Joints Pack | Supersmart Supplement Packs

As we grow older, bone and joint diseases become more frequent and there are fewer effective weapons with which to combat them. However, the discovery of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), which are naturally present in bones, represents a major advance.

How does Bone Morphogenetic Proteins work?

Our product is based on Bone Morphogenetic Proteins which have been the subject of numerous studies since they were first discovered in the middle of the last century by an orthopaedic surgeon, Marshall Urist. His major discovery revealed that bone morphogenetic proteins induce regeneration of bone structure and cartilage. This involves an association between these proteins and specific stem cells, a type of cell widely studied for their therapeutic properties. Indeed, stem cells may offer treatment solutions for a number of diseases.

The therapeutic applications of stem cells come from their self-renewal properties and capacity for cell differentiation. In other words, stem cells are undifferentiated cells which are infinitely able to self-renew and give rise to different types of specialised cells. They could thus be used to regenerate damaged organs and tissue. Paving the way for a number of therapeutic possibilities, the research findings on bone morphogenetic proteins and stem cells were published in the prestigious journal Science, under the title ‘Bone: formation by autoinduction’, a term which underlines the importance of this mechanism for bone regeneration.

Indeed, the association of bone morphogenetic proteins and particular stem cells is responsible for the regeneration of the osteoarticular system – the regeneration of bones and cartilage. More specifically, the mechanism involves the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts, cells which promote bone formation, and chondrocytes, cells which enable the formation of new cartilage.

What are the benefits associated with Bone Morphogenetic Proteins?

• With their key role in the regeneration of bone and cartilage, bone morphogenetic proteins offer significant benefits for reducing age-related joint pain as well as for preventing the development of certain bone or joint diseases.
• That is why a number of scientific studies are currently investigating the therapeutic properties of bone morphogenetic proteins and the use of the protein-collagen complex Cyplexinol.
• Some researchers are focusing on its potential for preventing arthritis, by helping to combat incapacitating pain in the back, knees and hips, while others are examining its possible use in treating osteoporosis.

What is the main component in Bone Morphogenetic Proteins capsules?

Based on the many studies into bone morphogenetic proteins, our dietary supplement is formulated from a patented protein-collagen complex called Cyplexinol. Developed in 2007, this complex contains natural bone morphogenetic proteins as well as other compounds that promote bone and cartilage regeneration. These include type II collagen and key growth factors such as TGF-Beta (transforming growth factor beta). Acting in synergy, the various compounds in Cyplexinol stimulate the regeneration of the osteoarticular system.

While the full potential of bone morphogenetic proteins has yet to be revealed, we already know they offer considerable benefits for improving joint comfort and combatting joint pain. In order to fully deliver these benefits, our dietary supplement contains a significant amount of bone morphogenetic proteins, as provided by the patented complex Cyplexinol. With 150mg of Cyplexinol per capsule, the suggested dose for our supplement is 1-2 capsules a day for adults. This dose can be adjusted in line with your needs and the advice of your therapist. The effects of our supplement Bone Morphogenetic Proteins can also be enhanced by other nutrients available to buy at Supersmart such as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, vitamin D3, magnesium or certain calcium salts.

Buy Bone Morphogenetic Proteins to improve osteoarticular health.

What are the advantages of Chondroitin Sulfate 95% from Supersmart?

Exceptional purity

Producing chondroitin with such exceptional purity (95%) requires a complex and costly manufacturing process. Many less scrupulous suppliers bypass this, and use mediocre-quality materials such as ground cartilage in their supplements, yet still label them as containing ‘chondroitin: in such cases, purity is around 5% at best. In 2011, laboratory tests revealed that numerous supplements contained ground cartilage (1). If a chondroitin supplement seems unusually cheap, you’d be right to suspect this kind of dishonest practice.

This is obviously not the case with Chondroitin Sulfate 95% which, because of its pharmaceutical quality and purity of its active principles, rated at 95%, remains one of the best chondroitin products available.

Reassuring marine source

Chondroitin supplements are very often made from beef and veal cartilage, and sometimes even pork cartilage (though this is not always mentioned). One study (2) showed that marine-source cartilage contains far fewer soluble proteins and nucleic acids (part of what are termed ‘impurities’) than beef, pork or alevin (chicken) cartilage.

What’s more, marine-source chondroitin supplements enable the use of fishery co-products containing highly-nutritious molecules. Such use is consistent with the Common Fisheries Policy which aims to reduce the amount of fish thrown back into the sea and ensure responsible and sustainable fishing.

Is Chondroitin Sulfate 95% well-absorbed?

Many people wonder if chondroitin is well-absorbed by the body as it’s a very large molecule. Indeed, products with a low molecular weight (less than 16,000 daltons) will be completely absorbed, whereas larger molecules will only be 8%-18% absorbed (3). However this rate of absorption is still very acceptable for a dose equivalent to 1200mg per month.

Its galenic form (vegetarian capsule) means it is rapidly absorbed in the gut and is not affected by foods.

Which other supplements can be combined with chondroitin sulfate?

Chondroitin combines perfectly with Joint Support Formula (which contains chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, boron, methyl-sulfonyl-methane, vitamin C and manganese sulfate) is an excellent alternative if chondroitin produces insufficient benefits. The vitamin C it contains promotes natural collagen formation and supports healthy cartilage (4) (like that found in normal joints).

The manganese, which helps maintain good bone function (5), and the MSM are also complementary substances which act in synergy with chondroitin.

Should I expect any side-effects from taking Chondroitin Sulfate 95%?

Chondroitin has been available as a dietary supplement for over 30 years. In that time, there have been no reports of significant side-effects even with prolonged use (several months to two years).

