Published in The Journal of the American Nutrition Association, the study was carried out using the company’s AprèsFlex 5-Day Joint Support Ingredient.
New developments
A total of 67 people took part in the randomised, double-blind, placebo clinical trial. They were given 100 mg/day of AprèsFlex or a placebo for 30 days.
Measurements taken during this period included Visual Analog Score (VAS), The Lequesne algofunctional index (LFI), The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Serum biomarkers (MMP3, TNF, hsCRP, COMP, CPII and C2C). They were carried out on days zero, five and 30.
The results showed that, compared to placebo, AprèsFlex provided vast improvement (p<0.05) in all pain and physical function scores at five days. After the trial, in the AprèsFlex group VAS, LFI, WOMAC pain, WOMAC stiffness, WOMAC function, and total WOMAC scores all decreased by 45%, 40.9%, 44.4%, 66.3%, 44.4%, and 48% respectively.
As well as improving joint function and comfort, the study found that AprèsFlex had a statistically important effect on biological markers associated with joint health and inflammation metabolism. This included TNF-alpha, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). In addition, it significantly inhibits an enzyme that breaks down cartilage, collagen, and connective tissue called matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-3).
Validating efficacy
The double-blind placebo-controlled trial is the third to use AprèsFlex and the second to confirm vast improvements in joint comfort after five days with a low dose of just 100 mg per day.
Dr. Jeremy Appleton, Director of Medical and Scientific Affairs, says: "We now have three double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials that validate the efficacy of AprèsFlex, and two demonstrating improvements as early as five days, at a low dose.
“These outcomes support our customers' ‘fast-acting’ claims for their products containing AprèsFlex."
Seth Flowerman, President and CEO of PLT Health Solutions, also believes the latest findings build on the results of previous studies which show AprèsFlex can provide fast-acting joint health support.
He adds: "When it comes to mobility, there can be a disconnect between what consumers want and what existing solutions deliver.
“Too often, natural joint and muscle health solutions require large doses that take weeks or even months to show improvements - and the science backing these ingredients doesn't support what consumers are looking for. That is one of the reasons we continually work to understand things like mechanism of action and to develop quality science that can support strong messaging.
"At PLT, we are working to deliver Mobility Solutions, and to make these solutions available for people of all ages and walks of life."
Source: The Journal of the American Nutrition Association
Published online: https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2021.2014370
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