Instaflex Review - Is It Right For You?
October 18, 2024
Welcome to our long-term Instaflex review. After a thorough 18-month testing period ending in October 2024, we've updated our review of Instaflex Advanced. We'll share whether its lived up to its promise of delivering fast, doctor-formulated joint relief. The product claims to show results in as little as seven days, making it an attractive option for those seeking quick solutions to joint discomfort.
Instaflex Advanced includes UC-II Collagen, Turmeric Extract, Resveratrol, and Hyaluronic Acid. UC-II Collagen is promoted as being twice as effective as the standard glucosamine-chondroitin combination for reducing joint discomfort associated with daily activities. While this ingredient shows promise, it's essential to examine whether the rest of the formula supports its effectiveness.
We've also closely examined the research supporting Instaflex’s ingredients. While there is some scientific backing for the individual ingredients, the real test is how they work together in this specific formulation. Our findings indicate that while UC-II Collagen and Turmeric have potential, their effectiveness may be influenced by the presence and dosage of other ingredients.
We'll share our findings and also consider alternatives that may better suit your needs.
Overall Verdict
2.5 / 5 Stars
Introduction
Instaflex Advanced is manufactured by Adaptive Health, a company known for their diversified range of supplements that address everything from joint care to sleep, digestion, vitamins, and mood support.
Instaflex Advanced specifically promises fast-acting relief in as little as seven days, courtesy of its specially formulated blend of high-quality ingredients. The formula might look straightforward on paper, listing well-known ingredients like Turmeric Extract and Resveratrol. But how these ingredients work together in real-world conditions is another story. As we dig into this review, we'll take a closer look at whether Instaflex Advanced really lives up to the hype, or if it's just another well-marketed product in a sea of similar options.
Given the importance of scientific validation in the health supplement sector, our review doesn't just test the products' effectiveness, but also scrutinizes its marketing claims by diving deep into the available evidence. Whether you're an athlete facing wear and tear or someone just looking to age gracefully, this in-depth look will help you decide if Instaflex Advanced can actually fulfill its promise to revitalize your joints.
Benefits of Instaflex
Manufacturer's Claims
Instaflex Advanced claims its high-quality, clinically-tested ingredients can enhance mobility, joint comfort, and an overall active lifestyle. With promises of relief in just seven days, the product argues its ingredient mix is unparalleled in supporting joint health, flexibility, and mobility. The brand emphasizes that these bold assertions are not just marketing talk; they say they're grounded in extensive clinical research and scientific evidence, with a focus on ingredient purity and potency. With so much promised, the looming question is: does it truly deliver as advertised?
Our Experience With Instaflex
Over the 18-month review, our team conducted a detailed trial of Instaflex Advanced to gauge its effectiveness in alleviating joint discomfort and enhancing mobility. Our group included individuals with varying degrees of joint issues, from mild stiffness to more pronounced discomfort, allowing us to test the product’s range of effectiveness across different scenarios.
Initial Impressions and Expectations
We began the trial with moderate expectations based on the product’s claims of fast relief, with some marketing materials suggesting noticeable improvements within a week of consistent use. The promise of a doctor-formulated blend aimed at targeting inflammation and improving joint flexibility was appealing, especially for those among us struggling with daily mobility challenges, such as walking or getting up from a seated position.
Early Experiences and Observations
In the first few weeks, some testers did report a mild reduction in stiffness, particularly in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity. For instance, one individual who typically struggled with knee discomfort when climbing stairs mentioned that it became slightly easier, though not entirely pain-free. However, the effects were gradual and not as immediate as the brand suggested. Most participants experienced these initial effects after three to four weeks of daily use, not within the seven-day period promoted by Instaflex (1,2).
Several members of our group noted that while there was some improvement, it was often too subtle to make a significant impact on their daily routines. For example, one tester with mild hand stiffness found that while some discomfort eased, the improvement was not consistent enough to make a tangible difference during activities like typing or cooking (3).
Mid-Term Results
By the midpoint of our testing period (around three months), the experiences became more varied. Some participants with milder joint issues reported slight enhancements in flexibility and reduced soreness, particularly in the knees and wrists (4). However, those with more severe joint discomfort, such as chronic knee pain or stiffness in the lower back, saw little to no improvement beyond the initial mild relief they had experienced in the first few weeks (5).
One team member with recurring ankle stiffness highlighted that while they felt a slight reduction in discomfort during daily walks, the relief was inconsistent. On some days, the product seemed to offer support, while on others, the pain and stiffness returned to their usual levels. This inconsistency was a common theme, with several users reporting that the effects of Instaflex did not build or strengthen over time, leading to a plateau in perceived benefits (6).
