Joint wear, inflammation, injury and pain in joints and ligaments are common among athletes of all levels and ages. Substances that lubricate and strengthen cartilage tissue over time become insufficient to maintain healthy joints, and this is due to excessive stress, injury, age and even poor nutrition due to diets that reduce fat deposits. The Animal Flex complex contains not just the familiar chondroitin and glucosamine, but many substances that help eliminate all negative factors.
Functions in the body
The complex additive “Animal Flex” supports the frame, the foundation of the body - joints, ligaments, cartilage. The drug effectively copes with various problems:
- Prevents joint destruction.
- Restores damage to cartilage and ligamentous tissues.
- Improves the production of intra-articular synovial fluid and its lubricating properties.
- Supplies material for the synthesis of substances necessary for the normal functioning of the joint-ligamentous apparatus.
- Improves blood circulation and vascular permeability.
- Relieves inflammation.
- Suitable for both prevention and treatment.
Animal Flex sports nutrition for joints and ligaments has been produced for more than 10 years and during this time its composition has been constantly improved. As a result, athletes interested in serious training results received a special formula ideal for strengthening and restoring joints and ligaments.
What is Animal Flex and what is it for?
Universal Nutrition Animal Flex is a chondroprotective complex from the USA for athletes, containing active ingredients for the health of joints and ligaments. The supplement serves not only for the prevention, but also for the treatment of joint wear and ligament ruptures, spinal protrusions and hernias.
The substances contained in the complex, in total, provide building materials for connective tissue, increase the elasticity of cartilage tissue, nourish it, restore damage, increase collagen content and the quality of its absorption.
The sports nutrition company has two types of Animal Flex in its line, which differ only in the content of hydrolyzed collagen in one of the mixtures.
The good thing about the products is that in addition to the usual two components for maintaining joints, the complexes contain all the substances that help solve problems that sometimes chondroitin and glucosamine paired cannot solve. In addition, the effect of such supplements is noticeable only after six months, but with Animal Flex the effect is felt after just a week of use. And yet, there are no analogues to such dosages.
Composition, active ingredients
Each can of Animal Flex contains 44 sachets, containing 8 tablets and capsules of different colors and sizes (1 sachet = 1 serving per day). Easy-to-swallow tablets and capsules contain substances for maximum protection of ligaments and cartilage. The ingredients are combined into three groups:
- Joint Construction Complex. Actually chondroprotectors, that is, compounds that restore cartilage. These are two forms of glucosamine, two forms of chondroitin and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). The total amount of substances is 3000 mg.
- Joint Lubrication Complex. A mixture of flaxseed oil and cetyl myristate, responsible for additional lubrication of joints and improvement of their mobility (1000 mg).
- Joint Support Complex. Complex for reducing and eliminating inflammatory processes. Contains turmeric, ginger, quercetin, bromelain, boswellia (1000 mg).
Boswellia extract can be purchased separately and used to support joints.
The composition is completed with minerals and vitamins necessary for the proper functioning of the musculoskeletal system (MSD) and maintaining health in general.
The main active ingredients of Universal Nutrition Animal Flex are the famous trio of glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane. They are the ones who work most actively on the restoration of cartilage tissue and are responsible for the prevention of injuries.
Glucosamine
A complex biopolymer, mucopolysaccharide, involved in the synthesis of proteins and the construction of connective tissue. Glucosamine is part of cartilage, ligaments, and synovial fluid. It is necessary for the production of hyaluronic acid and blocking enzymes that provoke the destruction of cartilage tissue.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin sulfate also belongs to mucopolysaccharides and is present in connective and cartilage tissue. Chondroitin is a substance formed as a result of the transformation of glucosamine and forms the cartilage matrix. It is an important participant in phosphorus-calcium metabolism and a stimulator of regenerative processes.
Methylsulfonylmetal
MSM supplies organic sulfur, which is responsible for proper metabolic reactions, tissue regeneration and cell division.
In addition to Animal Flex in powder and capsules, UN produces a dietary supplement in powder - Animal Flex Powder. The powder form has no significant advantages.
