Adrenal concentrate is added to the formula to support the adrenal gland and to encourage natural production of adrenal hormones which combat pain and inflammation and strengthen tendons.

Together, the ingredients in Flex Complex provide optimal nourishment for normal joint flexion.

• By countering the stimulative effects of calcium, magnesium plays an important role in neuromuscular contractions.⁽¹⁾

• Aids during bone growth and is necessary for proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including those of the heart.⁽¹⁾

• Helps promote absorption and metabolism of other minerals and helps utilize the B complex and vitamins C and E.⁽¹⁾

Potassium constitutes 5% of the total mineral content of the body. Early symptoms of potassium deficiency include general weakness and impairment of neuromuscular function, poor reflexes and soft, sagging muscles.⁽¹⁾ In addition to regulating fluid balance, its functions include:

• Synthesis of muscle protein from amino acids in the blood.⁽¹⁾

• Stimulates nerve impulses for muscle contraction and functions with calcium in the regulation of neuromuscular activity.⁽¹⁾

• Essential for transmission of nerve impulses to the brain and combines with oxygen to send oxygen to the brain.⁽¹⁾

Copper is a trace mineral found in all body tissues. A number of studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis patients have increased levels of copper in the blood and synovial fluid. Researchers once believed copper to be one of the causes of the disease. Now the opposite is believed—that copper is a protector and the higher levels indicate the body's rallying copper in an attempt to fight off the disease.⁽³⁾

Copper is present in many enzymes that break down or build up body tissue. Its functions include:

• Important to normal development of nerve, bone, blood and connective tissue.⁽¹⁾

• Works with vitamin C in the formation of elastin, a chief component of the elastic muscle fibers throughout the body.⁽¹⁾

• Required for synthesis of phospholipids, substances essential in the formation of the protective myelin sheaths surrounding nerve fibers.

• Involved in protein metabolism and the healing process.⁽¹⁾

Wearing copper bracelets, a long time folk remedy, appears to have some scientific support, as found in a double-blind study performed in Australia. Presumably copper is absorbed through the skin and chelated to another compound which is able to exert anti-inflammatory action.⁽²⁾

A dramatic change was seen when vitamin B-6 was given to men and women near the age of menopause who had developed painful spurs or knots on the sides of their finger joints. Finger joints ceased to be painful and finger sensitivity and hand flexion improved within 6 weeks.⁽¹⁾

B-6 is also required for proper absorption of magnesium and vitamin B-12 and for the production of hydrochloric acid.⁽¹⁾

Vitamin B-12 is necessary for normal metabolism of nerve tissue and aids in the production of RNA and DNA. In clinical trials osteoarthritis patients have been improved in as little as three weeks with vitamin B-12 treatment. Rapid relief has also been achieved in patients suffering from all types of bursitis.⁽¹⁾

Vitamin A is necessary for collagen synthesis and wound healing.⁽²⁾ As an antioxidant, Vitamin A protects against damage from highly reactive free radicals which many believe to be the cause of chronic degenerative diseases.

Skullcap is used for its sedative and antispasmodic action, possibly due to its high content of flavonoids.⁽⁵⁾

Rue is used both internally and externally in the treatment of nervous spasms, neuralgia, trauma, cramps and to relax strained muscles and tendons.⁽⁷⁾

Slippery Elm was used by Indians as a demulcent, a substance that restores the normal mucous coating on irritated tissues.⁽⁶⁾

Gentian root is used to promote gastric secretions and aid digestion.^(4,6)

Cape Aloes are added for their healing properties.

WARNING:   This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.

1. Nutrition Search, Inc., Nutrition Almanac, Second Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1984.

2. Murray, Michael, N.D. and Pizzorno, Joseph, N.D., Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1991.

3. Hendler, Sheldon S., M.D., Ph.D., The Doctors' Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia,  Simon & Schuster, New York, 1990.

4. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA, 1987.

5. Pedersen, Mark, Nutritional Herbology, Pedersen Publishing, Bountiful, UT, 1987.

6. Weil, Andrew, M.D., Natural Health, Natural Medicine, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 1990.

7. Tierra, Michael, C.A., N.D., The Way of Herbs, Simon & Schuster, New York, 1980.

Product No. 442 Fill Size: 90 capsules

Three capsules contain: % Daily Value
Vitamin A 3000 I.U. 60%
Vitamin B-6 150 mg. 7500%
Vitamin B-12 300 mcg. 5000%
Magnesium (as magnesium oxide) 300 mg. 75%
Copper (as copper gluconate) 3 mg. 150%
Potassium (as potassium chloride) 25 mg. 1%
Valerian Root 150 mg. *
Skullcap 30 mg. *
Slippery Elm 30 mg. *
Gentian Root 30 mg. *
Rue Powder 30 mg. *
Cape Aloes 30 mg. *
Adrenal Concentrate (bovine) 30 mg. *
Other ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, gelatin. *Daily Value not established.

Therapeutic Dosage: One or two capsules three times daily until symptoms subside (3 to 6 weeks).
Maintenance Dosage: One or two capsules daily.