Joint Health Supplement Holds Potential in Battle Against Arthritis

The latest advantages of the specially processed rosehip powder used in i-flex (and LitoZin for the European market) have been demonstrated in a host of placebo controlled human clinical studies over the past decade.

25/09/08 DSM Nutritional Products has presented new research that demonstrates additional benefits for their new joint health supplement, i-flex at the World Congress on Osteoarthritis in Rome last week.

The latest advantages of the specially processed rosehip powder used in i-flex (and LitoZin for the European market) have been demonstrated in a host of placebo controlled human clinical studies over the past decade. The mechanism of action is considered to be a combination of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative processes attributable to the vitamins, carotenoids and galactolipids found in the product. New studies conducted by DSM Nutritional Products have now gone a stage further, demonstrating protective and even regenerative effects on human cartilage cells in-vitro.

According to senior author Dr. Joseph Schwager: “Our studies demonstrate that i-flex reduces catabolic processes (and thus degeneration) in human cartilage cells and at the same time enhances anabolic processes (i.e. regeneration).” Lead author Nathalie Richard adds: “We also confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of i-flex in different cell populations that contribute to joint inflammation.” The new in-vitro data provides additional evidence on the cellular and molecular level and compliments the thorough body of published human clinical evidence of i-flex for positive effects on joint health.

The World Congress on Osteoarthritis is the leading scientific forum for research on osteoarthritis and was attended by over 1,000 of the world's leading scientists, clinicians, clinical investigators, rheumatologists, orthopedists and radiologists. DSM will present the positive effects of i-flex on human cartilage cells at another major forum for arthritis research, the Congress of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology, 23-27 September 2008, in Pacifico Yokohama, Japan.

According to DSM, i-flex is backed by reliable scientific data gathered from several international scientific studies involving more than 400 participants. Studies have demonstrated that the unique rosehip powder used in i-flex is able to soothe joints and improve flexibility and mobility, with no known side effects. Over 80% of the participants in a placebo-controlled study reported joint health benefits, often in as little as three weeks.