Research and the health benefits of Hydrolyzed Collagen

Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis

Many studies have been performed to determine if collagen hydrolysates help in the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.  Moskowitz¹ reviewed the status of collagen hydrolysates in 2000 and Bello² in 2006.  Moskowitz concluded that, “Collagen hydrolysate is of interest as a therapeutic agent of potential utility in the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.  Its high level of safety makes it attractive as an agent for long-term use in these chronic disorders.” Bello concluded, “A growing body of evidence provides a rationale for the use of collagen hydrolysate for patients with OA.”

Laboratory tests indicate that the increased production of joint cartilage may be initiated by the ingestion of the hydrolyzed collagen while patient testing indicates that some of the peptide groups thought to be required to produce cartilage are absorbed by the blood³.  It is not conclusive whether the cartilage growth is initiated by the presence of the hydrolyzed collagen or whether the hydrolyzed collagen provides the peptide chains for growth.   It's possible that the increased production of joint cartilage is caused by one or both mechanisms. 

1. Moskowitz R.W., Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease, Seminars Arthritis Rheum 2000: Oct; 30(2):87-99                                                
2. Bello A.E., Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: a review of the literature, Current Medical Research Opinions 2006: Nov;22(11):2221-32
3. Ohara H, Comparison of quantity and structures of hydroxyproline-containing peptides in human blood after oral ingestion of gelatin hydrolysates from different sources, Journal Agric Food Chem, 2007 Feb 21;55(4):1532-5

Healthy Hair Skin and Nails

Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen contains much larger amounts of the amino acids glycine and proline than many other proteins.  These amino acids are necessary for promoting healthy tissue growth of hair, skin and nails.  A recommended dose of 10 grams (2 tablespoons) a day in the diet is optimum. 

Recent studies in Europe and Japan have indicated the benefit of consuming 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen to improve skin hydration and reduce the number of micro and deep wrinkles compared to a placebo¹. 

1.  Leong K., Can a Collagen Supplement Help Aging Skin? May 9, 2009                                         http://www.healthmad.com/Aging/Can-a-Collagen-Supplement-Help-Aging-Skin.699651

Protein Supplement

Since collagen is a pure protein, it has many applications as a protein supplement¹.  It can be added either to diet or supplement formulas to readily increase the protein in a meal or drink to provide optimal nutritional support. 

1. Castellanos VH Litchford MD, Campbell WW, Modular Protein Supplements and Their Application for Long-Term Care, Nutrition in Clinical Practice 2006: Vol 21, No. 5, 485-504

Easy to Digest

Our Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen has been treated with a non-GMO food grade enzyme to provide low molecular weight protein for easy digestion.  The ease of digestion will appeal to consumers with digestive issues.  It also helps provide a full feeling (sateity) for consumers who are trying to lose weight.

Collagen contains 7 of the 8 essential amino acids.  It lacks tryptophan which can easily be obtained from many foods such as eggs, poultry, fish, milk or cheese.