Joint pain relievers are needed now more than ever due in part to the large population of ‘baby boomers’, that is adults in their 50’s and 60’s who want to remain active, despite the onset of old age. Because of this growing demand there are a huge number of over-the-counter pain relievers available on the market, of which Flex Protex is just one.
The information for Flex Protex is rather confusing and there seems to be several different websites promoting the product. The apparent ‘official’ website for Flex Protex is fairly detailed but not totally user-friendly. It contains no FAQ section, no customer testimonials and although the development and testing of the product is mentioned, no actual proof is provided. The founder of Flex Protex is a woman named Patty McPeak who is the CEO of NanaCea, a company that manufactures a number of health-related products such as probiotics and energy bars. Ms. McPeak holds the patent for the ‘Nutracea Risoluble’ formula, but does not appear to have any professional background in medicine or science. She also features in the company’s infomercials and there are some negative reviews of her products on the internet.
Flex Protects is designed to maintain joint health and relieve minor pains and aches, rather than rebuild and repair existing damage and should be taken on a daily basis as a dietary supplement.
Flex Protex – Facts
The information for the ingredients in the Flex Protex formula differs, depending on which website one is reading. It is safe to say however that the main active ingredient in the product, and one that features in many of NanaCea’s range, is the patented Nutracea Risoluble, a nutrient-dense stabilized form of rice bran. This acts primarily as a delivery system for the Glucosamine in the product which helps strengthen and repair joint cartilage. Most websites list turmeric, yucca and boswellia as being present, while others also add the antioxidant ashwagandha, the digestive aid ginger, MSM and hyaluronic acid. These two last ingredients are particularly beneficial for joints as they provide sulphur, essential in building protein and lubrication, respectively.
Flex Protex is to be taken at a dose of 2 capsules twice a day and should begin to have an effect on the joints within 1-2 weeks of starting treatment.
Positive Features
- Flex Protex promotes joint health by inhibiting inflammation-causing Cox-2 enzymes
- There is a reasonable amount of information available about the product
- Nutracea Risoluble is a patented product
- Flex Protex contains all natural ingredients
- The product has no known side effects
- Taken daily Flex Protex helps prevent future joint damage
- The product is reasonable priced at $39.95 (with the ‘continuity program’)
Negative Features
- The information and websites for Flex Protex are confusing and inconsistent
- Flex Protex is not suitable for those with shellfish allergies
- Patty McPeak has received some negative press regarding her range of health products
- The official list of ingredients is unknown
- Not all ingredient amounts are provided
- No clinical studies are shown
- No free sample or trial period is offered
- The site contains no customer testimonials or FAQ’s
Conclusion
Flex Protex is different to many other joint pain relievers through its use of rice bran as a major ingredient, although there is no conclusive proof as to how beneficial it is in the treatment of joint pain. However, Flex Protex does contain Glucosamine, an essential component in any good joint medication and may in fact help to relieve some of the inflammation that leads to pain and aching.
If one could be certain that the formula also contained hyaluronic acid, MSM and vitamins D and C, as some sites claim, Flex Protex would be a good supplement to the diet in terms of joint health.
