An overview of the beneficial effects of hydrolysed collagen intake on joint and bone health and on skin ageing

Abstract

Hydrolysate Collagen (HC) consists of small peptides with a molecular weight lower than 5.000 Da. produced from gelatinization and subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis of native collagen which is found in rich collagenic animal tissues. There is much evidence about the HC ingestion positive effect over degenerative joint and bones diseases. The aim of this article is to review the present scientific studies about HC and to evaluate the HC ingestion therapeutical effects on some collagenic tissues as cartilage, bones and skin. Up to date, there are more than 60 scientific studies (in vitro, in vivo, clinics and on bioavailability) about HC ingestion efficacy on reducing collagen damage and loss consequences as joint pain and erosion (osteoarthritis), bone density loss (osteoporosis) and skin ageing. Preclinical studies show that HC stimulates collagenic tissue regeneration by increasing not only collagen synthesis but minor components (glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid) synthesis as well. Clinical studies show that HC continual ingestion helps to reduce and prevent joint pain, bone density loss and skin ageing. These results as well as its high level of tolerance and safety make HC ingestion attractive for a long-term use in bone and joint degenerative diseases and in fight against skin ageing.