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1.) What is the Science behind 100X Equine's evidence-based formulas?
Evidence-based formulations must be built in a defined hierarchy: ingredient research first, formulation engineering second, marketing claims third, and regulatory compliance throughout.
Each layer constrains the next.
100X Equine's formulations and its associated claims are supported by a cumulative scientific body exceeding 20,000+ peer-reviewed studies and scholarly articles, drawn from the global biomedical literature covering pharmacokinetics, nutrition science, gastrointestinal physiology, toxicology, and regulatory risk assessment. This figure reflects the breadth of published research indexed across major scientific databases including PubMed/Medline relevant to the ingredients, mechanisms, and delivery principles employed.
Importantly, this evidence base does not rely on a single clinical trial or isolated study. Instead, claims are derived from convergent findings across decades of peer-reviewed research, consistent with regulatory definitions of “competent and reliable scientific evidence” (FTC, 2022). Claims are therefore limited to effects that are repeatedly demonstrated, biologically plausible, and dose-appropriate within the published literature.
Large-scale biomedical indexing databases maintained by the National Institutes of Health document tens of millions of life-science citations, with many tens of thousands directly relevant to nutrient absorption, metabolism, safety, and formulation science (NIH, 2023; Lu, 2011).
Every ingredient must be independently supported by peer-reviewed evidence defining its molecular characteristics, dose–response relationship, absorption and transport mechanisms, metabolic fate, tissue targeting, and safety margins. Molecular weight influences permeability and biological interaction (Cowman et al., 2015). Dose–response data establish minimum effective concentrations and toxicity thresholds (Riviere & Papich, 2018). Absorption pathways and transporter dependence determine bioavailability and susceptibility to competitive inhibition (Kiela & Ghishan, 2016). Post-absorption metabolism and tissue distribution govern whether compounds reach target tissues or are rapidly cleared (Lin et al., 2019).
Safety margins are established through toxicological evaluation and regulatory risk assessment under both the European Food Safety Authority and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In the U.S., GRAS determinations and New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) notifications rely on publicly available scientific literature rather than proprietary combination trials, unless exposure or risk is altered.
Once combined, ingredients interact within a shared physicochemical and physiological environment. Molecular weight selection, particle size distribution, ionic and chelation state, solubility, dispersion kinetics, osmotic behavior, and transport pathway compatibility determine stability, absorption, and systemic availability. Improper formulation can cause precipitation, instability, competitive absorption, or rapid elimination—phenomena extensively documented in pharmacokinetics and biopharmaceutics (Gibaldi & Perrier, 1982). These variables govern whether compounds survive gastric conditions and cross the intestinal epithelium (Amidon et al., 1995; Dressman et al., 1998).
Marketing claims determine what must be proven. When claims are limited strictly to ingredient-specific, previously established effects, the appropriate evidence is the independent literature supporting each ingredient at the stated dose and form. In this case, a collective or combination study is unnecessary and scientifically irrelevant, provided formulation preserves validated bioavailability.
When formulation-level claims are made such as synergy, enhanced absorption, optimized delivery, or superior efficacy the product asserts emergent behavior. At that point, both EFSA and FDA frameworks require formulation-level or combination studies. In the U.S., this standard is reinforced by the Federal Trade Commission, which requires substantiation commensurate with the claim.
Ingredient research defines what can work.
Formulation engineering determines whether it will work.
Marketing claims determine what must be proven.
The strength of this formulation lies not in a single study, but in alignment with tens of thousands of peer-reviewed scientific publications that collectively establish biological plausibility, efficacy boundaries, and safety while ensuring that claims, formulation, and regulatory standards operate at the same level of scientific inference.
Amidon, G. L., Lennernäs, H., Shah, V. P., & Crison, J. R. (1995). A theoretical basis for a biopharmaceutic drug classification system. Pharmaceutical Research, 12(3), 413–420.
