Collagen FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Pierre Van ZylCollagen FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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Collagen FAQ #1: What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant body protein that is found in mammals.
More widely in the animal kingdom. Collagen fibers are the major constituents of connective tissues, skin, tendons, cartilage and bones.
Collagen is an extracellular protein which maintains the structural integrity and the mechanical properties of tissues and organs.
Collagen is an insoluble protein. Fully digestible, collagen peptides are 97% pure proteins. Made of all essential amino-acids, except tryptophan.
This makes collagen very suitable as a protein source in functional foods, low sugar, and low carbohydrate products.

Collagen FAQ #2: How are Collagen Peptides manufactured?

Collagen’s peptides are manufactured by an enzymatic hydrolysis process from collagen.
They are carefully extracted through a strictly controlled and repeatable process.

Collagen production is made in state-of-the-art plants in France.

The careful production process consists in rendering native collagen soluble and digestible. This is done through moderate and careful hydrolysis, carried out with the conjugated effect of temperature and natural enzymes. It is a complex, multi-stage process punctuated with numerous chemical, physical and bacteriological controls.

Collagen is manufactured from bovine, fish or porcine skins. Raw materials and the highest quality products are determined through careful selection of raw material suppliers and the swiftest collection and transport of the materials themselves. These raw materials undergo strictly controlled processes.

Collagen FAQ

Collagen FAQ #3: What is the difference between Type I and Type II Collagen?

Collagen types are a biological classification.
Type I collagen is found in bones and skin. It accounts for more than 90% of organic mass of bone and is also the major component of skin, tendons and ligaments.
Type II collagen is the main collagen of cartilage. Purified collagen II does not exist by itself, only in combination with glucosamine & chondroitin. It is thus a different product.

Collagen FAQ #4: What is the amino-acid profile of Collagen?

Collagen benefits from a high source of typical amino-acids. It contains all essential amino-acids except tryptophan.
It is characterized by the predominance of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline which represent around 50% of the total amino-acid content.
This very specific composition of amino-acids provides hydrolyzed collagen with nutri-functional properties which cannot be found with other protein sources.

Collagen FAQ #5: Does Collagen control appetite and moderate cravings?

Yes. It Certainly does.
Proteins are known to be the most satiating macronutrient for animals or humans.
A 97% pure protein, Collagen can be used in a blend with other proteins, animal or vegetable, to increase the satiety effect of enriched protein food such as meal substitutes, protein bars, soups…
Fat-free, cholesterol-free and carbohydrate-free, hydrolyzed collagen will assist the formulator in development work for balanced food, as it helps to maintain the body and the texture of reduced fat and sugar products.

Collagen FAQ #6: What is collagen used for in sports and energy nutrition?

A good source of protein, fat- and sugar-free.
It provides an essential source of protein to replenish the body’s need during and after strenuous exercise programs. Collagen is a primary source of proline and glycine, two amino-acids that are the building blocks for cartilage.
It is thus widely used in protein-enriched products, such as sports drinks as well as cereal and protein bars. Its protein content and amino-acids balance is particularly useful.

Collagen FAQ #7: Why is collagen used for anti-aging nutrition?

With advancing years, come joint stiffness, brittle bones and drier skin.
Bones, joints and skin have a common component which is collagen.
A supplement of 10 g per day of Peptan® can help to maintain the health of tissues.

Collagen FAQ #8: What is the maximum daily intake?

As an ingredient, Collagen has no maximum daily intake. Nevertheless, it should not be used as a unique source of protein and, as all other ingredients, is to be included in a well-balanced diet.

Collagen FAQ #9: What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a general disease of the skeleton. It’s characterized by a low bone mass and reduction of bone density.
Consequently, bone fragility and risk of fracture are increased dramatically.
According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, 30 to 50% of women and 20% of men will experience osteoporosis fracture after their 50’s.

Collagen FAQ #10: What is Osteopenia?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO). Osteopenia is used to describe individuals who have a low bone mass.
There is some increased risk of fracture.
Their bone mass is not so low that they are deemed to have osteoporosis.

Collagen FAQ #11: How does Collagen contribute to bone health?

