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Q. What is Nature Made TripleFlex?
A. Nature Made TripleFlex is a family of dietary supplement products that works with your body to naturally improve joint comfort, mobility and flexibility without any significant side effects.
Q. Why are there different types of TripleFlex?
A.

TripleFlex is available in four formulas developed to fit your different joint care needs, including:

  • TripleFlex Double Strength works with the clinically-proven ingredients of glucosamine hydrochloride (1500 mg), chondroitin sulfate (1200 mg) and methysulfonylmethane (MSM) (375 mg), which function to improve joint health with a convenient three caplets per day formulation.
  • TripleFlex Triple Strength Liquid Softgels is the first joint supplement available in a new, easy-to-swallow and easy to absorb liquid softgel that is specially formulated to work in as little as seven days. The supplement replenishes the body with glucosamine hydrocholoride (1500 mg), chondroitin sulfate (50 mg), salicin from white willow bark (240 mg) and hyaluronic acid (10 mg) to help in the renewal of joints. Two liquid softgels are recommended per day.
  • TripleFlex Triple Strength Caplets is formulated to work in as little as seven days, replenishing the body with glucosamine hydrocholoride (1500 mg), chondroitin sulfate (50 mg), salicin from white willow bark (240 mg) and hyaluronic acid (10 mg) to help in the renewal of joints.
  • TripleFlex 50+ is specially formulated for adults 50+, containing the same lubricating and flexibility-enhancing ingredients as original TripleFlex, including glucosamine hydrochloride (1500 mg) and chondroitin sulfate (800 mg). TripleFlex 50+ also includes calcium (200 mg) and vitamin D (750 I.U.) for your bones and muscle strength in an advanced two caplets per day formulation.
Q. What is glucosamine?
A. Glucosamine, a form of amino acid, is produced naturally in the body and found mainly in cartilage. Glucosamine declines with age, leading to thinning of cartilage. Supplementing with glucosamine stimulates the formation of cartilage, promoting joint comfort and flexibility.
Q. What is chondroitin?
A. Like glucosamine, chondroitin is a natural substance found in the body that inhibits the enzymes that breakdown cartilage by creating a watery, shock absorbing space within cartilage tissue which helps relieve joint stress.
Q. What is MSM?
A. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in all living organisms. Although present in the body in small amounts and all fresh foods such as meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and grains, MSM is destroyed when foods are processed, hence the need for a dietary supplement. MSM is necessary for the body’s synthesis of collagen and softening of connective tissue.
Q. What is hyaluronic acid?
A. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of joints. Studies show it provides lubrication to the joints, reducing friction between cartilage and other tissues in joints to lubricate and cushion them during movement.
Q. What is salicin and white willow bark?
A. Salicin is a phytochemical found in willow and many other plants. The plant acts to provide relief of joint discomfort, acting as an aspirin-like anti-inflammatory to joints.
Q. What clinical studies support Triple Flex?
A.

Years of science support the ingredients used in TripleFlex products. In fact, Nature Made’s formula includes the most clinically studied ingredient combination for joint health. Some key research includes:

  • Glucosamine: daily intake of 1500 mg a day found to be consistently effective for pain relief1,2,3; two 3-year trials showed slowing of cartilage loss compared to placebo. 7,8,9
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to enhance the protective response of chondrocytes, the cells that form cartilage, and may improve cartilage health.6
  • Three clinical trials on white willow bark with a standardized 15 percent salicin content found both 240 mg and 120 mg doses of salicin a day effective for joint discomfort relief.7,8,9

    • 1Anderson JW, Nicolosi RJ, Borzelleca JF. Glucosamine effects in humans: a review of effects on glucose metabolism, side effects, safety considerations and efficacy. Food Chem Toxicol 2005;43:187-201.

    2McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, et al. Glucosamine and chondroitin treatment of osteoarthritis. JAMA 2000;283:1469-75.

    3Towheed TE, Anastassiades TP, et al. Glucosamine therapy for treating osteoarthritis. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2000, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD002946. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002946.

    4Richy F, Bruyere O, et al. Structural and symptomatic efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin in knee osteoarthritis: a comprehensive meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med 2003;163:1514-22.

    5Reginster JY, Deroisy R, et al. Long-term effects of glucosamine sulfate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lancet 2001;357:251-256.

    6Lippiello, L. (2003) Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate: Biological Response Modifiers of Chondrocytes under Simulated Conditions of Joint Stress. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 11, 335-342.

    7Chrubasik S, Eisenberg E, et al. Treatment of low back pain exacerbation with willow bark extract: a randomized double-blind study. Am J Med 2000;109:9-14.

    8Schmid B, Ludtke R, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a standardized willow bark extract in patients with osteoarthritis: randomized placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial. Phytother Res 2001;15:344-350.

    9Chrubasik S, Kunzel O, et al. Potential economic impact of using a proprietary willow bark extract in outpatient treatment of low back pain: an open non-randomized study. Phytomedicine 2001;8:241-251.

Q. How much TripleFlex should I take?
A. Nature Made suggests two caplets per day of the TripleFlex Triple Strength Caplet, TripleFlex Triple Strength Liquid Softgel and TripleFlex 50+ formulations. Nature Made suggests taking three caplets per day of TripleFlex Double Strength formula.
Q. Where can I buy Nature Made TripleFlex?
A. TripleFlex products are available in the vitamin and mineral aisle of food, drug, mass merchant and club stores nationwide. Consumers can visit www.TripleFlex.com to find a retailer near you.
REFERENCES
Glucosamine

Bruyere O, et al. Glucosamine sulfate reduces osteoarthritis progression in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis: evidence from two 3-year studies. Menopause 2004;11(2):138-143.

