Joints : Collagen, MSM - Solaflex
+ For athletes and seniors: Deep regeneration with a pain-relief action targeting the three key dimensions of joint health: cartilage, tendons, and synovial fluid.
+ Type 2 native collagen (non-hydrolyzed and sourced from chicken) and biologically active, combined with hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, and glucosamine: cartilage reconstruction.
+ Mucopolysaccharides, Type 1 collagen (low-molecular-weight hydrolyzed marine) and Vitamin C: tendon flexibility. Purified MSM, Boswellia Serrata extract, and manganese: pain reduction.
+ Box of 90 capsules. Duration: 1 month (3 caps/day). Vegan
Solaflex is a blend of multiple active ingredients. This natural combination helps regenerate joints and supports individuals in regaining optimal mobility.
Today in France, nearly 9 out of 10 people suffer from joint issues.
Joint issues are even the second most common reason for medical consultations in developed countries. Facing these physical challenges, Solaflex positions itself as a preferred, effective, and natural solution, all without side effects.
What causes joint pain?
Age is the main cause of joint issues. From the age of 40 and especially after 65, joint problems become widespread. Joint issues are generally characterized by a severe lack of cartilage. This progressive reduction of cartilage is mostly due to:
- age
- metabolic disorders
- excessive pressure
- heredity
- natural cartilage fragility
Beyond cartilage, joint pain from aging or intensive sports has two other main origins:
- Tendons that stiffen and inflame, restricting movement
- Loss of synovial fluid. Essential for the body, it acts as the "oil" of the joint's mechanism. Without it, there’s friction...
Joint pains fall into two main categories, inflammatory and mechanical pains. Both types share similar symptoms in most cases:
- joint stiffness, often after inactivity or in the morning
- swelling or redness
- heat sensation in the joint
- lack of flexibility
- loss of mobility
What exactly is Solaflex?
Solaflex is a comprehensive formula targeting the three main causes of joint pain. This product, developed by Laboratoire Solage, is a supplement focused on joint health.
Ideal for seniors and athletes, Solaflex also serves as a natural solution for maintaining mobility and flexibility, as well as cartilage repair. Available in capsule form, with 90 capsules per box, Solaflex is a blend of various natural actives, each offering unique nutritional benefits.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): A sulfur compound found in the body and certain foods, MSM contributes to alleviating and remedying joint pain.
- Chondroitin Sulfate (glycosaminoglycan): Present in connective and cartilage tissues, it ensures structure and elasticity in cartilage, tendons, and skin.
- Eggshell Membrane: Beneficial for joint tissue flexibility, the membrane is a natural source of glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid.
- Vitamin C: This water-soluble antioxidant supports bone, cartilage, dental, and gum health.
- Boswellia Serrata: A natural anti-inflammatory from Ayurvedic medicine, Boswellia Serrata may support bone, joint, and muscle function.
- Type I and II Collagen: Type I is majorly present in skin, tendons, and cartilage, while Type II helps build cartilage.
- Cartilage Extract: Cushions and supports joints under stress.
- Manganese: An essential trace element that aids in cartilage synthesis.
What are the real benefits of some extracts on joints?
As mentioned, Solaflex’s active ingredients improve joint mobility, protect against joint wear, and support cartilage, bone, and organ health. Several studies support these claims:
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Discovered in 1970 by American researchers, MSM is a sulfurous compound found as a bitter white powder post-oxidation. Derived from wood pulp, this mineral is present in small amounts in foods:
- fruits
- vegetables
- meat
- seafood
- chocolate
- dairy products
- cheeses
Methylsulfonylmethane offers various health benefits:
- supports joint, tendon, and ligament function
- improves cartilage regeneration and nutrition
- favorable for bone and joint health
- nourishes joints and aids in collagen synthesis
- positive effects on teeth, nails, hair, and bones
- crucial for collagen production and healthy cartilage and bone tissue
To confirm MSM’s safety, a 16-week study in 2019 examined MSM’s metabolic impact, monitoring parameters to assess effects on hematological, liver, and kidney functions.
Conclusion: MSM had no effects on white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, bilirubin, liver enzymes, or weight, supporting the claim that regular MSM intake is free of adverse side effects.
Chondroitin Sulfate
Essential for bones and cartilage, chondroitin sulfate maintains osmotic pressure and hydrates cartilage.
A 2014 study showed that chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate positively affect joint cell metabolism. Results indicate a mild yet significant reduction in joint space narrowing for knee pain.