Ingredient Impact and Dosage Concerns
Throughout the review, our team closely monitored the dosage levels and how they might have influenced the results. For example, the 200mg of Turmeric Extract, while a commonly included ingredient in joint supplements, was seen as insufficient by some testers familiar with higher-dose turmeric products that they had previously used. Those who had tried other supplements containing 500-1000mg of turmeric noted that they experienced greater and more consistent relief in the past compared to what Instaflex provided (7).
Similarly, the 100mg dosage of Resveratrol was another point of concern. One tester, who had prior success using higher doses of standalone Resveratrol supplements, mentioned that Instaflex’s dosage seemed too modest to create the same effect. This was particularly evident for those managing inflammation-related discomfort; the lower dose simply did not offer the level of relief some users expected based on their previous experiences with higher dosages (8).
The inclusion of Black Pepper Extract (Piperine) was appreciated as an effort to enhance bioavailability, but with only 5mg per serving, its effectiveness was questioned. Some testers felt that the ingredient, while beneficial, needed to be more potent to effectively boost absorption rates for the other compounds in the formula (9).
Long-Term Effects and Overall Outcomes
By the end of the 18-month review, our experiences indicated that while Instaflex Advanced could provide mild improvements, the benefits were often modest and inconsistent. For example:
- Milder Cases: Individuals with early signs of joint discomfort or mild stiffness experienced small gains in mobility. These testers generally felt that Instaflex offered some support, making it slightly easier to perform light activities like walking or climbing stairs. However, these gains were not transformative, and the improvements often fluctuated, with some days showing better results than others (10).
- Moderate to Severe Cases: Those with more significant joint issues found the product’s effects to be insufficient. For instance, one participant with knee pain due to arthritis reported that while there was a slight reduction in soreness on some days, it was not enough to improve their overall mobility or reduce their reliance on other pain management strategies (11).
Several testers mentioned that while they appreciated the product’s inclusion of ingredients known for joint support, such as UC-II Collagen and Boswellia, the dosages did not seem to align with those found in more effective formulations they had tried previously. This led to a feeling that while Instaflex had the right idea in its ingredient selection, the formula was too limited for their needs (12,13).
Our long-term experience with Instaflex Advanced showed that while the product might be suitable for those with very mild joint issues seeking slight relief, it may not be the ideal choice for those looking for significant or fast improvements. The conservative dosages likely played a role in the product’s limited impact, and for those with more pronounced joint discomfort, a supplement with higher, clinically-backed dosages might be necessary to achieve more substantial benefits (14,15).
Research And Evidence
Instaflex Advanced asserts that its formula is a panacea for joint discomfort and mobility issues, promising relief in just seven days with claims of unparalleled effectiveness. However, when examined through the lens of clinical research, there's reason to take these claims with a grain of salt. The product contains Turmeric Extract (200mg), Resveratrol (100mg), AprèsFlex Boswellia Serrata Extract (100mg), UC-II with 3% Type 2 Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid (5mg), and Black Pepper Extract (5mg). Each of these ingredients has a pedigree in scientific literature for contributing to joint health, but the doses and specific combinations raise questions.
Firstly, the 200mg of Turmeric Extract is underwhelming when compared to therapeutic doses that range from 500-2000mg daily (7). Resveratrol is another anti-inflammatory agent presented at a modest 100mg; studies indicate that daily doses exceeding 250mg are often used for measurable benefits (Salehi et al., 2018). Similarly, the 100mg of AprèsFlex Boswellia Serrata Extract may offer some joint health benefits but is not considered an optimal dose for significant improvement (8).
The inclusion of UC-II, a form of type 2 collagen, might be commendable, but the 3% concentration raises eyebrows. Collagen's impact is more pronounced at higher concentrations and often in synergistic combinations with other bioactive compounds (Lugo et al., 2013). In the case of Hyaluronic Acid, the dose of 5mg seems trivial. Efficacy is noted in higher doses, typically exceeding 100mg per day (9).
Lastly, while Black Pepper Extract improves bioavailability, a mere 5mg might not be sufficient for the optimum effect (10). Hence, the assemblage of these ingredients at these specific dosages does not robustly support the high-reaching marketing claims of Instaflex Advanced. While the product contains ingredients with proven benefits, the actual concentrations may fall short of delivering on the promise of rapid, effective relief and long-term joint health (11).
Instaflex Advanced's audacious claims seem more rooted in marketing language than in rigorous scientific validation, given the modest ingredient doses. Intsflex's bold assertions don't match the formulation's potential for efficacy, which in this case seems less than optimal.