Other Ingredients
Above are not all the components of Animal Flex (44 packs) involved in preserving the athlete’s cartilage tissue. There are a number of additional ingredients, without which the work of the chondroprotective complex would be incomplete:
- Whey Protein;
- glycerol;
- glaze;
- stearic acid;
- silica;
- soybean oil;
- maltodextrin;
- cellulose;
- distilled water;
- dicalcium phosphate;
- shark cartilage tissue;
- caramel;
- magnesium stearate;
- gelatin.
Who is it suitable for and who should use it?
It is no coincidence that the product is “loaded” with bioactive components in dosages that exceed the norm. Animal Flex is a supplement not for amateurs, but for pros and intensely training athletes with extensive experience and specific needs in terms of protecting ligaments and joints.
The chondroprotector is recommended for use by all representatives of serious sports - powerlifters, bodybuilders, swimmers, cyclists, dancers. Any intense load affects the joints, which is why it is so important to provide the musculoskeletal system with a constant supply of minerals and vitamins. This is the only way to protect ligaments and cartilage from microdamage during training.
First of all, Animal Flex should be taken during bodybuilding and powerlifting - strength sports greatly increase the need for chondroitin and glucosamine.
The Animal Flex complex for joints and ligaments significantly speeds up recovery from injuries, sprains, fractures, relieves crunching in the knees and pain in the ligaments during heavy squats and similar exercises.
Chondroprotectors - salvation for joints?
The nourishment and hydration of cartilage in the joint occurs with the help of synovial fluid, which contains the already mentioned mono- and polysaccharides. With injury, excessive physical activity or systemic disease, the composition of the synovial fluid may be disrupted. Because of this, it becomes less viscous and can no longer provide slip. Once in the synovial fluid, the components of chondroprotectors help restore its consistency and normal activity of cartilage cells. The joints stop hurting and swelling, their mobility improves. In parallel with taking chondroprotectors, other measures are necessary for the active restoration and nutrition of cartilage - physiotherapy, exercise therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs.
Indications
The chondroprotector is indicated for osteoarthrosis, osteochondrosis, arthritis, arthrosis, protrusions, stiffness in the joints, insufficient flexibility and elasticity of the ligaments, sprains, dislocations, fractures, joint pain. The fortified preparation has a cumulative effect, but its effect manifests itself gradually.
Despite the impressive reviews, Animal Flex is not a universal medicine. In case of any injuries, you should first consult a doctor.
Side effects
The complex is not a medicine and is sold at points of sale of sports nutrition, and not in pharmacies. A disease that has become severe will not be cured by using a chondroprotector. Positioned exclusively as a food supplement. The effect will only be when used for preventive purposes or as a restorer in the postoperative period.
Side effects from Animal Flex (44 packs) may occur due to individual intolerance to individual components or as an allergic reaction.
For example, the composition contains ground shark cartilage and whey protein. Accordingly, people with problems digesting seafood and dairy products may experience discomfort.
Dosage regimens, dosage
The contents of 1 sachet are taken between meals or with food, in the morning or at lunch, drinking all the tablets and capsules at once without chewing. After reading the reviews about Animal Flex 44 Pak, we can conclude that it is optimal to take it with food, otherwise heartburn often occurs.
Course intake, 44 sachets - 1 course lasting 44 days. There is no data on the frequency of repetitions on the manufacturer’s website, but doctors recommend taking no more than 2-3 courses within a year.
Combination with other drugs, sports nutrition
During the period of using dietary supplements, it is worth increasing the amount of food rich in protein. The supplement combines well not only with proteins, but also with special preparations containing collagen. This combination significantly accelerates the regeneration of cartilage and ligaments.
Animal Flex works great with Animal Pak. Orthopedists advise alternating medications: one day “Animal Flex”, the second day “Animal Pak”. This course lasts 88 days.
There is no need to take additional MSM, but you can take a course of vitamins. It is better to avoid other drugs with glucosamine - exceeding the dose of glucosamine has a toxic effect on the pancreas.
Release form and composition
Animal Flex (44 packs) is able to provide joint tissue with all the necessary components. The jar contains 44 sachets of capsules, 7 pieces each. One package is considered a serving; it contains manganese sulfate and sodium selenite, vitamins C and E, as well as zinc polinate. In addition, there are fats that provide energy value to the product. If you calculate the calorie content, it is 9 kcal.
Each component is irreplaceable and is the fruit of the painstaking work of experts from Universal Nutrition.
