FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is a Disease Modifying Adjunctive Therapy (DMAT) that addresses the symptoms of osteoarthritis and helps support overall joint health. It is backed by over 30 years of research and development, including numerous published clinical studies.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO works by replenishing cartilage proteoglycans with Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy (PRT), accelerating cartilage repair processes and counteracting cartilage degradation by suppressing inflammation in the joints. It is recommended as an adjunctive therapy for mild to severe knee, hip, hand, and spinal arthritis.

Because it is designed to improve overall joint mobility and reduce pain and discomfort, LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is an effective choice for those seeking natural joint support.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is suitable for anyone experiencing joint discomfort or looking to maintain healthy joints.

It is particularly beneficial for individuals with an active lifestyle, the elderly, and those seeking a clinically effective and natural solution to support joint health.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is unique in terms of both its formula and biotechnology, and its results are different from other adjunctive therapies on the market, which mainly provide nutrition supplementation.

Some of these key differences include:

1.) LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO helps address low-grade inflammation, which has been directly linked with osteoarthritis, joint pain, and stiffness.

2.) LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO helps promote cartilage production by replenishing proteoglycans.

3.) LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO has been proven to reduce NSAID use in osteoarthritis patients.

4.) LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is side-effect and drug free.

In terms of its formula and technology, LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is a unique proprietary combination of a bioactive, naturally based, marine plant extract (LithoLexal®) combined with specific cartilage proteoglycans (Vercilexal®), enriched with vitamin C, D₃, and manganese.

Each LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO tablet also uses a proprietary technology that allows layers to gradually peel off from the surface to the core after being swallowed, a phenomenon called the ‘Onion Peeling Effect’. This unique delivery method provides sustained release of active ingredients so the body can take full advantage of LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO’s bioactive properties through the entire digestion process.

Results will be felt in as little as 4-8 weeks. Once benefits are realised continued use thereafter is recommended since osteoarthritis is a long term (chronic) condition.

In separate studies, all been conducted within a 12-week timeframe, LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO has been shown to:

• Improve pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis.
• Significantly enhance function and mobility in osteoarthritic patients.
• Reduce NSAID consumption in osteoarthritic patients.
• Demonstrate clinical superiority over Glucosamine in osteoarthritic patients.

Results can vary, but many users reported noticeable improvements in joint comfort and mobility after just  a few weeks of consistent LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO use.

Because it is drug free, and side-effect free, LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO can be taken continuously for ongoing joint health improvement.

See the following published studies for more:

Eriksen, EF, Lech, O, Nakama, GY, et al. Disease-Modifying Adjunctive Therapy (DMAT) in Osteoarthritis —The Biological Effects of a Multi- Mineral Complex, LithoLexal® Joint—A Review. Clin. Pract. 2021, 11, 901–913.

Frestedt JL, Walsh M, Kuskowski MA, et al. A natural mineral supplement provides relief from knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomized controlled pilot trial. Nutr J. 2008;17;7:9.

 Frestedt JL, Kuskowski MA, Zenk JL. A natural seaweed derived mineral supplement (Aquamin F) for knee osteoarthritis: a randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study. Nutr J. 2009;2;8:7.

 Murphy CT, Martin C, Doolan AM, et al. The Marine-derived, Multi-mineral formula, AquaPT Reduces TNF-a Levels in Osteoarthritis Patients. J Nutrition Health Food Sci. 2014;2(3): 1-3.

There have been no reported side effects related to taking LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO.

Furthermore, there have not been any dropouts due to intolerance reported during the multiple  LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO clinical trials.

Oral administration of LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is well-tolerated and safe for use by all osteoarthritis patients and for those interested in improving overall joint health.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO has been scientifically formulated to help reduce inflammation and support natural cartilage formation in patients with osteoarthritis. It works by downregulating proinflammatory cytokines that propagate cartilage degradation, reducing joint pain & inflammation by inhibiting the COX-2 pathway and by replenishing the depleted proteoglycans in joint cartilage.

Specifically, LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO helps address the symptoms of osteoarthritis through:

1. Suppression of Inflammatory Signalling Pathways
2. Downregulation of the NF-κB Protein Complex: A Master Immune Regulator
3. Inhibition of the Expression of key Proinflammatory Cytokines IL1β and TNF-α
4. Inhibition of Prostaglandin Synthesis via Suppressing the Expression of COX-2
5. Promotion of cartilage synthesis via Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy (PRT)

Because LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO contains all natural ingredients and is formulated to reduce inflammation and support natural cartilage formation, it can be used by anyone interested in improving overall joint health.