Cowman, M. K., Lee, H. G., Schwertfeger, K. L., McCarthy, J. B., & Turley, E. A. (2015). The content and size of hyaluronan in biological fluids and tissues. Frontiers in Immunology, 6, 261.
Dressman, J. B., Amidon, G. L., Reppas, C., & Shah, V. P. (1998). Dissolution testing as a prognostic tool for oral drug absorption. Pharmaceutical Research, 15(1), 11–22.
Gibaldi, M., & Perrier, D. (1982). Pharmacokinetics (2nd ed.). Marcel Dekker.
Kiela, P. R., & Ghishan, F. K. (2016). Physiology of intestinal absorption and secretion. In Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract (5th ed.). Academic Press.
Lin, J. H., Lu, A. Y. H. (2019). Role of pharmacokinetics and metabolism in drug discovery. Pharmacological Reviews.
Lu, Z. (2011). PubMed and beyond: A survey of web tools for searching biomedical literature. Database, bar006.
National Institutes of Health. (2023). PubMed overview and statistics.
European Food Safety Authority. (2012). Guidance on risk assessment of substances present in food and feed.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). GRAS Final Rule and Dietary Supplement Guidance.
Federal Trade Commission. (2022). Dietary Supplements: An Advertising Guide for Industry.
2.) Can someone recreate 100X Equine liquid / gel products at home using bulk powders?
Short Answer:
No, this is scientifically inaccurate.
Long Answer:
Biological performance is governed by formulation science, not raw material availability. The therapeutic value of any nutrient is dictated by how it is processed, structured, stabilized, and delivered, which directly controls its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics within the equine gastrointestinal and systemic environment (Dressman & Reppas, 2017; Sinko, 2011).
Numerous studies demonstrate that identical ingredients can exhibit dramatically different absorption and utilization profiles depending on formulation parameters such as particle size, molecular weight, solubility, and delivery format (Amidon et al., 1995).
Ingredient Research Come First
Evidence-based formulations are built on a substantial foundation of prior scientific research. Each ingredient must be evaluated independently through peer-reviewed studies to establish:
Appropriate molecular weight ranges (Cowman et al., 2015)
Dose–response relationships (Riviere & Papich, 2018)
Absorption pathways and transport mechanisms (Kiela & Ghishan, 2016)
Metabolic fate and tissue targeting (Lin et al., 2019)
Safety margins and tolerability (EFSA, 2012)
This foundational research determines not only which ingredients are selected, but how they must be formulated and delivered to achieve reproducible biological outcomes.
Once validated individually, ingredients must be engineered to function synergistically. Improper formulation can result in competitive absorption, ionic interference, precipitation, instability, or rapid excretion - effects well documented in nutritional and pharmaceutical sciences (Gibaldi & Perrier, 1982).
Critical formulation parameters include:
Molecular weight selection
Particle size distribution
Ionic and chelation state
Solubility and dispersion kinetics
Osmotic behavior
Transport pathway compatibility
These variables determine whether a compound survives gastric conditions, crosses the intestinal epithelium, enters systemic circulation, and is ultimately utilized at the target tissue rather than degraded or eliminated (Amidon et al., 1995; Dressman et al., 1998).
Liquid delivery systems fundamentally alter absorption dynamics by eliminating dissolution limitations, improving dose uniformity, and stabilizing ingredient interactions. Liquids bypass rate-limiting dissolution steps that commonly restrict powders and solid dosage forms (Dressman & Reppas, 2017).
Multiple studies show that liquid and solution-based formats produce more predictable and reproducible bioavailability curves, particularly for compounds sensitive to particle size, molecular aggregation, or solubility constraints (Sinko, 2011; Lennernäs & Abrahamsson, 2005).
Evidence-based equine nutrition is defined not by what appears on an ingredient label, but by how thoroughly each ingredient has been researched, selected, engineered, and validated within a controlled delivery system.
This is the scientific distinction between validated, performance-driven formulations and do-it-yourself approximations driven by anecdote rather than data.