Chondroprotector #1 in St. Petersburg
Despite the high cost, sports vitamins for joints and ligaments Animal Flex tops the rating of chondroprotectors. If your budget is limited, it may be advisable to consider alternative means. Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM is produced by Maxler, VPLab, etc. Natrol has a similar product with the addition of collagen, and BioTech produces ARTHRO GUARD LIQUID - a liquid preparation with collagen and hyaluronic acid. They have the same base, they are all designed to normalize the functioning of the articular, cartilage and skeletal systems, but they differ significantly in price b are suitable for allergies to additional components of Animal Flex.
Be healthy, progress, reach heights with a powerful partner who will support you under the most frantic loads!
Analogues of Animal Flex
Maxler Joint Pak 45 pak
The brand has released the most similar product, which contains 45 packets, each containing 7 tablets. A serving should be consumed in the morning with food or throughout the day.
One serving contains:
- Glucosamine sulfate – 1500 mg.
- Lubricant blend 1500 mg: methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), chondroitin sulfate, boswellia, turmeric, bromelain, hops, black pepper extracts, hyaluronic acid,
- A mixture of regenerating components 1200 mg: shark cartilage, boswellia resin extract and ginger root.
Ultimate Nutrition Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM
Another American product with a similar composition, containing 90 tablets per package. One serving is 3 tablets and contains:
- Glucosamine – 1500 mg.
- Chondroitin – 1200 mg.
- MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) – 1200 mg.
Fullflex cream 75 ml ➤ instructions for use
The cream base ensures good distribution on the skin, rapid absorption and effective penetration of active ingredients. The properties of the components help cope with inflammatory manifestations during exacerbation of the disease, help reduce muscle tension and improve mobility and flexibility in the joints. Extracts of fragrant martinia, lilac, horse chestnut, included in the original composition, provide increased fluid circulation in tissues, have a tonic effect, and help reduce swelling. D-panthenol, vitamin E, and linseed oil actively saturate the epidermis with nutrients, smooth and improve skin texture. Camphor, when applied topically, has a distracting effect and relieves discomfort.
Active ingredient: fragrant martinia extract, grape seed oil, castor oil, linseed oil, lilac extract, camphor, D-panthenol, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), horse chestnut extract, juniper essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil.
Martinia fragrant Harpogoside contained in the roots has the ability to suppress the inflammatory response at the molecular level. Joint mobility improves, pain decreases, and swelling decreases. Juniper - it contains terpenes, camphene, cadinene, terpineol, borneol, pinene, etc., which contribute to the breakdown of uric acid, which alleviates the condition of stiffness of movement. Lilac extract, camphor and eucalyptus essential oil enhance microcirculation in the skin, improving the penetration of other components and strengthening the restorative effect. Castor oil , obtained from the castor bean plant, is used for dry skin, fights flaking, eliminates rough areas. Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (linolenic, alpha-linoleic), promotes skin regeneration. D-panthenol (vitamin B5) - stimulates healing and restoration of skin layers, normalizes cellular metabolism, enhances the strength of collagen fibers. It has a moisturizing and smoothing effect on the skin, increases cell regeneration, accelerates epithelization, reduces symptoms of inflammation, and reduces itching. Vitamin E is the main antioxidant of the skin barrier, protects skin cells from UV radiation. Evens out skin texture, improves epithelization, nourishes and softens the stratum corneum, and has anti-inflammatory activity. Grapeseed oil is rich in linoleic acid, vitamins, microelements and antioxidants. Helps restore skin metabolic processes, strengthens the walls of blood and lymphatic vessels.
How to distinguish a fake from the original Animal Flex
To purchase an original product, the manufacturer recommends paying attention to the following signs:
- Availability of dealer hologram. It is located at the top of the jar, directly next to the lid.
- The presence of a label describing the composition, as well as the address of the dealer (in the official language of the country where the drug is sold).
- Production date on the bottom of the package. It is applied using laser engraving; in “underground” conditions it will not be possible to apply such markings.
- The presence of a black round sticker on a foil sticker under a plastic cover. Brief instructions are printed on the same sticker.
- Availability of a quality certificate from the seller. The manufacturer provides it to all official representatives of the company (regardless of the country where the products are sold).
Only if the Animal Flex packaging fully complies with all the above points is it an original product. Otherwise, it’s a fake and not worth buying.