USANA Joint Plus Pack

Procosa®
Nearly one in three adults in the United States suffers from some form of joint problem. The situation is worse for athletes and those who are subject to high amounts of physical stress at work and at home. To help support healthy joints, USANA created procosa supplement, a product with a blend of glucosamine, manganese, vitamin C, and silicon—building blocks for healthy cartilage.*

Cartilage
Cartilage is the protective layer that cushions and lubricates the joints. Over the years, the cartilage in our joints is gradually worn down due to normal physical activity. The body rebuilds the cartilage as it is worn and replaces shock-absorbing synovial fluid, so the joints are always protected. For various reasons, however, the production of new cartilage and synovial fluid can fall behind demand. Because of poor blood supply, lesions to articular cartilage do not heal at the same rate as in other tissue in the body; cartilage is rebuilt slowly. If components of the substances used for cartilage repair are in short supply, the recovery from damage can be slowed even further.

Glucosamine
Glucosamine, an amino sugar, is an important precursor in the biosynthesis of cartilage. Specifically, it is a building block of proteoglycans—-protein molecules with a high content of bound carbohydrate. Proteoglycans and collagen compose the majority of the cartilage matrix. Proteoglycans are essential for healthy cartilage because they bind the water that lubricates and cushions the joint.*

In addition to its role as a biochemical precursor, glucosamine is believed to play a role in regulating cartilage formation and normalizing cartilage metabolism by encouraging higher production of collagen and proteoglycans. Glucosamine also stimulates synovial production of hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for the lubricating and shock-absorbing properties of synovial fluid.*

Numerous double-blind clinical studies have shown the efficacy of glucosamine supplements in maintaining healthy cartilage, healthy joints, and full range of motion in the short-term. More recently, a three-year study was published showing that joint space increased in the glucosamine-treated group, while it continued to decrease in the placebo group, indicating that the protective cartilage was better maintained in those who used glucosamine. Additional studies have demonstrated that glucosamine, taken orally, is well-absorbed and diffuses into tissues, including the articular cartilage.*

Why Procosa? A Powerful Blend
Procosa combines 1500 mg of high-quality, vegetarian glucosamine HCl—a dose shown to be effective—with a blend of Meriva® bioavailable curcumin complex, vitamin C, manganese, and additional joint-supporting nutrients represents a more comprehensive approach to joint health. Meriva is an innovative phytosome that delivers water-soluble curcumin wrapped in fat-soluble soy lecithin, which more easily crosses cell membranes for dramatically improved stability and absorption. Over the long term, these ingredients help retain healthy cartilage. Clinical studies have shown Meriva bioavailable curcumin complex to provide significant benefits for joint function as well as support for a healthy inflammatory response. Manganese is required for enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of proteoglycans. Vitamin C is essential for the reactions necessary to collagen formation.* In addition, vitamin C and curcumin provide antioxidant defense against cell- damaging oxidative stress.*

BiOmega
No nutritional program is complete without a high-quality source of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which are lacking in the typical Western diet. USANA’s biomega supplement is produced from cold-water, deep-sea fish oil and contains a balanced, concentrated daily dose of two important omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in two convenient capsules per day.

Healthy Fats
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are the biosynthetic precursors of a family of compounds called eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes). These compounds are hormone-like substances that help retain normal health processes in our bodies. It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 in the diet as these two substances work together to promote health. Yet despite the clear health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids, dietary surveys indicate that most of us do not obtain enough omega-3 fatty acids from our diets. In 2002, the American Heart Association issued new guidance on fish and fish oil consumption because results of large-scale epidemiological studies and randomized controlled studies showed that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil support cardiovascular health.*

In addition to the heart health benefits, studies have shown omega-3 fatty acids, in the form of fish oil supplements, to be effective in supporting healthy joints, supporting neural development and function, and maintaining good bone health. Many studies indicate that taking omega-3 dietary supplements helps the body maintain a normal, healthy inflammatory response. Finally, DHA is also an important structural component of the retina and is, therefore, essential for eye development and growth.*

Early Childhood Development
It is important that women of childbearing age who are pregnant or may become pregnant get proper nutrition to ensure the best possible development for their baby, including getting sufficient amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. DHA is one of the dominant fats in the nerve cells of fetal and infant brains, and research shows that omega-3 fatty acids are critical to the development of the brain before birth and during early childhood. Many commercially prepared infant formulas are now fortified with DHA to support health and nervous system development.*

Vitamin D
Most purification processes for fish oil remove any vitamin D from the product. Yet, experts now widely believe that a majority of people are not getting enough vitamin D, which has been shown to have many health benefits, such as supporting bone health and healthy lung function. biomega is fortified with vitamin D to supply an additional 200 IU per day.*

Why BiOmega™?
In spite of clear benefits of including fish in the diet, health authorities have warned us to limit our intake of certain species of fish due to concern about potential contaminants, especially during pregnancy. Manufactured in a state-of-the art facility, USANA’s biomega is virtually free of contaminants, which are eliminated through a double-molecular distillation process that ensures the highest possible purity. Through this process, heavy metals, PCBs, pesticides, and organic residues are effectively eliminated. Also free of trans-fatty acids, each capsule contains 2 mg of mixed natural tocopherols to minimize oxidation of the omega-3 fatty acids and maintain product quality during storage. In short, biomega is one of the purest, highest quality fish oil products available on the market today. Supplementation with biomega is an excellent way to ensure that your diet includes a concentrated balance of safe, healthful EPA and DHA in two convenient capsules per day. And with added lemon flavoring, there is no fishy aftertaste.