Amidon, G. L., Lennernäs, H., Shah, V. P., & Crison, J. R. (1995). A theoretical basis for a biopharmaceutics drug classification: The correlation of in vitro drug product dissolution and in vivo bioavailability. Pharmaceutical Research, 12(3), 413–420.
Cowman, M. K., Schmidt, T. A., Raghavan, P., & Stecco, A. (2015). Viscoelastic properties of hyaluronan in physiological and pathological conditions. Carbohydrate Polymers, 122, 252–261.
Dressman, J. B., & Reppas, C. (2017). In vitro–in vivo correlations for lipophilic, poorly water-soluble drugs. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 11, S73–S80.
Dressman, J. B., Amidon, G. L., Reppas, C., & Shah, V. P. (1998). Dissolution testing as a prognostic tool for oral drug absorption. Pharmaceutical Research, 15(1), 11–22.
EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies. (2012). Guidance on the scientific requirements for health claims. EFSA Journal, 10(5), 2687.
Gibaldi, M., & Perrier, D. (1982). Pharmacokinetics (2nd ed.). Marcel Dekker.
Kiela, P. R., & Ghishan, F. K. (2016). Physiology of intestinal absorption and secretion. Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology, 30(2), 145–159.
Lennernäs, H., & Abrahamsson, B. (2005). The use of biopharmaceutic classification of drugs in drug discovery and development. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 25(4–5), 291–299.
Lin, J. H., Chiba, M., & Baillie, T. A. (2019). Is the role of the small intestine in first-pass metabolism overemphasized? Drug Metabolism Reviews, 31(4), 589–631.
Riviere, J. E., & Papich, M. G. (2018). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (10th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Sinko, P. J. (2011). Martin’s Physical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (6th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
3.) Is the Hyaluronic Acid (HA) sold online the same as what 100X Equine uses in it products?
Short Answer: No
Long Answer:
The online vendors mentioned offer low–molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (≈1,000 Daltons), and this molecular weight range has been shown in the scientific literature to be associated with pro-inflammatory signaling, including activation of innate immune pathways and increased expression of inflammatory cytokines (Stern et al¹; Jiang et al²; Taylor et al³).
In contrast, 100X Equine’s products use high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA), which has been demonstrated to exert the opposite biological effect, helping to reduce inflammatory signaling and support tissue homeostasis (Campo et al⁴; Balazs and Denlinger⁵; Aya and Stern⁶). Reducing inflammation is advantageous for inflamed tissue at all biological levels, including joint, connective, and epithelial tissues (Jiang et al²; Campo et al⁴).
Evidence-based formulations such as Gut X, Osteo-Max, and Joint Flex Plus intentionally select non-inflammatory, biologically appropriate hyaluronic acid molecular weight ranges to support joint and soft tissue health resulting in a physiological outcome opposite to that associated with low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (Campo et al⁴; Aya and Stern⁶; Cowman et al⁷).
Stern R, Asari AA, Sugahara KN. Hyaluronan fragments: an information-rich system. Eur J Cell Biol. 2006;85(8):699-715. doi:10.1016/j.ejcb.2006.05.009
Jiang D, Liang J, Noble PW. Hyaluronan as an immune regulator in human diseases. Physiol Rev. 2007;87(1):221-264. doi:10.1152/physrev.00052.2005
Taylor KR, Trowbridge JM, Rudisill JA, Termeer CC, Simon JC, Gallo RL. Hyaluronan fragments stimulate innate immune responses via TLR2 and TLR4. J Biol Chem. 2007;282(25):18265-18275. doi:10.1074/jbc.M611751200
Campo GM, Avenoso A, Nastasi G, et al. Hyaluronan reduces inflammation in experimental osteoarthritis by modulating inflammatory mediators. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2012;1820(7):1094-1103. doi:10.1016/j.bbagen.2012.04.008
Balazs EA, Denlinger JL. Viscosupplementation: a new concept in the treatment of osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol Suppl. 1993;39:3-9.
