, whereby the joints has a better mobility. Naturally freeze-dried fish collagen take as part of Invita Active. The lyophilization process allows to close in the capsule collagen in a form of triple- helix formula. In this way it is possible to prevent the destruction of property and loss of collagen. In Invita Active capsules collagen was applied on a support of shark cartilage, which allows to use the optimum dose of the active substances while the small size of the capsule is maintained. Over the years, the amount of collagen produced by our body decreases, which causes a lot of adverse changes. Invita Active allows us to effectively prevent this phenomenon.
Shark cartilage is a natural source of type II collagen, chondroitin sulfate, calcium and phosphorus. Contained in the shark cartilage natural chondroitin protects cartilage against degeneration, it determines the resistance to deformation due to high forces (eg. during exercise). Shark cartilage components enhance restoration of articular cartilage, have a direct effect on the inflammatory mediators, responsible for the destruction of cartilage1. Shark cartilage accelerates regeneration, increases the body's resistance. It is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatism, osteoporosis and arthritic diseases. It contains calcium and phosphorus are minerals necessary for proper construction of the skeletal system. Shark cartilage is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine.
Glucosamine beneficial affects for cartilage repair processes. In the path of biochemical processes glucosamine take a part in the formation of compounds that build the structure of cartilage. Moreover, as a component of the synovial fluid glucosamine is an important protection for our joints. Glucosamine is a well-absorbed - approx. 90% is absorbed in the intestine. Unfortunately, glucosamine is not found in any of the main food products, so the only option is to deliver it by suplementation6. It has been demonstrated that glucosamine reduces the activity of certain enzymes that play a role in articular cartilage degradation7. Chemical form of glucosamine is also important. In Invita Active glucosamine was applied as a sulfate salt form (glucosamine sulfate) because only the efficacy of acting of this compound of glucosamine was confirmed. On the dietary supplement market are present compounds such as the glucosamine hydrochloride or N-acetylglucosamine - acting both ones are not equivalent to acting of glucosamine sulphate. It is worth noting that the sulfur contained in the glucosamine sulfate plays an important role in the stabilization of the connective tissue in the structure of cartilage.
Hyaluronic acid is a very important nutrient for joints. This compound belongs to the group of glycosaminoglycans which cement the tissue. Hyaluronic acid links together proteoglycans formed with glucosamine and chondroitin and it creates a very durable and resistant to pressure but flexible matrix of cartilage. The most important feature of hyaluronic acid is the ability to bind large amounts of water, resulting in improved functioning of synovial fluid, reducing in this way the friction between the cartilages. In synovial fluid hyaluronic acid, besides of giving it a suitable viscosity, prevents synovial fluid from escaping during bending and load resulting in increases in the pressure in joint5. Studies have shown that formulations containing hyaluronates reduce pain and improve knee function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee3. The hyaluronic acid enhances the cartilage and joint structure, which helps to improve amortization and consequently it protects the joints against overload.
Indian Frankincense (Boswellia Serrata) is a tree growing in the mountainous regions of India, North Africa and the Middle East. The extract is derived from the resin of this remarkable plant, which is used in Hindu medicine as an anti-inflammatory as well as a fragrance of incense. The extract contained in the Invita Active contains up to 70% of boswellic acids, which are a bioactive substances. Boswellic acids are responsible for the inactivation of enzymes (5- lipoxygenase), which results in inhibition of the proinflammatory effects of the some substances (leukotrienes)8. The study confirmed the potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic Boswellia Serrata extract4. In rheumatoid arthritis stiffness of joints was decreased by treated with the extract of Boswellia Serrata. In studies on rats, anti-inflammatory effect of the extract of Boswellia Serrata were comparable to the popular anti-inflammatory agents and analgesics such as ibuprofen and indomethacin. This extract is effective in reducing swelling, often associated with articular disorders.
References
1. Nowak P., Leczenie siarczanem glukozaminy choroby zwyrodnieniowej stawów podstawowe informacje dla farmaceuty, Przegląd Farmaceutyczny Naukowy nr 4/2007
3. R. W Moskovitz, Hyaluronic Acid Supplementation, Current Review of Rheumatology 2000, 2:466–471
4. Sharma A. and others, Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of different fractions of
Boswellia serrata, International Journal of Phytomedicine 2 (2010) 94-99
5. Hyc A. and others, Morphology and function of normal synovial membrane, Reumatologia 2012; 50, 6: 501–506
6. Studzińska-Sroka E., Bylka W., Glucosamine – aid for the treatment of osteoarthrosis, Postępy Fitoterapii 4/2011, s. 248-253
7. Häuselmann HJ., Nutripharmaceuticals for osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2001; 15(4):595-607
8. Siddiqui M. Z., Boswellia Serrata, A Potential Antiinflammatory Agent: An Overview, Indian J Pharm Sci. 2011 May-Jun; 73(3): 255–261