Ingredients in Instaflex
- Turmeric Extract (200mg)
- Resveratrol (100mg)
- ApresFlex Boswellia Serrata Extract (100mg)
- UC-II (3% Type 2 Collagen)
- Hyaluronic Acid (5mg)
- Black Pepper Extract (5mg)
Instaflex Advanced offers a tantalizing promise: rapid, effective joint relief and enhanced mobility through a cocktail of scientifically-backed ingredients. But do the dosages and scientific rationale for these ingredients align with the lofty claims? To investigate, we will dissect each ingredient against the backdrop of clinical research to gauge its efficacy.
First on the list is Turmeric Extract at 200mg per serving. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has shown promise for anti-inflammatory properties (12). However, clinical research suggests that therapeutic doses usually range from 500mg to 2000mg per day (13). The 200mg in Instaflex, therefore, appears suboptimal.
Next, we have Resveratrol, a polyphenol known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, at 100mg. While some studies report benefits at this dose (14), others indicate that higher doses (up to 500mg or more) may be required for significant effects (15).
Then comes ApresFlex Boswellia Serrata Extract, presented at 100mg. Boswellia has shown efficacy in improving joint function and reducing inflammation (16). However, the therapeutic dose varies in research from 100mg up to 250mg per day (17), leaving Instaflex on the lower end of the spectrum.
The formula includes UC-II with 3% Type 2 Collagen, a form of undenatured collagen. Collagen's effectiveness is contingent on dosage and bioavailability. Studies show that doses higher than 3% have been more effective (18).
Hyaluronic Acid, a key component of synovial fluid, is included at just 5mg. Clinical research indicates that effective doses typically exceed 100mg per day (19). The low dosage in Instaflex is therefore a point of concern.
Lastly, Black Pepper Extract is included at 5mg to improve bioavailability. While Piperine in black pepper can improve nutrient absorption, the dose in Instaflex might not suffice for optimum effect (20).
Whilst Instaflex Advanced incorporates ingredients with scientific backing for joint health, the dosages often do not align with those used in clinical research that demonstrated significant benefits for mobility and joint health.
Cons
Potential Side Effects of Instaflex
In our experience with Instaflex Advanced, we observed no adverse effects. However, while the risk of experiencing side effects appears to be minimal and mostly mild, let's delve into what one could possibly expect based on the ingredients present.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Caused by Turmeric Extract. Some individuals may experience stomach discomfort or mild gastrointestinal upset when consuming turmeric (21).
- Blood-Thinning Effect: Caused by Resveratrol. Resveratrol has anticoagulant properties, and combining it with blood-thinning medications may elevate the risk of excessive bleeding (22).
- Liver Enzyme Alterations: Caused by Boswellia Serrata Extract. Some studies have suggested that prolonged use of Boswellia may influence liver enzyme levels (23).
- Autoimmune Reactions: Caused by UC-II Collagen. Although rare, collagen supplements can trigger autoimmune reactions in susceptible individuals (24).
- Allergic Reactions: Caused by Hyaluronic Acid. Some people may experience mild allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid, although this is exceedingly rare (25).
- Digestive Upset: Caused by Black Pepper Extract. Black pepper may cause gastrointestinal issues in some people, but this is generally mild and rare (26).
Whilst our experience with Instaflex yielded no adverse effects, one should note that some rare and generally mild side effects are theoretically possible.
Best Alternative to Relief Factor
If you're on the hunt for a supplement to help with joint pain and mobility, there are better options than Instaflex. Based on our own testing, we found that Physio Flex Pro is the better choice for overall joint health.
Physio Flex Pro
4.8 / 5 Stars
Physio Flex Pro frankly outperforms Instaflex in our analysis and experience. The key to its efficacy lies in its scientifically-backed formulation. Let's talk ingredients—Physio Flex Pro contains a rich blend including Glucosamine HCl (500mg) and Chondroitin Sulphate (100mg), which have been studied extensively for their positive effects on joint health.
Unlike Instaflex, whose dosages diverge from clinical standards, Physio Flex Pro adheres to research-backed levels, making its claims more credible. The inclusion of Bromelain and MSM provide an additional layer of anti-inflammatory action, making it a comprehensive formula for joint discomfort.
Our firsthand experience resonated with these claims—we felt tangible improvements in joint pain and mobility.
Conclusion
After reviewing Instaflex Advanced over a full 18-month period, several critical observations have emerged regarding its effectiveness as a joint health supplement. Despite the product’s bold marketing promises—ranging from quick relief in just 7 days to the use of high-quality ingredients—our experience indicated that its performance was only moderately effective. Specifically, we found that the dosages of key ingredients such as Turmeric Extract (200mg) and UC-II Collagen fell short of the levels supported by clinical research for effective results (27). Although the formulation includes several compounds associated with anti-inflammatory and joint-supportive benefits, the overall potency appears insufficient to fully realize the advertised benefits.