Aya KL, Stern R. Hyaluronan in wound healing: rediscovering a major player. Wound Repair Regen. 2014;22(5):579-593. doi:10.1111/wrr.12214
Cowman MK, Lee HG, Schwertfeger KL, McCarthy JB, Turley EA. The content and size of hyaluronan in biological fluids and tissues. Carbohydr Polym. 2015;122:252-261. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.12.040
4.) Is the Beta Glucan (BG) sold online the same as what 100X Equine uses in it products?
Short Answer:
No
Long Answer:
Beta glucans are not intended to function as absorbable nutrients. Their primary biological effects are mediated through innate immune recognition by pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), most notably Dectin-1 (CLEC7A) and complement receptor 3 (CR3) expressed on macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and other myeloid cells. Consequently, “utilization” refers to cellular uptake, receptor clustering, and intracellular signaling, not systemic absorption into circulation.
Soluble or molecularly dispersed Beta glucans may bind receptors but typically fail to induce full downstream signaling, underscoring the importance of insoluble, particulate presentation.
Dectin-1 signaling is uniquely dependent on particle-associated ligand presentation. While soluble Beta glucans can engage the receptor, they do not effectively induce the formation of a Dectin-1 phagocytic synapse, a spatially organized signaling structure required for Syk kinase recruitment and activation of the CARD9–NF-κB pathway.
Experimental studies demonstrate that only particulate Beta glucans trigger robust phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Soluble or highly fragmented glucans therefore exhibit substantially diminished immunostimulatory capacity.
Phagocytic uptake by macrophages and dendritic cells is highly sensitive to particle size. Multiple studies show that micron-scale particles (approximately 1–5 µm) are optimally internalized by these cells. Yeast-derived whole glucan particles (WGPs) used in experimental systems are typically 2–4 µm in diameter, closely matching the size of intact yeast cell wall fragments.
Particles that are:
Too large (tens to hundreds of microns) are inefficiently engulfed
Too small or degraded (nanometer-scale fragments or soluble chains) fail to induce sufficient receptor clustering
As a result, Beta glucan preparations with inappropriate particle size distributions exhibit reduced phagocytosis, altered cytokine profiles, and diminished immune activation.
After oral administration, insoluble yeast Beta glucans particles are not absorbed through enterocytes. Instead, they interact with microfold (M) cells in Peyer’s patches, which selectively transcytose particulate antigens to underlying immune cells. Classical physiological studies demonstrate that yeast-sized particles (~3–4 µm) are rapidly transported by M cells and subsequently encountered by macrophages and dendritic cells in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).
If a Beta glucan preparation lacks intact particulate architecture due to excessive milling, solubilization, or chemical degradation—this immune sampling pathway is markedly less efficient.
Whole yeast powder is not equivalent to purified insoluble Beta glucan. Crude yeast preparations contain substantial amounts of mannoproteins, lipids, and residual proteins that can obscure β-1,3-glucan epitopes or interfere with receptor engagement. In contrast, purified WGPs consist predominantly of long-chain β-1,3-glucan with β-1,6 branching, presented on a rigid, porous shell that maximizes receptor accessibility.
Failure to preserve this structure reduces effective ligand density at the immune cell surface and further diminishes biological activity.
For applications targeting immune modulation, a Beta glucan product is likely to be biologically underpowered if it is:
Predominantly soluble or partially hydrolyzed
Composed of degraded or nano-fragmented glucan chains
Aggregated into non-phagocytosable large clumps
Insufficiently purified, with low exposed β-1,3/1,6 content
In these cases, receptor binding may still occur, but effective signaling, phagocytosis, and trained immunity induction are substantially reduced, resulting in minimal functional benefit relative to cost.
These conclusions apply specifically to yeast-derived, insoluble β-1,3/1,6-glucans used for immune modulation. They do not apply to cereal β-glucans (e.g., oat or barley β-1,3/1,4-glucan), whose physiological effects are mediated primarily through viscosity, bile acid binding, and fermentation, rather than immune receptor engagement. In that context, particle size is far less relevant than molecular weight and solubility.
