OptiFlex® Joint Health Supplements (90-day supply)

Q. What are glucosamine and chondroitin?

Glucosamine is a sugar compound which is naturally produced in our body. It is one of the building blocks for growth, repair, and maintenance of cartilage (the cushioning material between bones in a joint). Chondroitin also occurs naturally in our body and is part of a protein that gives cartilage its elasticity. Glucosamine and chondroitin also help cartilage absorb water and stay lubricated.


Q. Who can benefit from OptiFlex?

Nutritional supplementation with glucosamine sulfate and/or chondroitin sulfate has benefits for joint health, including promoting healthy joint mobility and long-term maintenance of joint structure and function.* If joint health is a concern for you, glucosamine, chondroitin or both may be beneficial.


Q. Why doesn't OptiFlex Complete contain glucosamine and chondroitin in the same pill?

Research suggests that when glucosamine and chondroitin are taken at the same time, less glucosamine is absorbed. Taking them in separate doses, for example taking glucosamine in the morning and chondroitin in the evening, permits the best absorption and may provide optimal results.


Q. Does OptiFlex have side effects?

No side effects are expected with OptiFlex. Mild stomach complaints such as heartburn, stomach upset or diarrhea may occur in a small percentage of people.

Some early research suggested that glucosamine sulfate might raise blood sugar in people with diabetes. However, more recent and more reliable research now shows that glucosamine sulfate does not seem to affect blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. Glucosamine appears to be safe for most people with diabetes, but blood sugar should be monitored closely.

One small study suggests that there may be a connection between glucosamine and increased intraocular pressure in individuals with glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, check with your ophthalmologist before initiating OptiFlex.


Q. Does OptiFlex contain shellfish?

Yes. The glucosamine in OptiFlex-G is derived from shellfish. However, individuals with a shellfish allergy may be able to take OptiFlex. The glucosamine in OptiFlex-G is highly purified, meaning that the proteins that cause an allergic reaction are removed. In several recent studies, individuals with shellfish allergies did not have a reaction to highly purified glucosamine. However, if your shellfish allergy is life-threatening (anaphylaxis) or if you are unsure whether you can take glucosamine with your allergy, please discuss the use of this supplement with your allergist.


Q. How long will it take for OptiFlex to work?

OptiFlex is designed for continuous, long-term use. It typically takes at least three months to see an effect.


Q. Why is there sodium in this product?

The sodium in OptiFlex comes from the forms of glucosamine and chondroitin used in the product. OptiFlex-G contains a form of glucosamine bound to sodium. This form of glucosamine has shown joint health benefits in clinical trials. OptiFlex-G glucosamine contains 176 mg of sodium in a daily dose of 2 tablets. That's about the same amount of sodium as in a slice of mild cheddar cheese.

The form of chondroitin in OptiFlex-C contains a very small amount of sodium. OptiFlex-C chondroitin contains 83 mg of sodium in a daily dose of 2 capsules. That's about the same amount of sodium as in one ounce of swiss cheese.

Because the sodium content of OptiFlex is very small, for most individuals its overall contribution to dietary sodium is inconsequential. For those with a sodium-restricted diet, OptiFlex can easily be incorporated into a healthy low-sodium eating plan.

Q. Can I take OptiFlex with my other nutritional supplements?

Yes. You can take most other nutritional supplements with OptiFlex, except for chitosan. Chitosan is a cellulose-like polymer used for high cholesterol. Chitosan may bind to chondroitin in the digestive tract. These two supplements should not be taken together.


Q. Does OptiFlex interact with prescription medications?

Yes, taking glucosamine sulfate alone or in combination with chondroitin might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin (Coumadin) and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Speak with your healthcare team before taking glucosamine and use cautiously if you are also taking warfarin.

As with any dietary supplement, it is recommended you discuss with your pharmacist and or healthcare team to clarify whether OptiFlex can be taken along with your medications.


If you still have questions about OptiFlex, please visit the general FAQ page.

Feel free to reach out to the Nutrition Department by phone at (888) 899-3899 ext. 2 or by email here.