Valensa International (Eustis, FL USA) and Mercola Health Resources, LLC (Hoffman Estates, IL) announced today that they have entered into a license and supply agreement that provides Mercola Health Resources with Valensa's new Flex Pro ES(TM) joint health formulation. With one tablet a day, Flex Pro ES is designed to provide both near- and long-term support of joint health featuring four proven joint health ingredients -- Zanthin(R) Natural Astaxanthin, BiovaFlex(TM) Water-Soluble Egg Shell Membrane, boswellia and hyaluronic acid (HA). The formula specifically avoids the use of chondroitin and glucosamine/MSM, ingredients that can lead to unnecessary salt burden and swallowing difficulty. Earlier this year, Valensa in-licensed the BiovaFlex technology from Biova, LLC (Johnston, IA) for use in a range of novel joint and skin health products. Flex Pro ES is a multi-ingredient formulation combining boswellia with the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of astaxanthin and a specialized form of HA, along with the elastin, elastin precursors and collagen, found in BiovaFlex for increased flexibility and long-term joint health. It will be marketed via Mercola Health Resources' website -- http://www.mercola.com.
Four Ingredients Provide Joint Health Advantages
Flex Pro ES offers a comprehensive alternative to chondroitin- and glucosamine-based products for joint health in a small, easy to swallow, one-a-day hard shell dosage form. Current products being marketed that contain chondroitin and glucosamine ingredients are characterized by hard to swallow, unpleasant tasting, large pills and pill count. Current products generally require three unusually large tablets per day, each averaging about 0.8 X 0.4 X 0.3 inches (20 X 9 X 7 mm).
BiovaFlex is an all-natural ingredient, rich in elastin, collagen and glycosaminoglycans, designed to support the stability and flexibility of the joint. Open label trials have indicated that the ingredient alone produces positive results, including significant functional flexibility improvement, in as little as two weeks. BiovaFlex is the first and only, made in the USA water-soluble eggshell membrane ingredient. This easily absorbed, water-soluble feature makes BiovaFlex ideal for incorporation into chewable gummies, tablets, softgel and hard shell dosage forms. The main constituents of BiovaFlex water-soluble eggshell membrane are collagen and elastin, along with the elastin building blocks desmosine and iso-desmosine.
Incorporated into the Flex Pro MD formula is a 2 mg/serving of the potent antioxidant Zanthin(R) Natural Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is known to suppress the production of inflammatory markers such as TNF-alpha, and prostaglandin E-2 and inhibits nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression of nitric acid production. In human trials, astaxanthin mitigated joint problems after strenuous exercise.
Boswellia or Indian frankincense is an ayurvedic herb used for centuries to reduce inflammation quickly. The active component is boswellic acid, a potent 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor with anti-inflammatory effects. Additional research suggests that boswellia may improve the biochemical structure of cartilage. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the major hydrodynamic component of synovial fluid, possibly providing the lubrication and shock absorbent qualities of the joint. Collagen angiogenesis, signaled by HA, restores damaged cartilage. Additionally, anti-inflammatory properties of HA mitigate activities of pro-inflammatory mediators, stimulate immune response and reduce overall inflammation.
According to Dr. Rudi E. Moerck, President and CEO of Valensa, Dr. Mercola is a premiere partner for Valensa in bringing Flex Pro ES to market. "Dr. Joseph Mercola is a thought leader in our industry and his Mercola Health Resources is a leading provider of information about health and natural health products. We are excited that Dr. Mercola has recognized the category-changing nature of Flex Pro ES in the joint health market segment. His understanding of the unique properties of the Flex Pro ES formulation and the comprehensive approach it offers in supporting joint health, make him Valensa's ideal choice to introduce Flex Pro ES to a marketplace currently dominated by chondroitin and glucosamine," he said. "Today, more than 140 million adults in the U.S., and many times that around the world, suffer from some form of joint or connective tissue issues -- and that number is growing. We feel that in the near future, consumers will become aware that there are alternatives to chondroitin and glucosamine in the support of joint health. With science-based products like Flex Pro ES, there is a substantial opportunity to improve the quality of life for millions of people," he added. For more information, visit http://www.valensa.com.
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