For yeast-derived insoluble Beta glucans, biological efficacy is fundamentally dependent on particulate integrity and appropriate micron-scale size. Preparations that fail to preserve these properties exhibit impaired phagocytosis, reduced Dectin-1 signaling, and diminished immune outcomes. Under such conditions, the product may provide little more than theoretical receptor exposure without meaningful functional activation.
Herre J. et al., Journal of Immunology (2004). PMID: 15004188
Goodridge H.S. et al., Nature Immunology (2011). PMID: 21217744
Goodridge H.S. et al., Frontiers in Immunology (2022). PMID: 35111116
Camilli G. et al., Journal of Cell Biology (2018). PMID: 28864523
Neutra M.R. et al., American Journal of Physiology – GI (1998). PMID: 9655693
Tesz G.J. et al., Molecular Pharmaceutics (2011). PMID: 21405196
Brown G.D., Nature Reviews Immunology (2006). PMID: 16341139
Huang H. et al., Frontiers in Immunology (2022). PMID: 35719741
5.) How does Molecular Weight impact Synovial Fluid?
The molecular weight and concentration of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the synovial fluid of healthy horses are well characterized in the scientific literature. In normal equine joints, synovial HA typically ranges from 1.0 to 3.0 million Daltons (1,000–3,000 kDa), with reported concentrations of approximately 0.3 to 1.5 mg/mL (Balazs and Denlinger¹; McIlwraith et al²; Levick and McDonald³). These parameters are considered critical markers of joint health and synovial fluid functionality.
The viscosity, viscoelasticity, moisture retention capacity, biocompatibility, and hygroscopic properties of synovial fluid are directly correlated to both the molecular size and concentration of HA present (Balazs¹; Swann et al⁴; Cowman et al⁵). High–molecular-weight HA forms an entangled polymer network within synovial fluid, enabling effective boundary lubrication at low shear rates and shock absorption at high shear rates, which are essential during locomotion and load bearing (Swann et al⁴; Schmidt et al⁶).
These HA-dependent properties allow synovial fluid to function as a lubricant, shock absorber, joint structure stabilizer, and regulator of water balance and flow resistance within the joint capsule (Balazs¹; Levick and McDonald³). HA also contributes to osmotic pressure regulation, maintaining appropriate hydration of articular cartilage and facilitating nutrient diffusion while limiting excessive fluid efflux from the joint space (Levick and McDonald³; Cowman et al⁵).
The beneficial effects of HA in synovial fluid arise from both rheological mechanisms, including viscosity, elasticity, and shear-dependent flow behavior and pharmacological and biological mechanisms, such as suppression of inflammatory mediators, inhibition of nociceptor sensitization, protection of cartilage surfaces, and modulation of synoviocyte and chondrocyte activity (Balazs¹; Campo et al⁷; Aya and Stern⁸). Loss of HA molecular weight or concentration, as observed in osteoarthritis or inflammatory joint disease, results in diminished lubrication, increased cartilage wear, elevated inflammation, and impaired joint biomechanics (McIlwraith et al²; Campo et al⁷).
Balazs EA, Denlinger JL. Viscosupplementation: a new concept in the treatment of osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol Suppl. 1993;39:3-9.
