Scientists at Cambridge University have just released the findings of a Meta-analysis on the effects of hydrolysed collagen peptide supplementation on cardiovascular markers.
The Meta-Analysis, view here, published online on 06 June 2022, is the first comprehensive review to systematically assess the effect of Hydrolysed Collagen (HC) on cardiovascular disease-related markers including body mass, fat mass, fat-free mass, LDL, HDL, triglyceride, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar.
There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that ingesting HC can effectively treat and prevent cardiovascular diseases. However, until now, there have been no comprehensive reviews to systematically assess the effect of HC on cardiovascular disease.
The Meta-analysis pooled data derived from twelve randomized, controlled trials from around the world and included an overall total of 748 participants (359 individuals in the HC and 389 in the placebo group). The participant age ranged from 25 years to 72 years. Included were studies performed on healthy and overweight participants, as well as in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, mild hypertension, osteoarthritis, and age-related sarcopenia. The twelve eligible trials were published between 2008 and 2021. The dose of HC ranged from 900 mg/day to 15 g/day, while the duration of the clinical trials ranged from 6 to 12 weeks.
The review found that HC (900 mg/day to 15 g/day), for a duration of 6 to 12 weeks, led to the significant reduction in fat mass, blood pressure, serum LDL concentrations, and increased fat-free mass. Additional subgroup analyses demonstrated that HC significantly decreased body fat percentage in men, obese or overweight participants, and when HC was administered in combination with exercise.
Effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition
Pooled data from six studies revealed that HC did not significantly change body mass (weight) compared to the placebo group. However, they did find that HC significantly decreased fat mass. This is because HC significantly increased fat free mass in the form of muscle and supportive tissue such as tendons, ligaments, and other muscle and skeletal supporting structures, and decreased fat mass. They also analysed subgroups and found that body fat percentage significantly changed after HC supplementation in men, obese or overweight participants and in those supplementing in conjunction to exercise training. Further subgroup analyses involving age demonstrated that fat mass significantly decreased after HC supplementation for participants aged 50 years and over.
Scientists leading the Meta-analysis believe the potential mechanism for the improvement of fat-free mass and decrease in fat mass is due to the high levels of the amino acids hydroxyproline and glycine (Hyp-Gly) found in collagen and which are elevated in blood after ingestion. Another dipeptide, formed from the amino acids proline and hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp), accelerates muscle regeneration. Furthermore, the scientists revealed that specific collagen peptides could act as signal messengers in anabolic cellular activities in ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
The data showed that hydrolysed collagen also might be helpful to improve pain symptoms and performance in activity-related joint discomforts. Hence, HC could enhance body composition and increase functional performance by improving joint-related disorders and their symptoms. Other potential mechanisms for the effects of HC supplementation on improving body composition are its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The HC’s amino acids content, such as glycine at high concentrations, has been found to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties which can modulate muscle wasting.
Effects of collagen peptide supplementation on blood fats
There is well-established evidence to suggest that elevated concentrations of lipids (fat) in the blood are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
The Meta-analysis demonstrated that the ingestion of hydrolysed collagen led to a significant decrease in concentrations of LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol. Furthermore, HDL (high-density lipoprotein or 'good cholesterol'), total cholesterol and triglyceride all remained unchanged compared to the placebo. These beneficial health results were achieved using a 10 g and over dose.
Effects of collagen peptide supplementation on blood pressure
Data from the meta-analysis showed that hydrolysed collagen significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) compared to placebo and significantly increased diastolic blood pressure following a 10 g or more dose, in contrast to a less than 10g dose.
Importantly, it has been established that a reduction of 2 mmHg in SBP can lower coronary heart disease and stroke mortalities by 4% and 6%, respectively (3). Hence, the findings of the review indicate an SBP-lowering effect (~5 mmHg) of HC support its clinical significance as a nutritional strategy for blood pressure improvement.
Effects of collagen peptide supplementation on blood sugar levels
Overtime, elevated levels of blood glucose can cause damage to many major organs, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys, increasing the risk of other serious health conditions.
The Meta-analyses found that Hydrolysed Collagen significantly decreased fasting blood sugar using a 10 g and over dose, in contrast to a less than 10 g dose.
Conclusion
This comprehensive review of collated data suggests that HC may significantly decrease fat mass, fat-free mass (based on body mass percentage), systolic blood pressure, and serum low-density lipoprotein levels.
Additional subgroup analyses revealed an important decline in fat mass among men, obese or overweight participants, and those consuming collagen peptides while exercising.
Collagenx Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides is recognised due to the substantial scientific evidence that backs it up. The product's efficacy has been demonstrated in double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies and results have been published in leading scientific journals