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"With collagen hydrolysate, the participants enjoyed reduced joint pain at rest,
reduced joint pain when walking and standing, reduced joint pain when
carrying objects, as well as reduced joint pain when lifting."
By Bill Campbell, PhD, and Erica Gritzer, University of South Florida
It is true that there isn't what we'd call a plethora of scientific research
on this valuable protein, yet. Clinical trials investigating the effects of
collagen are becoming more prevalent, however, and the results of
these investigations are promising.
Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue in the human body for
tendons, ligaments, bone, cartilage, and skin. In fact, collagen makes up
about 50% of the whole body protein content. Since collagen does not
contain all the essential amino acids (lacking tryptophan and containing
small amounts of cysteine), it is categorized as an incomplete protein.
However, the protein value of collagen relates not only to its amino acid
composition but also to its combined effect with other nutritional
proteins1.
Collagen protein is derived from animal sources and is most often made
available as "collagen hydrolysate." Collagen hydrolysate simply means
that the collagen protein has been enzymatically or chemically
processed to make it more digestible and more easily absorbed by the
body. Another attribute of collagen hydrolysate is that it possesses
excellent digestibility2, 3. The following summarizes the scientific
literature as it relates to the health-enhancing effects of oral collagen
hydrolysate supplementation:
The results of this study have implications for the use of collagen
hydrolysate to support joint health and possibly reduce the risk of joint
deterioration in a high-risk group9 and to help us enjoy even more
activity and intensity in our workouts and lives.
Conclusion
Collagen protein (in the form of collagen hydrolysate) has been shown
to improve skin hydration and decrease joint pain in both diseased and
athletic populations. In addition, collagen hydrolysate possesses
excellent bioavailability and is a relatively inexpensive source of protein.
So don't be surprise if, in the near future, you start seeing a sharp
increase in the number of scientific studies investigating the effects of
collagen hydrolysate, particularly in athletic populations.
References
1
Moskowitz RW. Role of Collagen Hydrolysate in Bone and Joint Disease.
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 30(2): October, 2000: pp 87-99.
2003: 19:423-435.
3
Oesser S, Adam M, Babel W, et al. Oral administration of 14C labeled
collagen hydrolysate leads to an accumulation of radioactivity in
cartilage of mice. J Nutr. 1999: 129:1891-1895.
4
Seeligmuller K, Happel HK. Can a mixture of gelatin and L-cystine
stimulate proteoglycan synthesis? Therapiewoche 1989; 39: 3153-57.
5
Bello AE, Oesser S. Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of
osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: a review of the literature. Curr
Med Res Opin. 2006 Nov;22(11):2221-32.
6
Bagchi D, Misner B, Bagchi M, et al. Effects of orally administered
undenatured type II collagen against arthritic inflammatory diseases: a
mechanistic exploration. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 2002;22(3-4):101-
10.
7
Zague V. A new view concerning the effects of collagen hydrolysate
intake on skin properties. Arch Dermatol Res. 2008 Oct;300(9):479-83.
8
Adam M. Clinical data on collagen hydrolysate. In: Teppner M, (2004).
Collagen Hydrolysate and its Relationship to Joint Health - A Scientific
Compendium. GELITA Health Initiative, Eberbach, Germany. ISBN 3-
936033-14-5.
9
Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, et al. 24-Week study on the
use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with
activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008 May;24(5):1485-
96.