Yes. LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is designed to support joint health, making it ideal for athletes or those with sports-related joint issues. It helps in maintaining joint flexibility and reducing recovery time after physical activities.

No. While LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is often dispersed on the advice of Orthopaedists, Rheumatologists, and general practitioners, it is a drug-free product produced using natural ingredients. LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO can be purchased without a prescription at clinics and leading retail pharmacies.

If you have specific questions or concerns, consult your healthcare provider before using LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO.

There are no known side effects from taking LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO.

Glucosamine-containing products should not be used simultaneously with LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO due to antagonistic effects, which are not harmful but simply dimmish efficacy of both products. Individuals who are allergic to fish should avoid using LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO contains calcium. As such, you may need to consult a physician if you take other medications which may interact with calcium.

Although there are no safety concerns in taking LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO in conjunction with other anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, users are encouraged to discuss modifying normal dosages shortly after starting LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO.

Vitamin D and glucosamine (GluN) alone or in combination with chondroitin sulfate (CS) are commonly used in conventional adjunctive osteoarthritis therapies, but they have significant limitations and only provide nutritional supplementation.

Studies show that, overall, the efficacy of adjunctive therapy with generic GluN or CS seems to produce very limited symptomatic effects. These meagre effects are formulation-specific, product-dependent, and controversial at best.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is a unique Disease Modifying Adjunctive Therapy (DMAT). This means it  addresses osteoarthritis symptoms, while also modifying its primary underlying pathology i.e. it slows down the progression of osteoarthritis.

As an adjunctive therapy, LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO can help osteoarthritis sufferers decrease their dose of pharmaceutical drugs, pain medications, and analgesics, thus saving them from a wide range of potential side effects.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is a Disease Modifying Adjunctive Therapy (DMAT), meaning it should be used to enhance and complement your primary treatment regimen.

Studies show, however, that LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO can provide several unique pain-relieving benefits, including helping users reduce consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other painkillers.

Osteoarthritis is commonly thought of as a ‘wear and tear’ condition, primarily involving the degradation of joint cartilage. However, recent understanding highlights that osteoarthritis is much more complex, involving not just the breakdown of cartilage but also the inflammation of the joint lining. This inflammation plays a critical role in both the symptoms and progression of the disease.

Osteoarthritis is a common, and painful, disease characterised by joint pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is recognized for its potential to help modify the inflammatory signalling pathways in the body, addressing a key aspect of osteoarthritis pathophysiology and helping osteoarthritis sufferers manage these symptoms.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO provides cartilage Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy (PRT), which also helps stop cartilage degradation and promote cartilage synthesis.

In osteoarthritis, inflammation often occurs in the synovium, the lining of the joints. This inflammatory process can lead to a variety of symptoms commonly associated with osteoarthritis, such as joint pain, stiffness, tenderness, loss of flexibility, swelling, and the formation of bone spurs. These symptoms tend to develop slowly and worsen over time.

The latest findings suggest that by targeting the inflammatory signalling pathways in the body and by considering the effect of inflammation on all joint tissues: cartilage, synovium, subchondral bone, menisci, ligaments, muscles, and nerves – it may be possible to better understand osteoarthritis and address its symptoms in the future.

Although this is a significant focus of ongoing research, there are no prescription medications that cure the inflammatory aspect of osteoarthritis and adjunctive therapies – both physical and dietary – are essential in addressing osteoarthritis.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO works by targeting inflammatory signalling pathways and normalising the cartilage breakdown and rebuilding process​. In so doing, clinical studies have shown that LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO:

• Improves pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis.
• Significantly enhances function and mobility.
• Reduces NSAID consumption in osteoarthritic patients.
• Demonstrate clinical superiority over Glucosamine in osteoarthritic patients.

Proteoglycans play a crucial role in maintaining joint health, primarily through their structural and functional contributions to articular cartilage. They are large molecules found in the extracellular matrix of cartilage, where they provide critical mechanical and biochemical support. Their preservation and restoration are key targets in managing and treating joint diseases like osteoarthritis.

