Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and finding effective prevention strategies is crucial. Recent research has explored whether hydrolysed collagen, a supplement known for its many and various health benefits, can also help prevent cancer. In this blog, we'll delve into the science behind hydrolysed collagen and its potential role in inhibiting tumor growth.

Can Hydrolysed Collagen Inhibit Tumor Growth? Let's See What Research Says

The Link Between Chronic Inflammation and Cancer

The functional relationship between inflammation and cancer is not new. In 1863, Virchow hypothesized that the origin of cancer was at sites of chronic inflammation.

It is now accepted within both the medical and scientific community that chronic inflammation is a major underlying condition of many age-related diseases, such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, dementia, vascular diseases, obesity and metabolic syndrome (Yu and Chung, 2006). More specifically, there are several reviews suggesting a direct relationship between chronic inflammation and cancer Moss et al 2005  Aggarwal et al 2006;.

In fact, Inflammation has been identified as a hallmark of tumorigenesis (1).

Hydrolyzed collagen (HC), a popular supplement, has emerged as a potential weapon in the fight against cancer due to its unique amino acid profile. Let's explore the research on HC and its potential effects on different cancers.

Hydrolysed Collagen: A Potential Cancer Fighter

Hydrolysed collagen (HC) is a form of collagen that has been broken down into smaller peptides, making it easier for the body to absorb. It is commonly used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals for its numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities.

As a healthcare supplement, HC has a variety of interesting health benefits, such as antiatherosclerotic activity (1), antitumor activity (2) and preventing osteoporosis (3). 

Hydrolyzed collagen is a rich source of various amino acids, the building blocks of protein. These amino acids play a crucial role in building and maintaining tissues throughout the body. Here's a closer look at how one special  amino acid in HC, glycine, might impact different cancers:

• Skin Cancer: Skin cancer is a prevalent concern, and scientists are actively researching preventive measures. Glycine, an abundant amino acid in HC, shows promise. A study published in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (4) suggests that glycine may inhibit the formation of new blood vessels in tumors (angiogenesis). This essentially starves cancer cells of the nutrients they need to grow.

• Liver Cancer: Liver cancer poses a significant health threat. Research suggests that glycine may play a vital role in preventing liver cancer. A study published in the scientific journal Cancer Research (5) highlights glycine's ability to inhibit the activity of specific enzymes known to promote tumor growth. By hindering these enzymes, glycine disrupts the cancer's ability to thrive.

• Lung Cancer: lung carcinoma tumors contain high levels of glycine decarboxylase (GLDC), an enzyme that breaks down the body’s stores of glycine. Overexpression of GLDC stimulates the generation of tumors and the proliferation of self-renewing tumor-initiating cells (TIC), and high GLDC levels are associated with poor survival rates in patients. No therapeutic agents have been developed against GLDC until now. Surana and Wee identified that inhibiting the enzyme that degrades Glycine was highly therapeutic. The same effect can be achieved by supplying extra Glycine through supplementing with Hydrolysed Collagen.

• Brain Cancer: Brain tumors are particularly aggressive, making effective treatment crucial. Research published in the scientific journal Nature, (6) sheds light on a potential vulnerability of brain cancer cells. The study suggests that certain brain cancer cells rely on an enzyme that breaks down glycine. By providing extra glycine through HC supplementation, these cancer cells may be starved and die.

World renowned Biologist Dr. Ray Peat Ph D, comments that:

“When collagen is broken down, it releases factors that promote wound healing and suppress tumor invasiveness. Glycine itself is one of the factors promoting wound healing and tumor inhibition. It has a wide range of antitumor actions, including the inhibition of new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), and it has shown protective activity in liver cancer and melanoma. Since glycine is non-toxic (if the kidneys are working, since any amino acid will contribute to the production of ammonia), this kind of chemotherapy can be pleasant."

Why Collagen 'Type' Matters

Mount Sinai researchers have uncovered how cancer cells can stay dormant for years after leaving a primary tumor, only to later reawaken and form metastatic cancer. This study, published in Nature Cancer in December 2021, found that these cells achieve dormancy by creating a protective environment enriched with type III collagen. This collagen acts as a suppressive layer around the cells, preventing them from becoming cancerous. When this collagen level decreases, the cells awaken and can start to form metastatic tumors.

The researchers found that by increasing type III collagen around the dormant cells in these mouse models, they could force the cells to stay inactive, potentially stopping cancer recurrence. In patient samples, higher levels of this collagen were associated with a reduced risk of recurrence, suggesting it could serve as a biomarker for predicting metastasis.

Lead researcher Dr. Jose Javier Bravo-Cordero from Mount Sinai’s Tisch Cancer Institute suggested that enriching the tumor environment with type III collagen could be a promising therapy. This approach might prevent the reactivation of dormant cells, potentially opening new pathways for cancer remission and lowering the risk of metastasis

How To Help Protect Your Body Against Cancer

With the growing body of research supporting hydrolysed collagen’s potential in cancer prevention, it’s worth considering as part of a holistic approach to health.

CollagenX Hydrolysed collagen, particularly those with high glycine content and Type III collagen, like Glymax and Bovine Collagen, could be a valuable addition to your health regimen. Stay informed and proactive about your health choices. Consider high-quality hydrolysed collagen supplements to support your overall well-being and potentially reduce cancer risk.