Formulated To Work

Evergreen Products have been formulated with cutting edge formulas. Our team includes Dr Richard Godbee Ph.D PAS, Vice President of Product Research and Development. Since most horses are asked to perform various and often demanding tasks, meeting their nutrient requirements is very important. Nutrients accomplish the life supporting function by providing fundamental components of body structure, or by enhancing or enabling chemical processes that occur in the body, like metabolism. Nutrients can assist with metabolic control. Correct feeding is an art and science of blending the various ingredients to produce a balanced whole.

FORMULATED WITH (click on each name below for more information)

Silicon ( Sodium Zeolite A)
Calcium Phosphorus and Magnesium
Glucosamine HCI
Chondroitin Sulfate
Yucca
Ester C

SILICON: AN ESSENTIAL TRACE MINERAL

Silicon is an important trace mineral that is proving to be an essential ingredient for stronger bones, better skin and more flexible joints. Including Silicon in the horse’s diet can boost the benefits of calcium, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate and other linking agents. Clinical data has proven Silicon is an essential nutrient for the structural integrity and development of connective tissue. Silicon not only strengthens bones but supports healthy hooves and coats.

Silicon in tissue and joints

Connective tissue is composed of cells that produce the fibrous protein matrixes of collagen and elastin, as well as the hydrated (water retaining) network of amino –sugars called glycosaminoglycans (GAG) or mucopolysaccharides (MPS). Silicon is known to stabilize the glycosaminoglycan network. A major function of (GAGS) is to attract and hold water in the joints. Why is this important? Because articular cartilage in the joints has no blood supply of its own. Therefore, healthy cartilage derives all its nutrition, as well as its cushioning effect, from the supply of water in the joints.

The amino-sugar glucosamine, which is also needed for the biosynthesis of GAG’s, has been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of arthritis. Given Silicon’s chemical association with GAG’s, it seems that the combination of both glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and Silicon have a complementary therapeutic value in the treatment of bone and joint problems and other connective tissue diseases.

Silicon, bone, OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans) and DOD (Development Orthopedic Disease)

Bone is actually a special type of connective tissue. Silicon is a major ion of osteogenic cells, which are the bone-forming cells in young, uncalcified bone. As the bone matures, the Silicon concentration declines and deposits of calcium and phosphorus are formed simultaneously. In other words, the more “mature” the bone tissue, the lower the Silicon concentration in the bone. Therefore, it has been concluded that Silicon acts as a regulating factor for the deposition of calcium and phosphorus in bone tissue.

Silicon plays a very important role in bone calcification, especially in the growth of new bone. The cells that make bone (osteoblasts) begin constructing a connective tissue matrix. When this is done, the osteoblasts switch their function and begin to fill in this matrix with minerals. This process requires Silicon. In clinical studies Silicon supplementation produced an increase in bone mineral density or an increase in bone mass. Indeed Silicon seems to be the only thing that, alone, can help maintain the normal function of the bones’ osteoclast cells, the cells that break down bone. Michigan State University and The University of Texas has a complete research study concerning Increasing Plasma Silicon Concentrations and Altering Bone Collagen Metabolism in Horses.

Silicon’s regulatory action in bone calcification and its vital role as a structural component of connective tissue are the reasons for Silicon’s classification as an essential trace element in animal nutrition.

Silicon plays an ongoing role in maintaining bones after their formation in a process called remodeling. Bone is a dynamic, living tissue that balances bone formation by osteoblast cells and the ongoing reabsorption of bone tissue by osteoclast cells. (Bone minerals are dissolved and organic bone matrix components such as collagen are digested by the action of osteclast cell).

OCD occurs when there is a low rate of bone formation and a high rate of bone reabsorption, thus leading to a decline in bone mineral density and decreased mechanical strength of bone. Clinical studies indicate Silicon supplementation, reduces the number of osteoclast cells, thus partially preventing bone reabsorption and bone loss. On the other hand, in-vitro studies have shown that silicon compounds stimulate the DNA synthesis in osteoblast-like cells.

Based on current clinical data, silicon is being considered a critical nutrient to better manage the effects and healing of OCD and DOD.

