Hydrolyzed Collagen – Contains active peptides (a short chain of amino acids), that provide support for bone and tendon repair and muscle growth.  Since the bone matrix is comprised mainly of Collagen (protein) and minerals, this ingredient is crucial in supporting healthy, strong bones and as well plays an important role in the building of joint cartilage.

Vitamin D3 – Helps absorption of calcium by moving calcium into blood stream and also helps regulate levels of both calcium and phosphorus in the blood.  Supports healthy muscles, bones, nerves as well as the immune system.

Vitamin K2 (as MK-7/menaquinone-7) Supports bone health by aiding in the regulation of calcium in the bone matrix and prevents abnormal calcification of tissues. Vitamin K2, as MK-7 specifically, is the most bioavailable form to support sustained calcium uptake from bloodstream into the bones.

Vitamin C (as calcium ascorbate) –is a co-factor in collagen synthesis and increases collagen production, stimulates bone forming cells and helps prevent degradation of bones by inhibiting bone absorbing cell (limits oxidative stress in bones).  Helps growth and repair of tissues including tendons and ligaments.  Studies show 33% lower risk of osteoporosis & hip fractures with adequate levels of vitamin C.

B-Vitamins (B12, B6. B9) – aids in calcium absorption, helps repair connective tissue and adds minerals to bone marrow that support bone strength and integrity

Vitamin A – Deficiency can inhibit calcium absorption and metabolism.  However, too much can lead to fractures.  A 4-year study of 958 men and women found that an average daily consumption of 2,000 to 3,000 IU per day (600 to 900 mcg) was associated with the highest bone mineral densities.

Calcium – 99% of calcium is found in bones and teeth.  The remaining 1% of calcium is found in the blood, muscle and other tissue.  Calcium is essential for normal blood clotting, muscle contractions & helps regulate nerve function.  It’s important to feed a ratio of 1:1 calcium to phosphorus as a minimum and is recommended to feed 2:1 or 2.5:1.  Too much phosphorus will interfere with calcium absorption.

Phosphorus – 80% of phosphorus is found in bones and teeth.  It’s essential for the production and storage of energy and production of proteins.  Plays a key role in nerve and muscle function and the regulation of cell growth and division.

Magnesium – Helps to ensure calcium is absorbed and utilized.  When magnesium is deficient it leads to degeneration of connective tissue and weakened bones, it also plays an important role in forming bone mineral.  It’s the second most important mineral (after calcium) for bone health. 

Boron – is required for proper metabolism and utilization of several bone-building components, like magnesium, Vitamin D and calcium and shows it has mineral conserving effects.

Chelated Minerals – Help in the formation of collagen, limit bone reabsorption and helps bone mineralization.  Zinc, Copper & Manganese should be fed in 3:1:1.5 ratio.  All 3 of these minerals at low levels have been linked to Osteoporosis.

Zinc – Deficiency can prevent full absorption of calcium and supports healthy collagen protein threads.

Copper – Is a component of superoxide dismutase which helps limit bone reabsorption.  It’s part of an enzyme that contains copper which helps form collagen and supports strengthening of bone collagen.

Manganese – A co-factor in the formation of bone cartilage, bone collagen and bone mineralization.

Why should I feed Bone-Max™?

MVP:  Bone-Max™ provides key ingredients that help support healthy bone mineral density and bone marrow.  These key ingredients (collagen, vitamin C, B12 etc.) help maintain healthy bones, connective tissue and cartilage.

Is Bone-Max™ for younger or older horses?

MVP:  Bone-Max™ is ideal for horses of all ages.  In young horses, it’s important to provide a product that can help support healthy bone development in the legs and feet.  Older horses don’t produce as much collagen as they age and collagen is essential to nourishing bone marrow, which in turn helps support healthy strong bones.  Performance horses can also benefit from Bone-Max™, as collagen provides amino-acids that help support healthy bones, muscles and soft tissue.

What is the difference between Re-Inforcer EQ™ and Bone-Max™?

MVP:  Re-Inforcer EQ™ is used more frequently for recovery from injury when additional ingredient support is necessary to help support a natural inflammatory response (ie. MSM, devils claw, boswellia).  Bone-Max™ provides essential ingredients to help promote strong bones and cartilage and could be used alone or in conjunction with Re-Inforcer EQ™ (or other MVP products) to maximize support for overall strength and integrity.

What are the various form of Vitamin K and why is it so important to bone health?

MVP:  Vitamin K is a group of compounds essential for blood clotting, bone health, and possibly heart health and exists in two bioactive forms: Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and Vitamin K2 (menaquinone).  Vitamin K2 ( the MK-7 form) used in Bone-Max™ metabolizes slowly, which makes it more bioavailable to provide a more consistent supply and uptake of Vitamin K to the bones.