Christgau S, et al. Osteoarthritic patients with high cartilage turnover show increased responsiveness to the cartilage protecting effects of glucosamine sulphate. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2004;22(1):36-42.

Cibere J, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled glucosamine discontinuation trial in knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2004;51(5):738-745.

Clegg DO, Reda DJ, et al. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis. N Engl J Med 2006;354:795-808.

Crolle G, et al. Glucosamine sulphate for the management of arthrosis: a controlled clinical investigation. Curr Med Res Opin 1980;7(2):104-109.

D'Ambrosio E, et al. Glucosamine sulphate: a controlled clinical investigation in arthrosis. Pharmatherapeutica 1981;2(8):504-508.

Drovanti A, et al. Therapeutic activity of oral glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthrosis: a placebo-controlled double-blind investigation. Clin Ther 1980;3(4):260-272.

Giordano N, et al. Efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of gonarthritis. Clin Therapeutics 1996;147:99-115.

Herrero-Beaumont G, Ivorra JA, et al. Glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using acetaminophen as a side comparator. Arthritis Rheum 2007;56:555-567.

Lopes Vas A. Double-blind clinical evaluation of the relative efficacy of ibuprofen and glucosamine sulphate in the management of osteoarthrosis of the knee in out-patients. Curr Med Res Opin 1982;8(3):145-9.

Muller-Fassbender H, et al. Glucosamine sulfate compared to ibuprofen in osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 1994;2(1):61-69.

Mund-Hoym WD. Conservative treatment of vertebral osteoarthritis with glucosamine sulfate. Therapiewoche 1980;30:5922-28.

Noack W, et al. Glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 1994;2(1):51-59.

Pavelka K, et al. Glucosamine sulfate use and delay of progression of knee osteoarthritis: a 3-year, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Arch Intern Med 2002;162(18):2113-23.

Pujalte JM, et al. Double-blind clinical evaluation of oral glucosamine sulphate in the basic treatment of osteoarthrosis. Curr Med Res Opin 1980;7(2):110-114.

Qui GX, et al. Efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate versus ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Arzneimittelforschung 1998;48(5):469-474.

Reginster JY, et al. Long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lancet 2001;357(9252):251-256.

Reichelt A, et al. Efficacy and safety of intramuscular glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis of the knee. A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Arzneimittelforschung 1994;44(1):75-80.

Rovati LC. The clinical profile of glucosamine sulfate as a selective symptom modifying drug in osterarthritis: current data and perspectives. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 1997;5:72.

Rovati LC. Clinical research in osteoarthritis design and result of short-term and long-term trials with disease-modifying agents. Intl J Tissue Reactions 1992;14:243-51.

Shankland WE. The effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate on osteoarthritis of the TMJ: a preliminary report of 50 patients. J Craniomandib Practice 1998;16:230-235.

Tannis AJ, et al. Effect of glucosamine supplementation on fasting and non-fasting plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations in healthy individuals. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2004;12(6):506-511.

Tapadinhas MJ, et al. Oral glucosamine sulphate in the management of arthrosis: report of a multicentre open investigation in Portugal. Pharmacotherapeutica 1982;3:157-68.

Thie NM, et al. Evaluation of glucosamine sulfate compared to ibuprofen for the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: a randomized double blind controlled 3 month clinical trial. J Rheumatol 2001;28(6):1347-55.

Vajaradul Y. Double-blind clinical evaluation of intra-articular glucosamine in outpatients with gonarthrosis. Clin Ther 1981;3(5):336-343.

Vajranetra P. Clinical trial of glucosamine compounds for osteoarthrosis of knee joints. J Med Assoc Thai. 1984 Jul;67(7):409-418. Vas AL. Double-blind clinical evidence of the relative efficacy of ibuprofen and glucosamine sulphate in the management of osteoporosis of the knee in out-patients. Current Med Research Opinions 1982;8:145-149.

MSM

Usha PR, Naidu MUR. Randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study of oral glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane and their combination in osteoarthritis. Clin Drug Invest 2004;24:353-363.

Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, et al. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2006;14:286-294.

White Willow Bark

Chrubasik S, Kunzel O, et al. Potential economic impact of using a proprietary willow bark extract in outpatient treatment of low back pain: an open non-randomized study. Phytomedicine 2001;8:241-251.

Chrubasik S, Kunzel O, et al. Treatment of low back pain with a herbal or synthetic anti-rheumatic: a randomized controlled study. Willow bark extract for low back pain. Rheumatology 2001;40:1388-93.

Chrubasik S, Eisenberg E, et al. Treatment of low back pain exacerbation with willow bark extract: a randomized double-blind study. Am J Med 2000;109:9-14.

Schmid B, Ludtke R, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a standardized willow bark extract in patients with osteoarthritis: randomized placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial. Phytother Res 2001;15:344-350.

Ginger

Wigler I, Grotto I, et al. The effects of Zintona EC (a ginger extract) on symptomatic gonarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2003;11:783-789.

Altman RD, Marcussen KC. Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis - significant superiority over the placebo group. Arthritis Rheum 2001;44:2531-8.

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This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure,or prevent any disease.