Frequently Asked Questions

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Cosequin ASU from Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc. is a superior joint health supplement in a tasty powder for horses that goes beyond standard joint supplements. It contains NMX1000®* avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), FCHG49®* glucosamine hydrochloride, and TRH122®* low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate. With this combination of active ingredients, Cosequin ASU is the most complete joint support supplement available for horses.

The combination of the trademarked FCHG49 glucosamine hydrochloride and TRH122 low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate supports cartilage production and inhibits joint enzymes that break down cartilage.These two ingredients together have been shown to protect joint cartilage better than either ingredient alone. A greater than additive effect, known as a “synergistic” effect, on cartilage cells was seen using Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc. specific glucosamine and low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate together.

ASU stands for avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, derived from avocados and soybeans. Studies using cartilage cells have shown that it lowers the expression or production of several compounds involved in the process of cartilage breakdown in joints. ASU complements the positive effects of the glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in Cosequin ASU. The glucosamine in Cosequin ASU is synergistic with low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate and has been shown in cartilage cell studies to be synergistic with ASU. Having ASU in the Cosequin ASU formula is especially beneficial as NMX1000® avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, FCHG49® glucosamine hydrochloride and TRH122® low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate together were shown in cell studies to be more effective than the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate alone at inhibiting expression of several agents involved in the breakdown of cartilage.

Although clinical data on MSM is limited, many veterinarians and trainers recommend the use of MSM in the management of joint health. MSM is an organic source of sulfur, a compound used by cartilage. MSM with ASU, glucosamine hydrochloride, and chondroitin sulfate provides a joint health supplement formula for those individuals that would like to additionally supplement with high purity MSM.

Broad spectrum means that the ingredients support cartilage health via many pathways. As mentioned earlier, the ingredients inhibit compounds and enzymes in the joint that contribute to cartilage breakdown while also supporting cartilage production.

Cosequin ASU contains the ingredient ASU along with the optimal amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate that your horse needs. ASU works along with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to support your horse’s joints. In fact, the combination of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate plus ASU has been shown to work better in cartilage cell studies than the combination of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate alone. Cosequin ASU has the further addition of high purity MSM. Some veterinarians suggest using MSM to help manage joint health.

Cosequin ASU has been evaluated in a safety study in horses, and no adverse effects were noted from administration. There are no known contraindications or known interactions between Cosequin ASU and any drug or nutritional supplement.

Yes. Cosequin, with its exclusive combination of high purity glucosamine, low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate and manganese ascorbate, is the only glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate supplement that has been shown safe, effective, and bioavailable in peer-reviewed, published, controlled, U.S. veterinary studies. Chondroitin sulfate is a large molecule that is difficult to absorb. Cosequin is the only brand that uses the high purity, TRH122® low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate that has been studied for absorption. Lower molecular weight means the particle size of the molecule is smaller and more easily absorbed by the digestive system than other less pure forms of chondroitin sulfate. While this highly pure form of chondroitin sulfate is more expensive, it is the only one supported by published, controlled U.S. clinical studies for efficacy, safety and absorption. Cosequin is manufactured in the United States by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc. following manufacturing standards adopted by the pharmaceuical industry. Each batch of Cosequin is subjected to stringent quality control measures and meets label claim, while a study published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association showed that over 80% of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate brands did not meet their own label claim.

No studies have been completed that specifically address the use of Cosequin ASU during pregnancy. Use of Cosequin ASU during pregnancy should be an individual decision made in consultation with your veterinarian.

Cosequin ASU contains supplement ingredients for assisting joint health. It is best to check with your appropriate authority regarding its regulations or restrictions on supplement usage.

Prior to starting Cosequin ASU, you may have noticed unevenness of gait, reluctance to take or change a lead, or shortness of stride, which may be early indicators of cartilage breakdown. After starting administration with Cosequin ASU, observe your horse closely, and notice whether your horse becomes more comfortable doing those activities he/she seemed reluctant doing or had some trouble doing previously. Changes in your horse’s comfort level may occur gradually. Please allow time for your horse to respond. As noted above, it may take 2-4 weeks to see improvement, though some horses may respond sooner.

Cosequin ASU helps to minimize ongoing joint wear and tear by supporting joint cartilage production and by inhibiting enzymes and mediators involved in cartilage breakdown. Horses will usually respond to Cosequin ASU within 2-4 weeks, sooner in some horses. In some cases in which a more immediate response is desired, your veterinarian may initially recommend an injectable product.

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