In this section
Questions on the positive effects of collagen hydrolysate
- Why take a collagen hydrolysate supplement?
- How quickly will I notice a difference?
- Why is collagen hydrolysate specifically important for cartilage in comparison to other proteins?
- Does collagen hydrolysate have any other benefits?
- Which persons can benefit from collagen hydrolysate?
Basic questions on collagen and collagen hydrolysate
- What is cartilage?
- What is collagen?
- What types of collagen exist?
- What is collagen hydrolysate?
- What is the difference between collagen, collagen hydrolysate and gelatine?
Questions on the production of collagen hydrolysate
- When was the beneficial effect of collagen hydrolysate first discovered?
- Has there been any research done on collagen hydrolysate?
- What are the most important studies on collagen hydrolysate?
- How is collagen hydrolysate absorbed and how does it reach the cartilage?
- What effects has collagen hydrolysate in cartilage?
Questions on the positive effects of collagen hydrolysate
- Why take a collagen hydrolysate supplement?
- How quickly will I notice a difference?
- Why is collagen hydrolysate specifically important for cartilage in comparison to other proteins?
- Does collagen hydrolysate have any other benefits?
- Which persons can benefit from collagen hydrolysate?
Questions on the administration of collagen hydrolysate
- How is collagen hydrolysate taken?
- How long will I need to take collagen hydrolysate?
- Can I take it when I am on other medication?
Basic questions on collagen and collagen hydrolysate
What is cartilage?
Cartilage is a tough, flexible tissue, that consists of chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and matrix (collagen and proteoglycans).
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human and animal body representing 30% of total body protein. Collagen gives the structure to tendons, cartilage tissue, bones and connective tissue.
The collagen molecule is formed by 3 intertwined protein chains building a triple helix structure (with a molecular weight of ~300kD). The triple helix structure of collagen is responsible for the strength and flexibility of cartilage tissue.
The amino acid composition of collagen includes 30% glycine and 25% proline and hydroxyproline. These amino acids make collagen different from other proteins and are of great importance for collagen synthesis.
What types of collagen exist?
Classical type I collagen occurs in skin and bone and is used for the production of collagen hydrolysate and gelatine. Type II collagen occurs almost exclusively in cartilage tissue. Type III collagen occurs in addition to type I in skin. Type IV collagen is found as component of membranes.
What is collagen hydrolysate?
Collagen hydrolysate is collagen (from skin, bone, cartilage) broken down by a natural process (hydrolysis) to facilitate easy absorption into the blood stream.
Since collagen hydrolysate has the same amino acid composition as collagen it is an ideal component for cartilage regeneration. Collagen hydrolysate stimulates collagen synthesis: this effect was proven by a laboratory study by Oesser et al. (Cell & Tissue Research 311:393-9; March 2003)
Clinical studies with patients suffering from osteoarthritis revealed the positive effect of collagen hydrolysate on joint health (e.g. pain reduction, reduced medication, improved physical function). The beneficial effect of collage hydrolysate on osteoarthritis is patented (European patent no. 0254289 Agents for the treatment of osteoarthritis, 1986, based on a study by Prof Adam.)
Collagen hydrolysate received GRAS status (Generally Recognised as Safe) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Due to its special production process collagen hydrolysate does not set and is soluble in cold water.
What is the difference between collagen, collagen hydrolysate and gelatine?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human and animal body representing 30% of total body protein. Collagen gives structure to tendons, cartilage tissue, bones and connective tissue.
Gelatine is produced from collagen. It has gelling properties and is used in the food industry (e.g. as emulsifier, gel-former, taste and colour enhancer), in the pharmaceutical industry (e.g. for capsules, as blood replacement, agent for vitamin coating) and in the photo industry (e.g. as basis of film and photographic paper).
Collagen hydrolysate is also produced from collagen but by a different process. The amino acid compositions of collagen and collagen hydrolysate are very similar. This similarity gives collagen hydrolysate an important role in the build up of new cartilage. Research has shown that collagen hydrolysate stimulates collagen synthesis: this effect was proven by a laboratory study by Oesser et al. (Cell & Tissue Research 311:393-9; March 2003).
Clinical studies with patients suffering from osteoarthritis revealed the positive effect of collagen hydrolysate on joint health (e.g. pain reduction, reduced medication, improved physical function). The beneficial effect of collagen hydrolysate on osteoarthritis is patented (European patent No 0254289 Agents for the treatment of osteoarthritis, 1986, based on a study by Prof. Adam).
Collagen hydrolysate received GRAS status (Generally Recognised as Safe) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
