Description
Collagen is a crucial element of skin and connective tissues. This protein is responsible for giving skin a youthful bounce, and as it declines, so does skin appearance and overall connective tissue health. Over time, lifestyle factors can cause reduced elasticity in cartilage, tendons, ligaments and skin. This leads to wrinkles, decreased dermal matrix strength, and soft tissue and joint discomfort.
Ingredients
Collagen Hydrolysate
FORTIGEL®, backed by more than fifteen studies, provides bioactive collagen peptides (BCPs), which contain high concentrations of specific peptides that comprise connective tissue. The precise length of the short-chain peptides and low average molecular weight allows easy absorption, transport, and accumulation to target connective tissue. FORTIGEL® provides 5 g hypoallergenic protein per serving from a sustainable protein source. The lower dose of collagen peptides decreases excess oxalate production, compared to higher-dose collagen and gelatin products.
Clinical studies demonstrate joint health benefits. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial performed in cooperation with Harvard Medical School and Tufts Medical Center demonstrated the efficacy of FORTIGEL®. Thirty participants were given collagen hydrolysate daily over the course of 48 weeks. Delayed gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMERIC) was used to assess hyaline cartilage and proteoglycan content in the participants’ knee joints at baseline, 24 weeks and 48 weeks. The FORTIGEL® group was found to have significant improvements upon primary dGEMERIC imaging scores, suggesting a potential to stimulate an effective chondrocyte response to maintain the collagenous matrix. In cell culture studies, FORTIGEL® has been found to induce the synthesis of aggrecan (an important component in cartilage) and type II collagen, which plays a key role in cartilage elasticity, and support tendon and ligament matrix molecules. At Penn State University, 147 athletes were qualified to take FORTIGEL® for 24 weeks. The results of the study found FORTIGEL® to support normal joint mobility and joint health. A 2021 clinical study of 180 young adults supplemented with 5 g of BCPs over 12 weeks and found a significant reduction in joint pain from exercise. Finally, a clinical trial on 160 subjects established an effective dose of 5 g for joint health support.
Hyaluronic Acid Extract
Mobilee® is a patented rooster comb extract rich in high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA), which is responsible for the viscoelastic, lubricating properties of synovial fluid. This extract also contains collagen and other glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Hyaluronic acid also plays a role in the biophysical,
biochemical and cell regulation processes in joint synovial tissues. Scientific evidence shows Mobilee® supports chrondrocytes and synovial cell function, and is two to four times more active than regular HA in supporting synovial fluid health. The latest clinical research includes HA in proactive and maintenance approaches to joint care and supports normal range-of-motion. Research suggests Mobilee® supports the quality of synovial fluid by positively influencing synovial HA concentration, and by reducing the expression of degradative factors in synovial fluid.
Type I Collagen and Mucopolysaccharides
Tendoactive® is a combination of type I collagen and mucopolysaccharides. Adult tendons, ligaments and fascial tissue are comprised mainly of type I collagen molecules organized into structural units. The molecular structure and organization of tendon, ligament and fascial collagen fibrils are key determinants in the ability of these tissues to endure mechanical force and fuel self-repair. While collagen provides much of tendon/ligament structure and strength, mucopolysaccharides are the “glue” that holds them together and allows them to stretch, flex, bend and maintain their resilience. Mucopolysaccharides are a critical component of extracellular matrix and are important in maintaining structural integrity, lubrication and spacing of collagen fibers. Furthermore, mucopolysaccharides have been shown to increase collagen and non-collagenous protein synthesis in cultures of bovine tenocytes and ligament cell. Tendoactive® has been shown to be effective in studies done on the medial and lateral epicondyle tendons, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia.
References
- Oesser S, Adam M, Babel W, Seifert J: Oral administration of 1 4C labelled gelatin hydrolysate leads to an accumulation of radioactivity in cartilage of mice (C57/BL). Journal of Nutrition, 129 (1999), 1891 – 1895 12).
