Research proven collagen peptides for bone, joints and skin

By Cristiana Paul, MS & Amy Berger, MS, CNS

Compared to other proteins, collagen has a unique amino acid composition and a distinct role in human anatomy. Collagen proteins are rich in the modified amino acid hydroxyproline (approx. 12%), and they have an unusually high content of glycine and proline (approx. 22% and 13%, respectively). While other dietary proteins can provide these, collagen is a more concentrated source, and as such, may be a more effective choice when the clinical goal is related to collagen as a structural protein, such as in supporting the strength of bone, tendons and cartilage, as well as the health and appearance of skin. Collagen accounts for as much as 30% of the body’s total protein, especially connective tissue. The amino acid and peptide compositions of dietary collagens are very similar to those in human collagens, making dietary collagen peptides ideal for supporting body collagen turnover and renewal. Many individuals—the elderly in particular—do not consume adequate protein. Even among those with a higher protein intake, unless nose-to-tail eating is emphasized, the richest sources of collagen—animal skins, bone broth, and tendons— are not typically part of the modern Western diet. Since collagen powder can be incorporated into shakes, smoothies, and other foods and beverages, it is a convenient way to ensure adequate intake of these unique amino acids, and to titrate to higher doses for those who may need greater amounts, such as athletes, aging individuals, those recovering from injury, and menopausal women not on HRT.

Entire Body Collagen helps support: 

• Bone density; bone mass and quality; reduced risk of fracture

• Improved skin elasticity, thickness and hydration; nail health

• Reduced wrinkle formation & cellulite appearance 

• Joint tissue health & function involving cartilage, tendons and ligaments 

• Healthy blood pressure 

• Muscle strength; GI tract health

Fortibone® collagen peptide blend: Clinical, pre-clinical and in vitro research is accumulating to support the benefits of collagen peptides for bone health. 45 This is complementary to the classical approach of ensuring adequate status for bone-supportive nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, silicon, and vitamins D, K1 and K2. In a study of menopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis, compared to placebo, supplementation with 5 g per day of Fortibone® resulted in improvement in bone mineral density (BMD) by 6.4% in the femoral neck and 5.5% in the spine, as well as increased markers of bone formation (PINP), with no change in markers of bone breakdown (CTX 1). 28 The placebo group experienced no changes in BMD and PINP but showed an increase in CTX 1. Another study showed that post-menopausal women supplemented with 10 g of a collagen peptide blend (previous version of Fortibone®) for 3 years reported a fracture rate of just 9%, compared to 42% in a group treated only with calcium. 53 A study supplemented a 10 g dose of collagen peptides in conjunction with calcitonin and reported a higher reduction in bone resorption than in the intervention group with calcitonin alone. 29 Animal studies have also demonstrated benefits of collagen peptide supplementation, including reduced fracture risk, increased BMD, organic mass and collagen content of bone, accelerated fracture healing and improved markers of bone turnover in ovariectomized rats and bone development during growth. 30-33,36,45

Based on evidence presented above, supplementation with Fortibone® demonstrates the potential to improve both essential components of bone – the minerals and the organic content, with emphasis on the collagen related matrix. Both of these aspects of bone quality contribute to the demonstrated reduction of fracture rate. 54

Fortigel® collagen peptide blend has been shown to improve collagen production in joints, resulting in improved cartilage structure (increased glycosaminoglycans content as evidenced by MRI and joint space by X-ray), reduced osteoarthritis symptoms (pain, stiffness), improved joint function, reduced post-exercise joint pain in young athletes and improved ankle stability. 16-26,47,48 Most athletic injuries occur at tendon sites, likely because the tendon is often the weakest link in the chain of transmitting mechanical force. Since the tendon is composed of 65-80% collagen, collagen peptide supplementation has potential to support improved tendon strength and elasticity.

Verisol® collagen peptide blend has been shown to upregulate synthesis of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans in the dermal layer of facial skin, resulting in reduced wrinkles, improved skin elasticity and hydration. 14,15 Verisol® has also demonstrated the ability to improve cellulite appearance by increasing dermal thickness and elasticity. 38 These benefits may also be useful in counteracting age-related skin thinning, manifested as a “crepe-like” appearance. Another study has shown that Verisol® supplementation resulted in improved nail growth and reduced occurrence of brittle nails.51 Verisol® has been shown to reduce inflammatory processes in the skin, with potential for alleviating various clinical inflammatory conditions manifested in epithelial tissues.7,8 Various collagen peptides have been shown to speed healing of bed sores in the elderly,43 support healing of stomach ulcerations40,41 and to have an anti-inflammatory/healing effect in colitis.39

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