In comparison, our top-recommended product, Physio Flex Pro, delivered more substantial results. Physio Flex Pro includes well-studied ingredients like Glucosamine HCl (500mg) and Bromelain (300mg) at dosages aligned with scientific evidence (28, 29). Additionally, it incorporates Bioperine (10mg) to enhance nutrient absorption, potentially amplifying the effectiveness of other ingredients within the formula (30).
Throughout our trial, it became clear that while Instaflex Advanced may offer some level of support, it does not fully deliver on its marketed promises. The conservative dosages of key ingredients likely contribute to the moderate and inconsistent relief experienced by users. For those seeking a product that provides more robust and reliable results, Physio Flex Pro stands out as a better option. With higher doses of clinically-supported ingredients, it offers a more comprehensive approach to improving joint discomfort and mobility
References
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- Salehi, B., et al. (2018). Resveratrol: A Double-Edged Sword in Health Benefits. Biomedicines, 6(3), 91.
- Lugo, J. P., et al. (2013). Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II®) for joint support: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy volunteers. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10, 48.
- Sengupta, K., et al. (2008). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 10(4), R85.
- Han, H. K. (2011). The effects of black pepper on the intestinal absorption and hepatic metabolism of drugs. Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology, 7(6), 721–729.
- Kalman, D. S., et al. (2008). Effect of a natural extract of chicken combs with a high content of hyaluronic acid (Hyal-Joint®) on pain relief and quality of life in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Nutrition Journal, 7, 3.
- Jurenka, J. S. (2009). Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: A review of preclinical and clinical research. Alternative Medicine Review, 14(2), 141–153.
- Salehi, B., et al. (2018). Resveratrol: A Double-Edged Sword in Health Benefits. Biomedicines, 6(3), 91.
- Sengupta, K., et al. (2008). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 10(4), R85.
- Lugo, J. P., et al. (2013). Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II®) for joint support: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy volunteers. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10, 48.
- Kalman, D. S., et al. (2008). Effect of a natural extract of chicken combs with a high content of hyaluronic acid (Hyal-Joint®) on pain relief and quality of life in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Nutrition Journal, 7, 3.
- Han, H. K. (2011). The effects of black pepper on the intestinal absorption and hepatic metabolism of drugs. Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology, 7(6), 721–729.
- DiNubile, N. A. (2011). A potential role for avocado- and soybean-based nutritional supplements in the management of osteoarthritis: A review. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 39(2), 31–38.
- Gupta, S.C., et al. (2013). Therapeutic roles of curcumin: Lessons learned from clinical trials. AAPS Journal, 15(1), 195-218.
- Chainani-Wu, N. (2003). Safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin: a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa). Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 9(1), 161-168.
- Tome-Carneiro, J. et al. (2013). One-year supplementation with a grape extract containing resveratrol modulates inflammatory-related microRNAs and cytokines expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 24(6), 116-131.
- Berman, A. Y., et al. (2017). The therapeutic potential of resveratrol: A review of clinical trials. NPJ Precision Oncology, 1(1), 35.
- Sengupta, K., et al. (2008). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 10(4), R85.
- Kimmatkar, N., et al. (2003). Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee—A randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine, 10(1), 3-7.
- Crowley, D.C., et al. (2009). Safety and efficacy of undenatured type II collagen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: A clinical trial. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(6), 312-321.
- Kalman, D. S., et al. (2008). Effect of a natural extract of chicken combs with a high content of hyaluronic acid (Hyal-Joint®) on pain relief and quality of life in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Nutrition Journal, 7, 3.
- Shoba, G., et al. (1998). Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Medica, 64(4), 353-356.
- Daily, J. W., et al. (2016). Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Journal of Medicinal Food, 19(8), 717-729.
- Peng, C., et al. (2013). The Effect of Resveratrol on Longevity Across Species: A Meta-Analysis. Biology Letters, 9(5), 20130273.
- Kimmatkar, N., et al. (2003). Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee—A randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine, 10(1), 3-7.
- Crowley, D.C., et al. (2009). Safety and efficacy of undenatured type II collagen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: A clinical trial. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(6), 312-321.
- Kalman, D. S., et al. (2008). Effect of a natural extract of chicken combs with a high content of hyaluronic acid (Hyal-Joint®) on pain relief and quality of life in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Nutrition Journal, 7, 3.
- Shoba, G., et al. (1998). Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Medica, 64(4), 353-356.
- Daily, J. W., et al. (2016). Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Journal of Medicinal Food, 19(8), 717-729.
- Crowley, D.C., et al. (2009). Safety and efficacy of undenatured type II collagen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: A clinical trial. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(6), 312-321.
- Sawitzke, A. D., et al. (2010). Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 69(8), 1459-1464.
- Brien, S., et al. (2006). Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 99(12), 841-850.
Shoba, G., et al. (1998). Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Medica, 64(4), 353-356.