Home Ingredients Estraflex® CMO (Cetylated Fatty Acids — BioCell Technologies)
Joint Health

Estraflex® CMO (Cetylated Fatty Acids — BioCell Technologies)

Evidence Level
Limited
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Estraflex® CMO (made by BioCell Technologies) is a bovine-derived form of cetylated fatty acids whose main component is cetyl myristoleate (CMO). Cetylated fatty acids have been studied for joint comfort, but the published human evidence does not test the Estraflex brand itself. In one small 68-day placebo-controlled trial, a different cetylated fatty acid product (Celadrin) improved knee flexion and functional scores in people who already had knee osteoarthritis; that trial was run by authors with commercial ties to the ingredient and has not been independently repeated. The idea that these fats lubricate the joint is a proposed mechanism that has not been measured directly in people taking the supplement.

Studied Dose Commonly around 350 to 500 mg of cetylated fatty acids per day.
Active Compound Cetylated fatty acids, including cetyl myristoleate (CMO) and related cetylated esters.

Benefits

Joint function

In one small 68 day trial of 64 adults, a generic cetylated fatty acid product improved knee flexion and Lequesne function scores versus placebo. This is the only controlled trial, and it did not test the Estraflex brand.

Supported by Trial 1

Joint comfort and mobility

The single knee osteoarthritis trial measured a gain in range of motion and daily function. No other controlled trial has confirmed this, and none used the Estraflex brand.

Supported by Trial 1

Joint lubrication

Lubrication is a proposed mechanism only. No human study has measured joint lubrication or joint fluid quality with cetylated fatty acids.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Membrane and lubrication support

Cetylated fatty acids are thought to become part of cell membranes, where they may support lubrication and reduce friction in the joint. This is a proposed mechanism and has not been measured in people taking the supplement.

2

Anti-inflammatory action

The cetylated esters are proposed to lower inflammatory signaling, which could ease joint discomfort. This has been observed only in laboratory cell studies, not in people taking the supplement.

Clinical trials

1
Cetylated Fatty Acids and Knee Osteoarthritis: Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed

Randomized controlled trial of cetylated fatty acids on knee function in osteoarthritis. (Hesslink et al. 2002, Journal of Rheumatology)

Adults with knee osteoarthritis.

In 64 adults, a cetylated fatty acid product (Celadrin, not the Estraflex brand) improved knee flexion (10.1 vs 1.1 degrees) and Lequesne function scores versus placebo over 68 days.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well tolerated, with adverse effects uncommon at normal doses.
Mild digestive upset is occasionally reported.
Discontinue if any unusual reaction occurs.

Important Drug interactions

No major drug interactions are established for this ingredient.
Tell your doctor about all supplements if you take prescription medication.
Use caution if pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a health condition.

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Frequently asked questions about Estraflex® CMO (Cetylated Fatty Acids — BioCell Technologies)

What is Estraflex CMO?

Estraflex® CMO (made by BioCell Technologies) is a bovine-derived form of cetylated fatty acids whose main component is cetyl myristoleate (CMO). Cetylated fatty acids have been studied for joint comfort, but the published human evidence does not test the Estraflex brand itself.

What is Estraflex CMO used for?

Estraflex CMO is researched primarily for Joint Health. In one small 68 day trial of 64 adults, a generic cetylated fatty acid product improved knee flexion and Lequesne function scores versus placebo. This is the only controlled trial, and it did not test the Estraflex brand.

What is the recommended dosage of Estraflex CMO?

The clinically studied dose is Commonly around 350 to 500 mg of cetylated fatty acids per day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Estraflex CMO safe, and does it have side effects?

Side effects and cautions reported for Estraflex CMO include: Generally well tolerated, with adverse effects uncommon at normal doses. Mild digestive upset is occasionally reported. It may also interact with some medications. Estraflex CMO is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Estraflex CMO interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: No major drug interactions are established for this ingredient. Tell your doctor about all supplements if you take prescription medication. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Estraflex CMO?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Estraflex CMO as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 1 study summary and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Hesslink R Jr, Armstrong D 3rd, Nagendran MV, Sreevatsan S, Barathur R. Cetylated fatty acids improve knee function in patients with osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol. 2002;29(8):1708-12..PubMedUsed to support: In 64 adults with knee osteoarthritis over 68 days, a cetylated fatty acid product (Celadrin) improved knee flexion (10.1 vs 1.1 degrees, p<0.001) and Lequesne function scores (-5.4 vs -2.1) versus placebo. Small industry-affiliated trial that did not test the Estraflex brand.