- Oesser S, Seifert J: Stimulation of type II collagen biosynthesis and secretion in bovine chondrocytes cultured with degraded collagen. Cell Tissue Res 311 (2003), 393 – 399.
- Moskowitz RW: Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. Vol.30, No. 2 (October 2000), 87 – 99 18).
- Zuckley L, Angelopoulou K, Carpenter MR: Collagen hydrolysate improves joint function in adults with mild symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2004, 36 (Supplement), 153 – 15.
- Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, Aukermann DF, Meza F, Millard RL, Deitch JR, Sherbondy PS, Albert A: Long-term use of collagen hydrolysate as a nutritional supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008 May;24(5):1485-96.
- McAlindon TE, Nuite M, Krishnan N, Ruthazer R, et al. Changes in knee osteoarthritis cartilage detected by delayed gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging following treatment with collagen hydrolysate: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 19 (2011) 399e405.
- Schunk M and Oesser S. Specific collagen peptides benefit the biosynthesis of matrix molecules of tendons and ligaments. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013; 10.
- Zdzieblik, D.; Brame, J.; Oesser, S.; Gollhofer, A.; König, D. The Influence of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides on Knee Joint Discomfort in Young Physically Active Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2021, 13, 523.
- Torrent A, Ruhí R, Theodosakis J, et al. Comparative efficacy of IB0004, extracted hyaluronic acid (HA) and fermented HA on the synthesis of endogenous HA by human synoviocytes. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2009;17(Suppl 1):S278-79. – 10x HA secretion.
- Torrent A, Ruhí R, Martínez C, et al. Anti-inflammatoryactivity and absorption of a natural rooster comb extract. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2010 Oct;18(Suppl 2):S246-
- doi:10.1016/S1063-4584(10)60577-8. – reduction of inflammation.
- Möller I, Martinez-Puig D, Chetrit C. Oral administration of a natural extract rich in hyaluronic acid for the treatment of knee OA with synovitis: a retrospective cohort study. Clinical Nutrition Supplements 2009;4(2):171-172.
- Martinez-Puig D, Möller I, Fernández C, Chetrit C. Efficacy of oral administration of yoghurt supplemented with a preparation containing hyaluronic acid (Mobilee™) in adults with mild joint discomfort: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled intervention study. Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism 2013;6:63–68.
- Sánchez J, Bonet ML, Keijer J, v an Schothorst EM, Mölller I, Chetrit C, Martinez-Puig D, Palou A. Blood cells transcriptomics as source of potential biomarkers of articular health improvement: effects of oral intake of a rooster combs extract rich in hyaluronic acid. Genes & Nutrition 2014; 9: 417.
- Shakibaei M, Buhrmann C, Mobasheri A. Anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic effects of TENDOACTIVE® on human tenocytes in vitro. Histol Histopathol. 2011 Sep;26(9):1173-85. [PMID: 21751149].
- Lippiello L. Collagen synthesis in tenocytes, ligament cells and chondrocytes exposed to a combination of glucosamine HCl and chondroitin sulfate. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2007 Jun;4(2):219-24. [PMID: 1754923.
- Nadal et al. Effectiveness of treatment of tendinitis and plantar fascitis by Tendoactive®. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 2009; 17(1):S253.
- Arquer et al. The efficacy and safety of oral mucopolysaccharide, type I collagen and vitamin C treatment in tendinopathy patients Apunts Med Esport. 2014;49:31-6.
- Balius et al. A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of A Dietary Supplement Containing Mucopolysaccharides, Collagen Type I and Vitamin C for Management of Different Tendinopathies Ann Theum Dis. 2014;73, Suppl. 2:299-300.
- Proksch E, Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):113-9. doi: 10.1159/000355523.
Warnings
Always be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new nutritional supplement when pregnant or nursing. For children, we recommend speaking with your child's pediatrician regarding proper dosing. Store away from children.
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