1. Structural Support and Shock Absorption: Proteoglycans are key structural components of connective tissue and serve as joint lubricants. The most well-studied proteoglycan, aggrecan, is found alongside collagen as a primary component of cartilage. These molecules structurally protect cartilage from deterioration and retain moisture in the tissue matrix. Due to their large size, proteoglycans are excellent at lubricating and absorbing shocks in joints, essential for normal joint function and movement.
2. Cartilage Homeostasis: In the context of osteoarthritis, the balance of cartilage homeostasis is disrupted, leading to a gradual decline in the production of matrix proteoglycans and collagens. This decline, coupled with an increase in protease activity due to inflammation, contributes to cartilage degradation. Proteoglycans, namely aggrecan, along with others such as versican, play a pivotal role in maintaining the cartilage matrix’s integrity. Their loss or breakdown is a crucial and early feature of cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis.
3. Regulatory Functions and Inflammation: Proteoglycans also have regulatory roles over cytokines and chemokines, which are critical in inflammatory processes. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), for instance, proteoglycans are upregulated and undergo alterations in their regulatory functions, promoting inflammation and bone damage. This suggests that similar mechanisms could be at play in osteoarthritis, contributing to the disease’s progression. Recent studies are focused on understanding these mechanisms and developing therapeutics that modulate proteoglycan activity to combat joint diseases like osteoarthritis.
4. Extracellular Matrix Health: Proteoglycans are a critical facet of a healthy extracellular matrix, which is vital for the overall health and functionality of articular cartilage. They play a significant role in the extracellular matrix’s organisation and in mediating cellular signalling and interactions, which are crucial for tissue repair and homeostasis.
5. Association with Disease Severity: The loss of proteoglycans in articular cartilage is directly associated with the severity of joint inflammation. This connection highlights the importance of proteoglycans not just in maintaining healthy cartilage but also in the pathological progression of joint diseases. Their depletion in cartilage is a key indicator of joint degeneration and is a target for therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring joint health.

Conventional treatment typically involves a combination of pharmacologic (like analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, NSAIDs) and nonpharmacologic modalities (like adjunctive therapies). However, no conventional treatment has been entirely successful in suppressing the underlying inflammation and joint degradation that causes osteoarthritis.

Adjunctive therapies for osteoarthritis are supplementary treatments used alongside primary medical treatments to manage the symptoms and progression of osteoarthritis.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is a Disease Modifying Adjunctive Treatment (DMAT), meaning it helps both address the symptoms of osteoarthritis and helps address the underlying causes of joint pain.

It is different from conventional adjunctive therapies such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate supplements because it goes beyond providing just nutritional supplements and acts as a catalyst to reducing inflammation and modifying the main underlying pathology of osteoarthritis, inflammation.

Published studies have shown that LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO provides additional symptom relief and improves joint function beyond what can be achieved with a primary medication regimen alone:

The challenge in developing an optimal adjunctive treatment for osteoarthritis is to find a compound or combination that is clinically capable of:

• Mitigating articular low-grade inflammation, which is the key cause of osteoarthritis.
• Promoting cartilage production.
• Being safe for long-term use without side-effects.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO fulfils all these requirements and can be particularly beneficial as:

• An adjunctive therapy of moderate to severe knee, hip, hand, and spine osteoarthritis.
• A monotherapy of mild clinical or radiologic osteoarthritis as secondary prevention.
• An adjunctive therapy after arthroplasty as tertiary prevention in osteoarthritic patients.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO can also help individuals with an active lifestyle, the elderly, and those seeking a natural solution to support healthy joints on an ongoing basis.

Adjunctive therapies like LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO cannot cure osteoarthritis, but they can help manage symptoms, address the underlying causes of joint degradation, and improve quality of life for people suffering from osteoarthritis and many types of joint pain.

Cartilage Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy (PRT) offers promise. 

Proteoglycans, a key component of joint cartilage, can be replenished to reverse cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis joints and restore the cartilage remodelling balance.

Supplementation of proteoglycans has shown to decrease cartilage specific proteoglycans (aggrecan) and collagen degradation and promote their synthesis, effectively modifying the cartilage remodelling processes​​.

Regular physical activity is crucial in treating osteoarthritis and is also considered a form of adjunctive therapy.

Staying physically active helps maintain mobility, relieve pain, lose weight, and reduce the risk of other health problems. Studies suggest that combining exercise with LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO can enhance the management of osteoarthritis symptoms and progression.​

Most people with osteoarthritis do not require surgery.

Exercise, diet, education, and pain relievers are often sufficient. Surgery, like a prosthetic implant, is a last resort when basic treatment is not effective enough.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO, as a disease-modifying adjunctive therapy, could potentially reduce the need for surgical interventions by modifying the disease course and relieving symptoms.

Yes. LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is based entirely on drug-free ingredients, which are evaluated as safe by food and drug authorities globally. 