McIlwraith CW, Frisbie DD, Kawcak CE. The role of hyaluronic acid in joint disease in the horse. Equine Vet J. 2012;44(3):381-387. doi:10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00556.x
Levick JR, McDonald JN. Fluid movement across synovium in healthy joints: role of hyaluronan. Ann Rheum Dis. 1995;54(5):417-423. doi:10.1136/ard.54.5.417
Swann DA, Radin EL, Nazimiec M, Weisser PA, Curran N, Lewinnek G. Role of hyaluronic acid in joint lubrication. Ann Rheum Dis. 1974;33(4):318-326. doi:10.1136/ard.33.4.318
Cowman MK, Lee HG, Schwertfeger KL, McCarthy JB, Turley EA. The content and size of hyaluronan in biological fluids and tissues. Carbohydr Polym. 2015;122:252-261. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.12.040
Schmidt TA, Gastelum NS, Nguyen QT, Schumacher BL, Sah RL. Boundary lubrication of articular cartilage: role of synovial fluid constituents. Arthritis Rheum. 2007;56(3):882-891. doi:10.1002/art.22446
Campo GM, Avenoso A, Nastasi G, et al. Hyaluronan reduces inflammation in experimental osteoarthritis by modulating inflammatory mediators. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2012;1820(7):1094-1103. doi:10.1016/j.bbagen.2012.04.008
Aya KL, Stern R. Hyaluronan in wound healing: rediscovering a major player. Wound Repair Regen. 2014;22(5):579-593. doi:10.1111/wrr.12214
6.) Do horses like the taste?
Horses love the taste of Osteo-MAX, it has a slightly bitter flavor that they enjoy.
Osteo-MAX is 100% Natural and has a gel like consistency so that it can be applied on top of feed to avoid waste.
7.) How long does it take to start working?
The absorption rate of Osteo-MAX after consumption occurs in a few hours. To see an impact on your horses movements / performance will usually take 3-14 days.
The variance in time is based on several factors:
a) the amount of HA that is being replenished
b) the severity of the problems, if any;
c) the horses disposition to feeling better
d) willingness of your horse to work harder, especially if these problems have been ongoing
e) any other underlying issues, known or not
8.) Can Humans or Dogs use this product?
Yes, dogs can take Joint Flex at a smaller dose than horses. The recommended daily oral dose is 1 teaspoon (5 ml) for dogs up to 30 pounds (body weight), 1.5 tsp for dogs between 30 and 60 lbs and 2 tsp for dogs between 60 and 100 pounds. The amount may be doubled for hard-working dogs.
Please visit this page for the Canine version
Please visit this page for the Human version
9.) How does the Giving Back program work?
On a monthly basis we donate 10% of net sales to Horse Rescues & Sanctuaries that need help. Being part of the community and giving back is truly part of who we are.
10.) Do you offer discounts for Horse Rescues or Sanctuaries?
Yes, please call us at 1-800-677-3574 and we will be happy to learn more about your requirements.
11.) What's the story behind the slogans and 100X Equine?
Join the Equine Nutrition Revolution!
At the core, our belief is that "we" have to be the voice and the difference maker for horses within the horse community. Increasing public awareness through education, sound scientific research & studies, peer reviews as well as providing financial assistance to the community through donations and fundraising. In short, supporting 100X Equine helps us continue being an Ambassador to the Equine Industry.
It's about horses. It's about nutrition. It's about time.
In addition to being our slogan... it's our Company's Mission Statement! Making a difference in each of these areas is our 100% Priority.
We look forward to your support & Joining the Equine Nutrition Revolution!
Our History
We've been around horses most of our lives, it's in our blood and part of our DNA. We've helped with adopting & rehabbing horses to enjoying them for leisure as well as amateur and competitive showing. Our experience stretches over 40+ years in several disciplines as well as winning several NRHA & AQHA Championship Titles along the way.
Our Compassion
Our love, compassion & dedication is 100% for horses and their well being. We believe that having a Scientific approach to their health needs is the foundation of caring for them. Providing shelter from the elements, a good water source, quality forage along with superb supplementation is key to their longevity and happiness.
12.) Do you offer a 90 Day Money Back Guarantee?
Yes, we have a 90 Day Money Back Guarantee, some conditions & exclusions apply https://100xequine.com/pages/return_policy
13.) How much is shipping & when do items ship?
Shipping is FREE
Orders received before 3pm M-F (CST) ship same day.
Orders received after 3pm M-F (CST) ship the following business day.
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© Copyright 2026. All right reserved. 100X Equine 133 Dylan Drive Suite A. Prosper, TX 75078
© Copyright 2026. All right reserved.
100X Equine 133 Dylan Drive Suite A. Prosper, TX 75078