Collagen represents 90 % of the organic mass of bone.
Several studies have shown an increase in bone mass density with a supplementation of 10g per day of hydrolyzed collagen. For a period ranging from 4 to 24 weeks.

Collagen peptides have been shown to stimulate the production of collagen by bone cells. Leading to higher levels of new bone tissue formation Additionally, in vivo studies from 2010 and 2012 have demonstrated that supplementing the diet with Peptan improves bone metabolism.
As well as Biomechanical parameters to promote denser and stronger bones. It can also be combined with calcium and vitamin D to offer further significant health benefits.

Collagen FAQ #12: What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder of the joints. Characterized by a loss of articular cartilage and a destruction of articular and peri-articular structures (bones, muscles).

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease.
Osteoarthritis may be classified as primary, when there is no obvious cause, or secondary, when preceded by a related disorder.
The prevalence of osteoarthritis is higher among elderly people.

Collagen FAQ #13: How does Collagen contribute to joint Health?

Several studies suggest the evidence that collagen peptides can support joint health. Thanks to their amino-acid composition (glycine and proline in particular).

There are multiple potential applications since the target population may vary from athletes (whose joints are subjected to stress), to elderly people (the group the most affected by mobility limiting conditions such as joint stiffness).

Collagen fibers make up between 70 and 95 per cent of cartilage and are responsible for its structure and strength. Following ingestion, collagen peptides rapidly accumulate in cartilage and provide a pool of specific amino-acids to promote endogenous collagen synthesis. This process may act to reduce the cartilage degrading effects.

A 2013 placebo-controlled clinical trial has found that an 8g daily dose of Peptan significantly lower joint discomfort and increase joint function and flexibility.

The joint health improvements were recorded after three months of intake and further enhanced after six months.
Numerous additional clinical studies have shown similar effects, with multiple trials also demonstrating that subjects with severe joint deterioration benefit even further from the effects of collagen peptides

Collagen FAQ #14: How soon can the effects be seen on cartilage?

Several communities have discussed the benefits of collagen peptides for preserving joint health. Most studies show effects within 3 months.

Collagen FAQ #15: How does Collagen act on the beauty of the skin?

The lower hydration of the skin is responsible of the loss of elasticity and the development of wrinkles.
Some 90% of  studies have shown that an oral intake of collagen peptides will improve the water-binding capacity of the skin.

3 clinical studies demonstratef the efficacy of Peptan in delivering anti-aging benefits.
Placebo controlled Clinical studies by leading skin institutes show that daily intake of Peptan significantly  improve skin structure and appearance in just one month.3 

Many studies have shown that exogenous collagen peptides may act to stimulate fibroblast cell production and increase fibroblast density1-2. These activities promote younger-looking and suppler skin.
In-vitro and ex-vivo results have demonstrated Peptan’s ability to stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production in skin cells.
Clinical studies with Peptan collagen peptides found that the women increased skin hydration by 28 % after eight weeks and suppleness by 19 % after 12 weeks3.

Restructuring skin collagen

A recent clinical study performed by COSderma3 in France also demonstrated the effectiveness of Peptan in restructuring skin by decreasing collagen fragmentation and increasing the overall density of collagen.  After 12 weeks of Collagen intake, there was a 31% change, compared to the start of the study.3 This restructuring of the skin is key to our understanding of how Collagen can boost the collagen fiber network, providing clear anti-aging benefits and a more youthful appearance.

1 Ohara et al, 2010. Collagen-derived dipeptide, proline-hydroxyproline, stimulates cell proliferation and hyaluronic acid synthesis in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. J Dermato, 374: 330-338
2 Matsuda, N., et al., 2006, Effects of Ingestion of Collagen Peptide on Collagen fibrils and Glycosaminoglycans in the Dermis, Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology, 52:211-215
3 Asserin, J. et al., 2015. The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, doi: 10.1111/jocd.12174

Collagen FAQ #16: How much time is needed to see the first effects?

A daily intake of 5 to 10 g per day will help to maintain the skin’s hydration, firmness and elasticity that means its youth and beauty. Some studies have shown that the hydration of the skin can be improved after 20 to 60 days.