For joint problems, such as osteoarthritis or reduction of joint fluid, you can choose from glucosamine-based supplements (often combined with chondroitin and msm) or liquid silicon-based supplements. There are also some pain-relieving products on the market, such as the plant-based devil's claw. However, this herb is not suitable for competition horses as it is on the doping list. Cannabinoids extracted from clove plants, by the way, also have a positive effect on joints and are analgesic, but are also not allowed at competitions.

From synovial fluid to bone formation

Stiffness and motion pain can occur in different places. All joints have mucous membranes and synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant. If the mucous membranes become irritated (as happens, for example, in tibial membrane inflammation in runners), it causes pain. With age, the amount and thickness of synovial fluid often decreases. This also leads to less smooth movements. In addition, the quality of cartilage is also important, as cartilage forms a kind of 'cushion' in the joints. Finally, the bones themselves need to be strong. Greater bone density means fewer fractures, cracks and injuries. So when we talk about supplements for the joints, we are talking about a number of different processes.

Difference 1: Functioning

Glucosamine is the main building block for cartilage, synovial fluid, tendons and ligaments (ligaments). Chondroitin is one of the main components of cartilage and MSM fights joint inflammation and is analgesic. So when you feed a glucosamine product, you give the molecules the body needs, ready-made. Silicon works differently: it stimulates all parts of the joints from 'outside to inside' and gets the body to make the necessary building blocks such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) itself.

Difference 2: Replenishing versus creating

Glucosamine can be made by the body itself. If you give it as a supplement, it must first be transported through the blood via the intestines to the cells of the joints and capsules. This is an indirect route and research shows that a lot of glucosamine is lost along the way. The body's own production of glucosamine is stimulated by hydrolysed silicon. Studies show that this absorbable form of silicon works well. It starts by increasing the production of synovial fluid and positively affects tendons and the production of collagen in connective tissue. Next, silicon stimulates cartilage and capsules, and then it enters the bones, where bone production is supported. The latter does take some time, by the way, so you really need to give silicon for a longer time to see the full effect.

Difference 3: Absorption

It is thought that only about 8% of orally given glucosamine and chrondoitin is absorbed. A number of studies show that. Silicon in solid form (sand) is not absorbed by the body. But in hydrolysed form, silicon is actually very well absorbed. Silicon supplements are therefore always made of this hydrolysed form and thus liquid. Read more about why liquid silicon is absorbable here.

Difference 4: Proven effects

Thanks to the differences in mechanism of action and absorption, there is also a difference in effectiveness between glucosamine and silicon. Studies on the effect of glucosamine- and chondroitin-based supplements show variable and usually limited results. Studies on the effectiveness of silicon, on the other hand, are very positive. In particular, long-term use gives demonstrable reductions in stiffness and joint problems. Studies on dietary supplementation of silicon in growing animals show improved bone quality. Another study concluded that adding bio-absorbable silicon improves the performance and load capacity of racehorses and can prevent injuries.

Difference 5: Positive 'side effects' of silicon

Silicon has a few positive 'side effects' besides its impact on joints. It probably plays a role in immune processes and inflammatory responses. If there is too little silicon in the diet, it results in lower immunity and more severe inflammatory reactions. Also, supplementing hydrolysed silicon ensures that horses absorb less sand and are therefore less at risk of sand colic. And finally, silicon is very good for your horse's hooves and coat.

Difference 6: Origin

Glucosamine is often made from ground shellfish. That's a non-natural food for horses and also not always obtained from sustainable fisheries. Silicon oxide is made from the mineral silicon, which is found in large quantities in the earth's crust and sand but also in plants such as nettle.

Conclusion.

Silicon stimulates the body's own production of glycosaminoglycans. As a result, all these produced substances end up in the right place. From supplementing glucosamine, only about 8% is absorbed by the body. Hence the results of scientific studies on silicon are more positive than those on glucosamine. Because glucosamine is often fed with MSM and chrondoitin, horse owners do notice a difference. However, it is these two substances that make the difference, as they act as analgesics and anti-inflammatories. Every horse is different. This is why, for example, silicon works well for one horse, but cannabinoids or chrondoietin for another. For all supplements, you can only see good results after two to three months. This is because joints are tissues with slow blood flow and a slow metabolism. To know whether a supplement works well, you should therefore first give it two to three months.

What to give and when?

Scientific research has shown that when younger horses are fed silicon supplementation, improved bone quality is seen. Therefore, silicon is definitely recommended for growing sport horses. Do you have a horse with joint problems? Then the cause is decisive.

• For mild osteoarthritis and stiffness, it is precisely the mineral silicon that is recommended. It strengthens the tissues of the joints.
• If your horse is clearly in pain from joint wear or if it is an older horse, cannabinoids are a good alternative. As this also has an analgesic effect.
• With crystallisation of uric acid in the joints, we recommend a supplement based on Turmeric, Boswelia, Horsetail (Equisethum arvense), Blackcurrant, Field Horsetail and Bamboo.

Note that once there is wear and tear that this is irreversible. A supplement is not going to change this, but keep it from getting worse and support it. Every horse is different and reacts differently to natural products. In some cases, a combination of products can actually provide the best results.

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