Study Found Adding UC-II to Glucosamine and Chondroitin Also More Effective in Relieving Pain than Glucosamine and Chondroitin Alone

BENICIA, Calif., May 17, 2006 – A new study shows that UC-II®, an undenatured or intact form of type II collagen found in the cartilage of bone joints, is more than twice as effective in decreasing pain in osteoarthritic dogs than glucosamine and chondroitin alone. UC-II in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin was also more than twice as effective in reducing pain and increasing joint flexibility and activity than glucosamine and chondroitin alone.  

UC-II, a patented ingredient produced by InterHealth Nutraceuticals, Inc., has previously been shown to improve joint flexibility and reduce arthritic symptoms in humans.  This new study, conducted on osteoarthritic dogs at Murray State University in Kentucky and presented at the annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology in March 2006 in San Diego, showed that UC-II taken alone reduced overall pain by 62%, while painful limb movement and lameness decreased by 91% and 78%, respectively. UC-II plus glucosamine and chondroitin reduced overall pain in the subjects by 57%, and pain with limb movement and lameness each by 53%, compared to only 24%, 29% and 39%, respectively, in dogs taking the glucosamine and chondroitin combination without UC-II. No adverse effects or changes in liver, heart or kidney functions were observed in any of the animals included in the study.

In addition to the earlier human clinical research, a study published last year in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacological and Therapeutics showed that UC-II had reduced pain and lameness in arthritic dogs. Furthermore, UC-II improved the overall activity of the dogs. “The results of this new study provide further proof of UC-II’s benefits for anyone seeking relief from joint problems – for themselves or for their companion animals,” said Manashi Bagchi, Ph.D., senior scientist with InterHealth.  “And for individuals who may want to include glucosamine and chondroitin in their supplement use, or in supplements for their pets, this study shows that adding UC-II to their daily regimen can make a significant difference in relieving pain and stiffness and improving their quality of life,” she added.  

“Manufacturers and retailers now have new options to offer consumers who are looking for a safe and effective product for bone and joint health,” said Paul Dijkstra, executive vice president at InterHealth. “Consumers can enjoy the benefits of UC-II alone or in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin, knowing that they will have an effective product and that neither alternative will produce the serious side effects that often come with prescription products or with over-the-counter pain-relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.”

Dijkstra added that UC-II has yet another advantage for health-conscious consumers. “The dosage for UC-II is only 40 mg.,” he said. “For people who may have difficulty in swallowing larger pills, this small size means that even when UC-II is combined with other ingredients the final product will still be of manageable size.” 

Strong Market for Natural Bone and Joint Health Products
A 2005 consumer survey by the Natural Marketing Institute shows that even relatively young consumers have concerns about bone and joint health, and are willing to consider natural remedies for these problems. Among the general population, 71% are concerned about preventing arthritis or joint disease and 41% say they or a household member is currently managing joint pain or stiffness.  And after age 35, arthritis and joint disease is one of six conditions of high concern.  Lastly, arthritis and joint disease is the number one condition that consumers say they would treat (68%) or prevent (69%) with supplements.

# # #

About InterHealth Nutraceuticals Inc.
InterHealth Nutraceuticals researches, develops, markets and distributes specialty nutritional ingredients, which are sold worldwide to manufacturers of dietary supplements and nutraceutical food and beverage products. In addition to UC-II, the company’s products include Super CitriMax®, ChromeMate®, Aller-7®,  OptiBerry®, L-OptiZinc® and Protykin®. For more information about InterHealth and its products, call 1-800-783-4636 or 1-707-751-2800 (outside U.S.) or visit the website at www.InterHealthUSA.com.