Valensa’s FlexPro MD has been certified in Korea as a functional ingredient

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Valensa International (Eustis, FL) has announced that its signature joint-health ingredient, FlexPro MD, has been certified as a functional ingredient for Functional Health Foods in the Republic of Korea. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in Korea has deemed that FlexPro MD is in compliance with Articles 14 and 15 of the country’s Functional Foods Act, and therefore, products carrying the formulation can make a functional claim to maintain joint health.

The certification was based on two mechanistic studies and two human studies investigating the ingredient, which is a proprietary and multi-patented blend of phospholipid-bound omega 3 EFAs (from krill oil), Valensa’s Zanthin natural astaxanthin and Valensa’s Flexonic proprietary lower molecular weight hyaluronic acid. The mechanistic studies showed that the formula may significantly inhibit NF-κB activation, the expression of pro-infammatory markers, and ameliorate joint as well as the severity of articular cartilage destruction.^1,2

According to Valensa, one human study conducted by Valensa in the U.S. found that FlexPro MD outperformed a standard full dose of glucosamine and chondroitin, providing three times the joint support. A new 12-week multi-center human clinical trial of 100 subjects conducted in Korea showed significant improvements in self-reported and physician-assessed joint pain assessments in subjects taking FlexPro MD, compared to placebo. In the study, which Valensa states will be published later in 2023, subjects taking FlexPro MD experienced 50% or greater reduction in joint discomfort over 12 weeks.

“FlexPro MD covers the critical factors of joint health care that consumers seek,” said Umasudan Pal., chief executive officer of Valensa, in a press release. “These factors include mediating joint discomfort, managing inflammatory cascades, improving joint stiffness and overall joint physical function. The product delivery form, small dose and effectiveness also improves compliance and customer repeat purchases. FlexPro MD formulation is available for discerning brands that wants to differentiate their joint health portfolio with a clinically studied formula that can also be customized for their customer segments. Valensa is evaluating licensees in specific channels and markets.”

References

1. Park, D.R.; Ko, R.; Kwon, S.H.; Min, B.; et al. FlexPro MD, a Mixture of Krill Oil, Astaxanthin, and Hyaluronic Acid, Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Cytokine Production Through Inhibition of NF-κB. Journal of Medicinal Food, 2016, 19 (12). DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2016.3787
2. Park, M.H.; Jung, J.C.; Hill, S.; Cartwright, E. FlexPro MD®, a Combination of Krill Oil, Astaxanthin and Hyaluronic Acid, Reduces Pain Behavior and Inhibits Inflammatory Response in Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats. Nutrients. 2020, 12 (4): 956. DOI: 10.3390/nu12040956