Collagen peptides How do
Collagen peptides How do collagen peptides work? The good news is that it’s possible to counteract the decline in the body’s production of this essential protein through supplementation with collagen peptides. These are highly purified, short-chain protein building blocks of animal origin that are obtained by partial hydrolysis of native collagen protein. As relatively small molecules, they have a molecular weight of less than 10,000 g/mol and consist of at least two – but up to as many as 100 – amino acids. But how exactly do collagen peptides work? When our body breaks down collagen, these long chains of amino acids are broken down into small fragments by enzymes and transported away. As part of this process, the body receives a signal that pieces of degraded collagen are present and reconstruction must therefore begin. A young and healthy body reacts immediately, and does just that. However, when the metabolism slows down over time, these signals are no longer sufficient and degradation increasingly prevails. A closer look at collagen’s structure To understand why collagen is so strong and flexible, it’s important to look at its molecular structure. Natural collagen consists of chains of about 1000 amino acids each. Three chains of these amino acids spiral around each other to form a stable and mobile structure known as a triple helix. This is about 300 nanometres long and has a diameter of about 1.5 nanometres – about 100,000 times thinner than a human hair. Never theless, the special combination of amino acids ensures a very tight winding of the helix and a particularly densely packed structure. This is what makes collagen so stable. When we consume collagen peptides through food, we absorb collagen fragments but in larger quantities. These fragments enter the bloodstream, distribute themselves throughout the body and the same process begins again: the cells responsible for connective tissue and collagen metabolism notice that there is an imbalance, and then send a much stronger signal to produce more collagen. As a result, the body’s own mechanism is externally stimulated and simultaneously intensified, leading to increased collagen production. Specific peptides for particular needs Current findings show that collagen peptides differ significantly from one another in terms of efficacy. Common to all variants are their rapid absorption and good bioavailability. However, not all collagen peptides are also bioactive, i. e. have a direct effect on the body’s own processes. GELITA offers a range of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP ® ) that stimulate collagen metabolism. These collagen peptides achieve an optimal effect when they reach the appropriate tissue cells. In total, there are four different groups of highly specialized tissue cells in the human body: Fibroblasts in the skin, tendocytes in the ligaments and tendons, chondrocytes in the joints and osteoblasts in the bone. To confirm the effect of the peptides, GELITA regularly initiates clinical studies, which are carried out at renowned, independent institutes. It has been shown that these cells react very specifically to certain peptides. This process can be roughly compared to the lock-andkey principle: The structure of the peptide fits exactly to the receptors of the respective tissue cell, which is then stimulated to produce collagen. Comprehensive peptide portfolio GELITA offers a broad portfolio of Bioactive Collagen Peptides that reach all collagen-rich areas of the body. For example, VERISOL ® helps improve skin texture; FORTIGEL ® promotes the regeneration of articular cartilage, and FORTIBONE ® contributes to bone density and stability by promoting the biosyn- 36 No. 2 August/September 2022
Collagen peptides thesis of the extracellular bone matrix. With BODYBALANCE ® , athletes can optimize their body composition through muscle gain and fat loss. TENDOFORTE ® strengthens tendons and ligaments, and can thus contribute to both increased performance and a reduced risk of injury, with a faster return to training after injury. Furthermore, all the modes of action of GELITA’s collagen peptides have been extensively and scientifically proven. Importance of maintaining good health The possible positioning of collagencontaining products is as varied as the peptides themselves. Older people are without question an important target group, because as soon as the first aches and pains or real limitations in mobility become noticeable, the motivation to do something about them increases. But healthy ageing must start at a young age. Those who act preventively will be rewarded in later life. And consumers’ willingness to take good care of themselves is on the rise. Figures from the market research company FMCG Gurus from 2021 show that more than half of people see maintaining good health as a long-term project. Yet just two years earlier, only 42 per cent of those surveyed responded that way. At the same time, people are now investing more in health education (2021: 58% vs. 2019: 39 %) and showing greater interest in food ingredients that have proven health benefits (2021: 42 % vs. 2019: 26 %). Physically active people in particular want to keep their own bodies strong and resilient. With their specific modes of action, collagen peptides can also offer real added value to this target group – be it to optimize body composition, accelerate regeneration or minimize the risk of injury to tendons and ligaments. For many women, collagen has been closely associated with beauty for years. Collagen peptides are suitable for beauty-from-within concepts that can improve the skin’s appearance from the inside out, but also strengthen hair and nails. For manufacturers, collagen peptides offer numerous possibilities because they are easy to process and are therefore suitable for a wide variety of product concepts – from tablets, capsule preparations and instant products, to bars and gels, drinks and shots. They have no negative impact on the taste or odour of the end product and are easily soluble, as well as heat- and acid-stable. In addition, collagen peptides are safe and, as natural foods, do not carry an E-number. They are therefore also suitable for clean label products. Reference 1 Source: https://www.destatis.de/DE/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2021/07/ PD21_331_12621.html For more information, please contact Martin Walter, Category Manager Mobility Martin.Walter@GELITA.com GELITA AG www.GELITA.com No. 2 August/September 2022 37
