Hydrolyzed Collagen Supplements

Generality

Generally, hydrolyzed collagen refers to collagen that has been enzymatically or chemically processed to obtain smaller fragments. This characteristic allows to obtain more advantageous products from the pharmacokinetic point of view, since they are characterized by easier digestion and solubility in water.
According to some authors, the peptides contained in hydrolyzed collagen, rich in amino acids such as glycine, L-proline and L hydroxyproline, could assist fibroblasts in the synthesis of endogenous collagen.

Indications

Why is hydrolyzed collagen used? What is it for?

The main field of application of hydrolyzed collagen is orthopedic.
According to various authors, in fact, hydrolyzed collagen - especially if taken together with other molecules, such as Glucosamine or Chondroitin sulphate - could have an "anti-arthritic activity, which is valuable in the course of inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Hydrolyzed collagen could provide the substrates necessary for the synthesis of new collagen, safeguarding the functional and structural integrity of the joint.
However, the very slow absorption kinetics and the impossibility of specifically directing the amino acids derived from the digestion of hydrolyzed collagen towards the synthesis of new collagen, would greatly reduce its real effectiveness.
The supposed antiaging activities are still to be clarified.

X115® | Hydrolyzed Collagen | Skin, Joints

Hydrolyzed Collagen Supplement, for Skin Beauty and Joint Wellbeing.

With Hyaluronic Acid, Echinacea, Centella, Resveratrol, Q10, Lipoic Acid and Pomegranate, Olive and Cocoa Extracts.

Its Double Day & Night Formula with a high concentration of active ingredients stimulates the synthesis of collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin, and prevents their degradation by strengthening the skin's antioxidant defenses.

Properties and Effectiveness

What benefits has hydrolyzed collagen shown during the studies?

Preliminary evidence suggests the effectiveness of hydrolyzed collagen in preventing aging and joint degeneration.
More precisely, a very recent clinical trial would have demonstrated the usefulness of hydrolyzed collagen - taken for 24 weeks in doses of 10 g daily - in reducing joint pain in athletes subjected to intense training.
Studies, this time experimental, would instead support the efficacy of hydrolyzed collagen in reducing the histological and functional damage of ethanol on the gastric mucosa.

Dosage and method of use

How to use hydrolyzed collagen

Classically, hydrolyzed collagen is found in the form of a powder, which can be taken as it is or in association with other molecules, such as glucosamine or chondroitin sulphate.
As for the maintenance of good joint health, currently published studies suggest doses of hydrolyzed collagen between 7 and 10 g per day.
Despite the lack of significant scientific evidence, hydrolyzed collagen is now used, with conflicting opinions, in the anti-aging and cosmetology fields, as a remedy capable of preserving the functional and structural integrity of the dermis. In this sector, the use of hydrolyzed collagen mostly refers to the topical or oral intake, combined with antioxidants such as vitamin C, other amino acids such as arginine, hydroxyproline or ornithine or biologically active molecules such as Centella asiatica. One of the best-selling supplements based on hydrolyzed collagen is the X115 + Plus New Generation Skin Care supplement.

Certainly less important, given the low biological value of this protein, is the use of hydrolyzed collagen supplements as a protein nutritional supplement.

Side effects

Apart from rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions, the use of hydrolyzed collagen has generally been shown to be safe and free from clinically relevant side effects.
The animal origin of collagen, however, raises many doubts about its healthiness, in particular as regards the transmission of TSE-BSE (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, among which mad cow disease stands out for its notoriety).
In theory, the processes of heating, filtering and alkalizing animal remains should be effective in eliminating, or at least reducing, the levels of infectious agents (prions) that transmit TSEs.
For this reason, in general, it is preferred to give space to collagen of fish origin (marine collagen), for which the aforementioned risk is absent.

Contraindications

When should hydrolyzed collagen not be used?

The use of hydrolyzed collagen is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient.

Pharmacological interactions

What drugs or foods can modify the effect of hydrolyzed collagen?

The only pharmacological interaction of hydrolyzed collagen currently characterized, and worthy of note, would be that with Calcitonin.

In particular, the association with hydrolyzed collagen would be responsible for a potentially therapeutic effect of this hormone in the course of osteoporosis.

Precautions for use

What do you need to know before taking hydrolyzed collagen?

The use of hydrolyzed collagen supplements should be avoided, given the lack of studies, during pregnancy and in the subsequent breastfeeding period.
The same precautions should be taken in case of renal insufficiency or severe kidney disease.
It is also recommended to carefully evaluate the origin of hydrolyzed collagen extraction, avoiding supplements derived from parts of the bovine nervous system, potentially at risk of infectious diseases.
On the other hand, hydrolyzed collagen extracted from bovine skin and bones is safer from a microbiological point of view.