Sodium Zeolite A is the only bioavailable form of Silicon as a monosilicate acid. This is the only Silicon that has been clinically proven to be bioavailable for horses. Absorption is Key: for absorption to occur it must be with Sodium Zeolite A (which is the only clinically proven source of Silicon bioavailable as a monosilicic acid.) This form of Silicon is absorbed directly through the stomach wall and the gastronial tract into the bloodstream.

CALCIUM PHOSPHORUS AND MAGNESIUM

Calcium

Calcium is essential in the formation and hardening of bone. Calcium and Phosphorus are the two minerals that comprise 70 percent of the horse’s mineral requirements. These macro minerals are all involved in producing structural tissues. Because 80 percent of the calcium in the body is stored in the skeleton, calcium deficiency appears primarily as bone and joint problems. The mineral content of milk is highest during the first week of lactation and then declines steadily. If the mare’s calcium intake is not adequate during gestation and lactation, it will result in skeletal mineral loss in the foal. Foals born of calcium deficient mares have smaller cannon bone diameters at birth. The ratio of Calcium to Phosphorus is 1:1. Deficiency or imbalance of these may result in bone abnormalities, slow growth, contracted tendons and/or epiphysitis.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is an essential component of nearly all enzyme systems and found in every cell in the body. Phosphorus is integral to the bones in the skeleton, which acts as the main body store. It must be in correct balance with calcium, the 1:1 calcium/phosphorus ratio. A long term phosphorus deficiency can lead to bone and skeletal problems.

Magnesium is in the same family of minerals as calcium. It is essential for the optimal function of over 300 key enzymes involved in energy transformation, protein synthesis and nucleic acid metabolism. Magnesium deficiencies have a profound effect on neuromuscular function and cardiac tissue. Magnesium is also involved in the formation of hydroxyapatite , one of the principal components of bone and a major “hardener” of bone.

All in all Nutrition is essential in maximizing bone density. Skeletal growth is rapid during the first 12 months. Skeletal growth occurs faster than weight gain. At 6 months of age bone mineralization is 68% complete. Dietary mineral supplementation along with careful management and training programs will result in improved bone density and in turn, improved skeletal durability. Young horses will stay in training longer without the problems that bone injuries can cause. Mineral deficiencies can also cause abnormal patterns in the proper growth of teeth.

THE NUTRIENTS FOR ESSENTIAL JOINT HEALTH

There are many nutrients used for improving joint health, at the Top of the list is Glucosamine (HCI) Chondroitin Sulfate, Yucca and Ester C. These all help to support joint health. Added with Silicon (Sodium Zeolite A) this increases the glycosaminoglycan levels in cartilage. Silicon is known to act as a cross linking agent which connects and stabilizes the glycosaminoglycan networks. A major function of (GAGS) is to attract and hold water in the joints. Why is this important? Because articular cartilage in the joints has no blood supply of its own. Healthy cartilage therefore derives all its nutrition, as well as its cushioning effect, from the supply of water in the joints.

GLUCOSAMINE(HCI)

Glucosamine HCI is known as the most notable of all the joint nutraceuticals. Glucosamine is the key building block for synthesis of the modified sugars comprising the (GAGS). Almost every clinical study shows supplementation provides symptomatic relief of osteoarthritis, reduced pain and rapid recovery of partially restored joint function. Osteo-Aide for bones and joints has the incredible results of linking glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and Silicon which are compatible nutrients for the support of bones and joints.

CHONDROITIN SULFATE

Chondroitin Sulfate requires Silicon to construct the sponge like material in the joints that nourishes articular cartilage. In fact, Silicon in the form of Silanolates, actually connects together the chondroitin sulfate. Throughout the horses body exists the amazing substance, cartilage, composed of Chondroitin Sulfate. Cartilage coats every moving joint surface, allowing a normal range of movement.

YUCCA

Yucca has been known to reduce pain from inflammation and swelling. Yucca is known to help maintain optimal intestinal pH. Yucca owes its therapeutic effects to its high content of steroid saponins (natural glucosides) the precursor to synthetic cortisone. Yucca is an anti-inflamatory nutrient. It reduces pain and increases mobility by production of natural steroids in the body.

ESTER C

Ester C is a buffered form of Vitamin C that is body ready and much more available to the tissues than ordinary Vitamin C. The acid is buffered with calcium and processed to contain threonate, a metabolic which dramatically enhances absorption. An important component of collagen or connective tissue, Ester C functions as a chondroprotective, anti-inflammatory and immunoresponsive substance.