Equestrians everywhere are always looking for new, innovative products to support their four-legged partners. Whether they are in the show ring, out gathering cattle, hitting the trail, or enjoying life in the pasture, horses, especially aging horses, have differing needs for their diets and supplements. One thing is common across all disciplines: The need for mobility support products.
There are several common ingredients in joint support supplement formulations for horses, each playing a different role in mobility support function. Products may contain one or more of these actives depending on the product’s claims and intended uses.
Glucosamine is (GlcN) is a common amino sugar found in a variety of glycosaminoglycan and glycoprotein macromolecules. It is considered a key component for building cartilage that, in turn, ensures cushioned joints. Glucosamine is naturally found in connective tissues, cartilage-rich meats, and the shells of crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. These sources can be refined into purified glucosamine which can be incorporated into supplement products for various species. Quantifying the compound in a pure form or minimal ingredient format is significantly more straightforward than quantifying glucosamine forms in complex matrices or matrices where it is inherently present, such as the shellfish themselves. Glucosamine claims may be expressed differently on labels – sometimes the claim is listed as glucosamine, sometimes the claims for actives are listed as a salt form. This is relevant to quantification comparatively to the label claim being made as the forms have different molecular weights. Glucosamine, glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine HCl, and glucosamine 2KCl are all common forms listed as actives.
Chondroitin is a complex, naturally occurring molecule. Similar to glucosamine, chondroitin is a key component for joint health support through maintaining cartilage functionality. As part of a joint and mobility support formula, chondroitin-containing ingredients have exhibited anti-inflammatory qualities as well as water-retention capabilities within cartilage. In terms of sources of chondroitin, there are both terrestrial and marine products in which the molecule is inherently present. Similar to glucosamine, chondroitin is often referred to as either “chondroitin” or “chondroitin sulfate.” Chondroitin sulfate in horse formulations is most often added in a purified form, rather than being derived from whole-food ingredients like meat, as is commonly seen in pet foods. When working with a laboratory, it is important to know the source of the chondroitin in a finished product as different methodologies that may be deployed based on the origin (marine or terrestrial).
Methylsulfonylmethane, also known by the shortened acronym “MSM”, is a sulfur-delivering compound that is a natural part of plants and animals, but can also be synthetically created. In the body, sulfur can be cleaved from MSM and used to form collagen as well as glucosamine. These compounds support healthy cartilage, which can result in reduced joint discomfort.
Hyaluronic acid is well-known for its uses in human skin care as a moisture-providing agent. It is similar to glucosamine in that it is a glycosaminoglycan. This polysaccharide is known for its high water-holding capacity. When saturated with water, it becomes a gel-like substance that lubricates joints. Hyaluronic acid as an ingredient is usually used in a purified form – either from other animal sources or through biofermentation.
When quantifying these compounds in purified forms or as a minimal ingredient, minimal processing formats are significantly more straightforward than quantifying glucosamine forms in complex matrices or matrices where they are inherently present, such as shellfish or protein meals. Many current compendial methods were developed for high-purity raw materials. When applying these methods to samples that are multi-ingredient or where the analyte is bound, these methods often do not have any steps for singling out the analyte, such as a hydrolysis step. Likewise, they may not have adequate clean-up steps prior to injection into an HPLC/UPLC. Verification of ingredients prior to use through reliable methodologies can ensure there are no surprises in post-manufacturing product verification.
Partnering with a laboratory that has a validated, product-tailored method can help avoid costly issues with products not meeting label claims prior to hitting the retail market. Supplier documentation is an important first step, but independent verification adds an extra level of assurance. By confirming critical product data before products reach the market, manufacturers can strengthen compliance efforts, protect consumer trust, and reduce the risk of costly recalls.
Eurofins Food & Feed Testing is a trusted partner of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), providing third-party auditing, certification support, and analytical testing services that help animal supplement manufacturers demonstrate compliance with NASC quality standards and maintain consumer confidence in their products. Ready to get started? Contact us today.
Kari Nichols | Vertical Business Development Director | Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing Des Moines, Inc.
Kari Nichols is the Vertical Business Development Director at Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing Des Moines, Inc. With nearly 13 years of experience in laboratory testing services, she specializes in pet food and animal nutrition, focusing on food safety, regulatory compliance, and nutritional analysis. Through her active involvement in industry organizations and events, she stays at the forefront of emerging trends and developments in the animal nutrition sector.