Eggshell Membrane
A rich natural source of collagen and nutrients, eggshell membrane has been scientifically shown to improve joint health. A 2009 study demonstrated its efficacy in reducing pain and inflexibility.
Manganese
This essential trace mineral supports cartilage synthesis and neutralizes inflammation-causing free radicals.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, essential for collagen production, must be obtained through diet as it can’t be synthesized or stored in the body.
Type I and II Collagen
Type I collagen is abundant in skin, tendons, and joints, while Type II supports joint cartilage, making both crucial for joint health.
Cartilage Extract
Dense and elastic, cartilage serves as a cushion between bones, essential for joint health.
What Are Our Joints Made Of?
Bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments contain an extracellular matrix made of collagen and proteoglycans.
Proteoglycans are composed of hyaluronic acid and mucopolysaccharides, including chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine.
What Type of Collagen is in Our Joints? How Much Proteoglycans?
- Tendons and ligaments contain a high amount of collagen, mainly type 1, but have low levels of proteoglycans.
- Cartilage has less collagen but mostly type 2 and a high concentration of proteoglycans.
Therefore, to support the proper formation and maintenance of bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, a sufficient intake of type 1 and type 2 collagen and proteoglycans is essential.
Solaflex provides the optimal amount of proteoglycans (hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin) and non-denatured type 1 and type 2 collagen.
Why Non-Denatured Type 2 Collagen Instead of Hydrolyzed?
Most nutritional supplements typically contain hydrolyzed type 2 collagen.
While it's inexpensive, it is also less effective because the process alters the protein's molecular structure by destroying its triple helix.
As a result, this collagen completely loses its immunomodulatory properties.
Non-denatured type 2 collagen, also known as native collagen, is biologically identical to the collagen found in our cartilage.
Its main benefit, aside from being readily usable by the body, is its immunomodulatory capability:
When cartilage is damaged, waste is produced, which the immune system targets using pro-inflammatory molecules called cytokines.
Unfortunately, these molecules can continue to attack healthy cartilage, causing inflammation.
Native type 2 collagen helps to desensitize these defenses, allowing for a positive cycle of cartilage rebuilding and inflammation reduction.
What Other Ingredients Are in Solaflex?
- Boswellia Serrata (frankincense tree), standardized in AKBA and free from harmful beta boswellic acid. Frankincense helps maintain joint flexibility by reducing tissue damage and pro-inflammatory compounds.
- Highly pure MSM (a sulfur source),
- Vitamin C, which supports collagen formation,
- Manganese, which helps maintain healthy bones and normal connective tissue formation (proteoglycans).
Box of 90 capsules (1 month supply)
Active ingredients per day (3 capsules)
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): 450 mg
- Mucopolysaccharides: 395.4 mg
- Eggshell membrane: 300 mg
- Vitamin C: 253.59 mg (106% RDI) including L-ascorbic acid: 195 mg and Sodium L-ascorbate: 28.59 mg
- Boswellia Serrata: 180 mg. Oleoresin standardized to 18 mg of acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (does not contain beta boswellic acid, which is harmful)
- Type I collagen (low molecular weight hydrolyzed marine collagen): 70.35 mg
- Cartilage extract from chicken sternum: 40.5 mg standardized to 25% undenatured type II collagen
- Manganese: 0.99 mg (49.5% RDI), including Manganese Sulfate: 0.57 mg and Manganese Bisglycinate: 0.42 mg
RDI: Reference Daily Intake
Allergen: Egg
Take 1 capsule three times a day, preferably before meals, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare professional.
• Do not use if you have an egg allergy
When to Use Solaflex?
• For joint pain, including arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and similar conditions,
• To improve joint flexibility,
• To help preserve damaged cartilage due to aging or intense sports activities,
• For stiffness or tendon inflammation (tendonitis),
• To support the normal formation of collagen, bones, and connective tissues
Combining Mucopolysaccharides, Type 1 Collagen, and Vitamin C for Tendinopathy
Tendinopathy is a common sports injury affecting tendon structure. It results in not only pain but also disrupted collagen fiber formation, leading to a thicker, swollen tendon.
A 90-day multicenter open study was conducted on 98 patients with tendinopathy (Achilles, knee, or elbow tendon).
Participants tested a blend of mucopolysaccharides (435mg), type 1 collagen (75mg), and vitamin C (60mg).
After 90 days, the following results were observed:
1 / Pain Reduction
- 80% pain reduction for Achilles tendon
- 73% pain reduction for knee
- 81% pain reduction for elbow
2 / 50% Improvement in Joint Function for all groups (Achilles, knee, and elbow tendon).