Who might benefit from taking Chondroitin Sulfate 95% ?

• those who engage in sports frequently or intensively;
• those who want to take care of their joints;
• those who want to delay ageing and physical wear and tear.

What is chondroitin?

Chondroitin is found in all living cartilaginous organisms (in fish such as rays, in mammals such as pigs, cows and humans). It is one of the glycosaminoglycans produced by cartilage cells (chondrocytes). These bind to core proteins (proteoglycans) forming gigantic mesh networks known as the extracellular matrix. It is more than 70% comprised of water because of the hydrophilic character (able to absorb and retain water) of the molecules of which it is composed.

These proteoglycans are a little like sponges: as force is applied to the joint, they absorb and release water depending on the movement. Unfortunately, the biosynthesis of these proteoglycans remains poorly understood. A number of enzymes are involved but their individual roles have yet to be established.

What dose of Chondroitin Sulfate 95% should I take?

The recommended dose is 3 capsules a day (equivalent to 1200 mg).

Supplements should be taken regularly and for extended periods. The required supplementation period for chondroitin has been found to be longer than that for glucosamine: between two and six months is usually necessary before benefits are felt.

It’s best to take the capsules at mealtimes with a large glass of water (to prevent the capsules getting stuck in the oesophagus).

At this dose, the product provides one month’s supplementation.

If you find swallowing capsules difficult, simply open the capsule and add the contents to a glass of water or fruit juice, or a yogurt.

OptiMSM is a dietary supplement containing MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) in a biomimetic form. It is the purest and safest MSM supplement ever produced. Its biomimetic form means it is able to act as a precursor of the mucopolysaccharides (chondroitin, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid) found in our joints.

How is OptiMSM® produced?

OptiMSM® is completely free from heavy metal residues, impurities and contaminants thanks to a four-stage distillation process, which uses heat only, rather than powerful solvents.

Unlike other MSM supplements, the MSM molecule in OptiMSM® has not been isolated using crystallisation. When crystallised materials cool, various contaminants such as heavy metals and residual water can creep in and end up in the final product.

Where is OptiMSM® produced?

It is produced exclusively in the United States in accordance with GMP standards ensuring total traceability. It has been awarded GRAS status (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA and conforms to the highest standards of pharmaceutical microbiology.

Every batch is tested to ensure the absence of potential allergens. OptiMSM® is certified Kosher, Halal, vegetarian and guaranteed gluten-free (see the article mode "sans gluten") and GMO-free.

Is OptiMSM® natural?

MSM is a natural substance found in the body and in certain foods. In nature, the highest concentrations are found in mammalian milk but it is not possible to extract and isolate it from this source.

Contrary to what some suppliers would have you believe, MSM supplements do not come from wood, plants or fossil fuels. They are always synthetic inasmuch as MSM production requires a chemical reaction. In other words, no one MSM supplement is any more natural than another. All MSM supplements use the same type of raw material, but there are important differences in the quality of manufacture, purification process and control tests applied.

The laboratory Bergstrom Nutrition is able to guarantee that the MSM in OptiMSM® is of the highest purity, thanks to a method recognised as being far superior to those used in other supplements. In any event, the final product is biomimetic – the molecule is the same as that found in nature.

How does OptiMSM® work?

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has been sold in supplement form since the end of the 1990s. It is a sulphur-containing compound which is present in certain foods. An important mineral for health, and the fourth most abundant in the body, sulphur supports the synthesis of two essential amino acids: methionine and cysteine. It is found in several foods including garlic, onion, broccoli and cabbage but is easily destroyed by cooking and processing.

MSM’s mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood and none of them can be mentioned under existing regulations.

What is oxidative stress? How is it related to inflammation?

Oxidative stress and inflammation are closely linked because each influences the other.

Oxidative stress is what happens when cells are attacked by ‘reactive oxygen species’ (ROS), highly aggressive substances found in many photochemical pollutants (cigarette smoke, diesel particulates, pesticides ...). The body produces them naturally but the amount varies depending on several factors (stress, diet, lack of sleep, etc). Oxidative stress leads to inflammation.

At the site of inflammation, inflammatory cells (lymphocytes, phagocytes, mastocytes, etc.) in turn release significant amounts of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (often termed ‘free radicals’) in order to neutralise the pathogens or alert the body. These reactive species trigger a cascade of intracellular reactions which exacerbate the inflammation. It’s a vicious circle.

Frequently-asked questions

How long does it take for the effects of OptiMSM® to be felt?

MSM reaches the blood vessels in less than 45 minutes, but in general, it’s best to wait until you’ve been supplementing for two weeks before making an initial assessment.

What’s the ideal dose of OptiMSM®?

Recommended doses range from 2g to 8g a day, ie, ½ à 2 teaspoons a day, diluted in a glass of water or fruit juice.

What’s the difference between MSM and chondroitin or glucosamine?

Glucosamine (N-Acetyl Glucosamine) and chondroitin (Chondroitin Sulfate 95 %) are not necessarily aimed at reducing inflammation. They are much larger, more complex molecules than MSM which is essentially composed of carbon and sulphur. Glucosamine and chondroitin are structural components of cartilage, which is not the case for MSM.

It can, however, be beneficial to combine them.

Why are some MSM supplements cheaper than OptiMSM®?

Bergson Nutrition is the only MSM manufacturer to invest in research and safety studies (1) (2) (3) (4). The unrivalled quality of its manufacturing processes and commitment to quality control of the final product is reflected in the price of the supplement.

Most other MSM supplements are produced in China and their quality leaves a lot to be desired.