Hydrolysed Collagen, also known as Collagen Peptides, is best known for its ability to enhance skin beauty, however, it has far more to offer than just beauty benefits. Growing numbers of health-conscious and physically active people around the world are discovering collagen powder accelerates exercise recovery, protects connective tissues to prevent injuries, supports optimal joint and bone health, and enhances mobility. More and more people are finding that Hydrolysed collagen assists them in maintaining physical well-being helping them to stay active as long as possible, and to age gracefully.
For many, many centuries, collagen has been used for a wide range of beauty- and healthy-related purposes. As far back as the 12th century, abbess and scholar Hildegard von Bingen advised people to get relief from joint complaints by taking broth made from calves’ feet – and therefore containing collagen peptides. In Asia, collagen has also been part of the staple diet for many centuries, for example in hotpots based on bone broth as well as other collagen-rich dishes, such as pig’s trotters and chicken feet. To many people throughout history, the health benefits of collagen peptides have been a given. Today, collagen peptides are rapidly extending their reputation for skin beauty as a strong, science-based nutraceutical ingredient for musculoskeletal health as well.
The science of skin beauty
Hydrolysed collagen powder's skin beauty efficacy has been demonstrated in numerous scientific studies over the last decades. A clinical study published in 2015 presented the first comprehensive scientific publication of research into the anti-aging benefits of collagen peptides. Appearing in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, this study revealed strong clinical evidence of the ability of collagen peptides to restructure the collagen network in deep skin layers. The data also showed a statistically significant effect of collagen peptides on skin hydration as a result of the stimulation of hyaluronic acid production.
Joints, bones and muscles benefit, too
Consuming collagen peptides does not just help supply our bodies with the amino acids needed for the renewal of our skin tissues, however. It also delivers amino acids to other areas where they are needed, such as joints, bones and muscles. It has been proposed that collagen peptides act as a messenger to cells: they trigger the synthesis and reorganisation of new collagen fibers in our tissue structure. In vitro and in vivo studies have proven collagen peptides’ efficacy in maintaining a healthy bone metabolism and biomechanical parameters by stimulating the endogenous production of collagen. They also improve bone mass density and bone strength. And as a bioactive protein, collagen peptides can support muscle health, too.
Less joint discomfort, stronger cartilage
The joint health benefits of collagen peptides have been proven in many different studies. This applies in particular to 'CollagenX' collagen peptides , which are among the most extensively researched collagen peptides on the market. In one randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial, daily intake of 'CollagenX' collagen peptide was shown to reduce joint discomfort and regenerate joint cartilage. A study published recently in PLoS ONE demonstrated 'CollagenX' collagen peptides ability to slow down cartilage degeneration under conditions of induced osteoarthritis. It also stimulated chondrocyte proliferation and proteoglycan synthesis, while normalising synovial inflammation, the main cause of joint discomfort.
The efficacy of 'CollagenX' collagen peptide in promoting joint health was also demonstrated in an earlier double blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. In this study 'CollagenX' collagen peptide treatment resulted in a significant overall decrease of the WOMAC score, linked to a 32 percent decrease in joint pain and 44 percent improvement of stiffness.
More and more consumers around the world are recognising the multiple health benefits of collagen peptides and the solid science behind those benefits. For many people, collagen peptides are becoming part and parcel of an active lifestyle.