3 / Reduced tendon thickness and structural restoration across all groups (Achilles, knee, and elbow tendon).
Eggshell Membrane is Effective for Osteoarthritis Patients
Eggshell membrane naturally contains collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, proteins, and sulfur amino acids.
20 patients with osteoarthritis took 300mg of eggshell membrane daily for 50 days.
At the end of the study:
- 70% of patients experienced at least a 20% reduction in pain,
- 95% reported at least a 20% improvement in joint function,
- 95% noted a 60% reduction in stiffness.
Eggshell Membrane is Beneficial for Joint Pain in Athletes and Seniors
A study was conducted with 30 athletes (15 runners and 15 crossfitters) and 30 sedentary seniors.
The test lasted 30 days for athletes and 50 days for seniors.
Average improvements observed were:
- 53% reduction in pain
- 52% reduction in stiffness
- 46% improvement in physical function
Native Type 2 Collagen Helps Reduce Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms
A study involving knee osteoarthritis patients (ages 49 to 66) compared supplementation with native type 2 collagen (2 x 10mg/day) combined with acetaminophen versus acetaminophen alone.
After 3 months, the group receiving native type 2 collagen showed significantly better control of symptoms.
References
1. Methylsulfonylmethane for treatment of low back pain: A safety analysis of a randomized, controlled trial
Paul Crawford, Amanda Crawford, Frederick Nielson, Robert Lystrup
2. What is the current status of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis?
Yves Henrotin, Marc Marty, Ali Mobasheri
3. Eggshell membrane: A possible new natural therapeutic for joint and connective tissue disorders. Results from two open-label human clinical studies
Kevin J Ruff, Dale P DeVore, Michael D Leu and Mark A Robinson
4. A pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel Boswellia serrata extract in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee
Muhammed Majeed, Shaheen Majeed, Narayanan K Narayanan, Kalyanam Nagabhushanam
5. Molecular Cell Biology, 4th edition
Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, S Lawrence Zipursky, Paul Matsudaira, David Baltimore, and James Darnell.
6. Blasco M-IJ, Aguirre A, Gil-Quintana E, Fenaux M. J Ost Arth 2016;1
7. Bakilan F, Armagan O, Ozgen M et al. Euras J Med 2016; 48:95-101.
Solage recommends:
- Most of our nutrients come from France or Europe (local is a priority), except when we can't do otherwise (for curcuma, for example). We never choose ingredients from places or countries where quality is not assured and workers are poorly paid.
- Solage products are designed in France and manufactured according to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards from the pharmaceutical industry and the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) method, developed by NASA.
Both methods implement procedures, documents and controls to guarantee perfect traceability and the absence of biological or chemical contamination.
- Solage is a French company, and its products are registered with the relevant authorities.
Solage products are safe, with no bad surprises.
To answer this question, we distinguish between three types of product, depending on their nature and intended purpose:
1/ Ideally taken as a continuous treatment: those which compensate for a nutritional or age-related deficiency, and which serve to restore the body's functions without altering its normal metabolism.
- Common nutritional deficiencies: marine omega-3, vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin D between October and May
- Age-related or pathological deficiencies: Ubiquinol, Glutathione, Iron, Collagen (type I and II)
- To help the body deal with underlying problems: Saffron, Ashwagandha, Men's and women's urinary comfort, cholesterol
2/ To be taken in a cure, but where a break is not necessarily necessary if you or your healthcare professional find it useful:
Detox: Milk thistle, Glutathione
Digestion: Probiotics
3/ Products where a break is useful:
- Curcumin: at least a break of a few days between each box, as it modifies metabolic pathways in the body
- Echinacea (immunity): a break of a few days between each box so as not to over-stimulate the immune system
- Melatonin: avoid taking it every day over the long term, so as not to habituate the body.
In all cases, it's important to remember that the products we offer are genuinely active, that it's important to respect dosage and that they are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
This will of course depend on the product and your physiological state.
It's worth remembering that physiology is a long-term process, and that it generally takes two to three months, sometimes longer, to achieve a profound change.
However, the feeling is generally quicker, between 15 days and two months.It is then necessary to continue to try to fix these initial results in greater depth.
However, this will be much quicker with subsequent products:
- Melatonin and sublingual GABA, which have a very rapid onset of action (between two minutes and 30 minutes)
- Probiotics (48 hours to two weeks))
Please refer to the “Scientific studies” section of this product page, where you'll find most studies on bioavailability and medium-term effects.