The safety and side-effect-free tolerability of LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO has been documented in multiple clinical trials featured in leading international medical journals. Furthermore, health authorities on all continents approve LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO as being compliant with regulations – including the FDA, Anvisa, Cofepris, and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).

Although there are no safety concerns in taking LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO in conjunction with anti-inflammatory and analgesic prescription medications, users might need to discuss modifying usual dosages shortly after starting LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO with their doctor.

Users should also avoid taking LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO with other glucosamine-containing products due to antagonistic effects.

Individuals who are allergic to fish should avoid using LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO contains calcium. As such, you may need to consult a physician if you take other medications which may interact with calcium.

No, there are no known side effects from taking LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO to address joint pain and inflammation, which makes it a unique option for longer-term adjunctive therapy for osteoarthritis sufferers.

When taken on a longer-term basis, LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO has proven effective in:

• Relieving pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis.
• Enhancing joint function and mobility.
• Reducing NSAID Consumption in osteoarthritic patients.
• Demonstrating clinical superiority over Glucosamine in osteoarthritic patients.

See the following published studies for more:

Eriksen, EF, Lech, O, Nakama, GY, et al. Disease-Modifying Adjunctive Therapy (DMAT) in Osteoarthritis —The Biological Effects of a Multi-Mineral Complex, LithoLexal® Joint—A Review. Clin. Pract. 2021, 11, 901–913.

Frestedt JL, Walsh M, Kuskowski MA, et al. A natural mineral supplement provides relief from knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomized controlled pilot trial. Nutr J. 2008;17;7:9.

Frestedt JL, Kuskowski MA, Zenk JL. A natural seaweed derived mineral supplement (Aquamin F) for knee osteoarthritis: a randomised, placebo controlled pilot study. Nutr J. 2009;2;8:7.

 Murphy CT, Martin C, Doolan AM, et al. The Marine-derived, Multi-mineral formula, AquaPT Reduces TNF-a Levels in Osteoarthritis Patients. J Nutrition Health Food Sci. 2014;2(3): 1-3.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is a unique proprietary combination of a bioactive, naturally based, marine plant extract (LithoLexal®) combined with specific cartilage proteoglycans (Vercilexal®), enriched with vitamin C, D, and manganese.

Health authorities on all continents approve LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO as being compliant with regulations – including the FDA, Anvisa, Cofepris, and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is considered safe for users of all ages seeking an adjunctive therapy for  osteoarthritis and for those interested in improving overall joint health.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO does not contain any compounds known to be teratogenic to the human foetus. However, due to a lack of specific studies, LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO should be used with caution in pregnant or lactating women.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO can be combined with most other medications.  However, users should be aware of the following:

Users should also avoid taking LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO with other glucosamine-containing products due to antagonistic effects.

Individuals who are allergic to fish should avoid using LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO contains calcium. As such, you may need to consult a physician if you take other medications which may interact with calcium.

It is recommended to re-evaluate the need for analgesics in osteoarthritic patients shortly after initiating DMAT with LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO and taper the dosage of analgesics if needed.

Individuals who are allergic to fish should avoid using LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO.

No.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is not suitable for vegetarians and vegan diets as it contains a fish cartilage derivative.

There are no risks associated with stopping LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO.

The recommended dosage for LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is 2 tablets per day; one tablet in the morning and one in the evening, preferably with water and after food.

The recommended minimum duration of treatment before noticeable clinical improvement can be observed is 12 weeks; however, long-term and continuous therapy is highly recommended to increase the probability of disease modifying results and manage chronic osteoarthritis.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is safe to take for indefinite periods and can be combined with most other medications. See a list of general precautions here.

Because LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is not a pharmaceutical, and because it is derived from all natural ingredients, users should not expect side effects during nor upon cessation of treatment.  

Ongoing, low-grade systemic inflammation is the major pathology of osteoarthritis. Users should therefore consider continuing treatment with LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO on a long-term basis to control and reduce inflammation and support the cartilage remodelling process.

No.

The recommended administration and dosage of LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO has been part of a 30-year research and development effort. During that time, clinical studies have helped define the optimal dosing recommendations. Increasing the recommended daily dosage, as described on the specific product packaging, provides no significant added benefits.

LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO is not a miracle product and users should not expect immediate results – it takes time for the active ingredients in the recommended dosages to take effect. Most users begin to see results within 12 weeks of use, but patients may need to continue to use LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO on a longer-term basis.

Store LithoLexal® JOINT-FLEX PRO in the original container at room temperature below 30 degrees C and away from direct sunlight.