What is Collagen? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is key for all connective tissue (bone, skin, muscle, cartilage, tendons and ligaments). It provides the infrastructure for our entire musculoskeletal system making it essential for maintaining mobility. Ninety percent of bone mass is from Collagen. As we age, Collagen becomes extremely important, not only for bone health, but the health of our joints. It is also the secret to supple and youthful looking skin. What is Hydrolyzed Collagen? There are many clinical trials using Hydrolyzed Collagen for the treatment of Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis/Osteopenia as well as enhancing the appearance of skin. A similar compound, gelatin, has been used to treat musculoskeletal and dermatological issues for centuries. The medicinal uses of gelatin first appeared in writing in 1175 when Hildegard discussed it as a treatment for joint pain. The process for obtaining Hydrolyzed Collagen is slightly different than that of gelatin. Collagen undergoes a gentle enzymatic hydrolysis procedure that results in bioactive collagen peptides.

Hydrolyzed Collagen for Osteoporosis: Collagen makes up a significant portion of bone mass. Bone is constantly turning over; new bone is being formed while older bone is going through resorption (being broken down by osteoclasts). Approximately fifteen percent of our bone undergoes turn over per year. There are many factors that can influence bone density, age being a primary one. Bone loss begins at age thirty in both men and women. When the ratio of bone resorption becomes greater than bone formation, bone density issues like Osteopenia and Osteoporosis become a concern. As many people know, hip fractures can be life threatening and they often happen in those who suffer from Osteopenia or Osteoporosis. Currently, the pharmaceutical medications available for treating Osteoporosis and Osteopenia come with many negative and toxic side effects. This is where Hydrolyzed Collagen comes in. It has been found to be helpful for inhibiting bone resorption and is safe for long-term use. The only side effect you will get with Hydrolyzed Collagen is perhaps a more youthful appearance. A study of mice whose ovaries were removed to reduce bone density (a similar effect to the hormonal changes that we see impacting bone density in menopausal women) found that if these mice were fed Peptan Hydrolyzed Collagen daily that after 12 weeks they had almost equal bone restoration to the control group who did not have their ovaries removed. Further, there was a significant increase in bone size and strength. There is also evidence that collagen peptides induce the action of osteoblasts, which are bone forming, and reduce the activity of osteoclasts, which are responsible for bone resorption. This would certainly be a supplement that I would recommend to those with a family history of Osteopenia or Osteoporosis or those who have any of the following increased risk factors: early menopause, smoker, 65 or older, weight less than 132 lbs, more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day, low testosterone, Rheumatoid arthritis, Celiac disease, gastric bypass surgery, COPD, taking medications known to reduce bone density (ex. corticosteroids). At a dose of 10g/day for 24 weeks an increase in bone density has been observed.

Hydrolyzed Collagen for Osteoarthritis: Maintaining mobility is important for cardiovascular health, weight management, mental health and overall quality of life. Joint pain caused by Osteoarthritis (OA) is often the reason people are forced to cut back on physical activity. The World Health Organization calls Osteoarthritis one of the most disabling diseases in developing countries. OA is usually seen later in life, however, it does occur in those who participate in sports and manual labour. Any activity that stresses the joints can lead to Osteoarthritis, including obesity. The most commonly effected joints are the hip and knee. All articular joints contain cartilage that serves to cushion and protect the joints. When cartilage breaks down, due to mechanical stress, bone articulates with bone leading to pain and reduced function of the joint. Studies have found that oral supplementation of Peptan Hydrolyzed Collagen can significantly reduce pain associated with OA. A recent study found that individuals with OA who were supplemented with 10g of Peptan Hydrolyzed Collagen per day for sixty days experienced a significant decrease in hip and knee pain. Those with the most severe OA benefited the most. Another study compared the use of Hydrolyzed Collagen to the collagen precursor proline and it was found that more of the Hydrolyzed Collagen migrated directly to the cartilage of joints than proline. This occurred as soon as 12 hours after ingestion. This finding lead to further investigation that determined that chondrocytes (cells in cartilage) respond to what is present in the matrix around them. Hydrolyzed Collagen in the matrix leads chondrocytes to produce more collagen. Ultimately, the result is the production of healthy cartilage, as chondrocytes are responsible for the replacement and repair of cartilage in the body. For the younger sports enthusiasts, Hydrolyzed Collagen also helped a group of varsity athletes reduce joint pain. In a 24 week study of varsity athletes who suffered from activity related joint pain 10g/day of Peptan Hydrolyzed Collagen improved pain at rest, when walking, standing or carrying objects. Like medications for low bone density, analgesics for OA also carry negative side effects like liver and gastrointestinal toxicity as well as increased cardiovascular risk. Hydrolyzed Collagen has been clinically shown to help treat the pain associated with OA and is again safe for long-term use.

Hydrolyzed Collagen for Skin Health: Considering Collagen is a major component of all connective tissue, it makes sense that it is also a powerful anti-aging ingredient for skin. Pollution, sun exposure, injury and aging can all cause collagen in the skin to break down and lead to changes we associate with aging. In the skin, collagen is found at the deeper level called the dermis. It provides strength and texture to the skin. A French study found that Peptan Hydrolyzed Collagen increased collagen fibres in the skin and reduced collagen Osteocyte Space Collagen Widened Canal Cell Process OSTEOPOROTIC BONE In osteoporosis, the collagen framework and deposited minerals are broken down faster than they form. The canals widen, new spaces appear, and bone weakens. BOVINE MARINE www.nakapro.com fragmentation (a major component of the aging process of skin) by 18% in 1 month and 31% in 3 months. French and Japanese studies also found that Hydrolyzed Collagen can increase skin hydration levels by 28% after 8 weeks, reduce wrinkles and increase skin suppleness by 19% in 12 weeks. This is truly a supplement that will help to slow aging both inside and out.