A new in vivo study confirms Peptan collagen peptides’ role in supporting joint health, providing scientific documentation of the mechanisms behind cartilage regeneration and joint inflammation reduction.
Done in collaboration with leading scientists at the University of Rochester (NY, USA), the study performed in an in vivo model for osteoarthritis provides clear evidence of Peptan’s ability to stimulate chondrocyte cells, increase the synthesis of new cartilage matrix and to reduce inflammation.
Recently presented at the Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society and at the World Congress on Osteoarthritis, the study analysed the effects of Peptan collagen peptides on joint health in mice. Peptan collagen peptides were administered daily at either low dosage (3.8mg/kg BW) or high dosage (38mg/kg body weight), corresponding to around 0.7g and 7g/day in a human, while a separate group received an empty control.
Five weeks after the start of supplementation, post-traumatic osteoarthritis was induced by administering injury to the meniscus and medial collateral ligament in the right knee. Joint biology was assessed in early (3 weeks) and mid-stage disease (12 weeks following induction of osteoarthritis). Reporting visible tibial cartilage regeneration, research findings highlighted Peptan’s capacity to dose-dependently preserve cartilage and to support extracellular matrix regeneration stimulating the production of proteoglycans, the matrix components involved in lubrication of the joint.
A common symptom of joint inflammation during osteoarthritis development, the thickening of the synovial membrane, which surrounds the knee, was significantly reduced in the Peptan groups. Furthermore, the synovial membrane of Peptan-treated animals showed significantly lower levels of TNF, a protein signalling inflammation, compared with the control group at both early and mid-stage disease. Providing further compelling evidence and clarifying Peptan’s unique capacity to reduce inflammation, these results are particularly important with inflammation being one of the main causes of joint pain.
As one of the most extensively researched collagen peptides on the market, the efficacy of Peptan in promoting joint health has been demonstrated in a previous double blind, placebo-controlled clinical study showing that Peptan treatment resulted in a significant overall decrease of the WOMAC score, linked to a 32% decrease in joint pain and 44% improvement of stiffness.
Dr Michael Zuscik, Associate Professor of Orthopaedics at Rochester University comments: 'This new study represents a strong basis to explain the data already published on symptom relief, and provides evidence that Peptan is chondro-regenerative and anti-inflammatory in the context of post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis. The results are extremely promising and can open up new doors to the potential benefits that collagen peptides can bring to joint health.'
Mai Nygaard, Global Director Peptan, adds: 'Joint pain and discomfort are one of the most commonly reported problems across many age groups today. Glucosamine has traditionally been used as a nutraceutical, but is recently losing popularity among consumers worldwide. Consumers are now looking towards the next generation of active ingredient solutions with proven efficacy, which are safe, natural, and can not only alleviate symptoms but also improve overall joint health and promote healthy cartilage tissue. This new study further cements Peptan collagen peptides position in the joint health market as a bioactive ingredient which ticks all boxes and can meet the modern consumers demand.'
'Collagen peptides are widely being recognised as safe and effective ingredients. Peptan simultaneously supports all the connective tissues by stimulating local cells in the body to increase the production of collagen and other key matrix components. This new study adds to the growing body of literature testifying Peptan’s ability to support body mobility and joint health and will further strengthen its role in the supplements market.'
Dr Janne Prawitt and Dr Elke De Clerck will present the results of the study on 10 May at 12:50pm in the Exhibitor Theatre at Vitafoods. The findings of the study will also be shown at the Vitafoods Europe Poster Presentation and the Rousselot booth.
