What are healthy agers looking for

In the previous blog we talked about different needs among different senior generations, it presents an opportunity but at the same time challenge to the supplement manufacturers. What are the ingredients they should use to formulate supplements that can be positioned for these different needs? As a health ingredient supplier we want to respond to this trend by offering a one-stop shop nutritional solution that can address multiple needs experienced by consumers. Collagen peptides, such as Peptan, present answers in this context. 

For the younger seniors, Peptan can support their skin beauty. As demonstrated in double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials on Asian and Caucasian women with different skin types, backed by further ex vivo studies on skin tissue. The clinical research showed highly important skin anti-aging benefits: Peptan significantly decreased the fragmentation of collagen in the deep layer of the dermis by -18% after 4 weeks and as much as -31% after 12 weeks of intake. Peptan also significantly increased the density of collagen in the dermis by + 9 % after 4 weeks of intake. Skin hydration increased by an impressive 28%, counteracting the appearance of the dry skin that typically occurs through aging. The ex vivo studies demonstrated Peptan’s anti-aging effects from a mechanistic point of view with key findings including the positive impact of Peptan on the skin cell’s (fibroblast’s) ability to produce collagen fibers and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as the moisture-trapping hyaluronic acid. Peptan has the unique benefit that it simultaneously supports all the connective tissues by stimulating local cells in the target tissues to produce more collagen and other key matrix components. This means it offers a holistic approach to supporting the musculoskeletal system. The science behind this is exciting and we find that particularly consumers looking for clean label health products with a simple ingredient list are very drawn to it.

For older seniors who are looking to promote their overall mobility, Peptan is the ingredient of choice for supporting the musculoskeletal system. Highly bioavailable, more than 90% of Peptan is digested and available as small peptides in the blood stream within one hour.1

A 2017 published study carried out in collaboration with leading scientists at the University of Rochester, NY have demonstrated the mechanism of how Peptan collagen peptides promote joint health. Peptan’s cartilage-regeneration capacity was clearly shown in the in vivo studies. In the study carried out in an animal model of induced osteoarthritis, Peptan supplementation could help preserve the cartilage area during osteoarthritis development and aid regeneration through stimulating chondrocyte cells and proteoglycan synthesis. The study also showed that Peptan can be effective in reducing inflammation, by normalizing synovial thickness and reducing the production of the inflammatory marker Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF).2

These results can explain the relief of joint discomfort observed in previous clinical trials.  During the double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 94 women with knee joint problems, were randomly assigned to take either 8g of Peptan or a placebo per day. The Peptan treatment resulted in a significant decrease of the WOMAC score, with subjects recording subscale scores corresponding to an improvement of 37% in joint pain, 44% in stiffness and 22% in joint function.3

Vital to the functioning of a body, bones enable mobility and act as a mineral storage. Maintaining healthy bones is key to keeping active throughout every stage of life. Making up 80% of the total protein content of bones, collagen provides the structural framework for calcium and other minerals to attach to, acting as an essential component to giving bones their strength and at the same time flexible enough to withstand stress. By supplementing a balanced diet with collagen peptides it can provide valuable building blocks to support healthy and strong bones, as shown in in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials.  Collagen peptides can stimulate the endogenous production of collagen in bone tissue, triggering osteoblasts (bone formation cells) and increasing bone size and firmness. A recently published review of current science also confirms the benefits of Peptan for supporting bone health.4,5,6,7

As bioactive protein, collagen peptides can help maintain nitrogen balance and preserve lean body mass.8

To further support the finished product’s positioning towards different senior segments, supplement manufacturers can also consider blending Peptan with other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. There are studies published suggesting that combining collagen and calcium can create a synergistic effect on bone mineral density.9 Blending with other ingredients such as vitamin C for skin beauty, probiotics for digestive health, creatine for additional boost for muscle strength. Peptan is natural, clean label and neutral in taste and odor making it the perfect nutritional ingredient for healthy aging formulation. 

References:

1. Rousselot unpublished data, 2007

2. Dar, Q. et al., 2017. Daily oral consumption of hydrolyzed type 1 collagen is chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory in murine posttraumatic osteoarthritis. PLoS ONE 12(4):e0174705

3. Jiang J.X. et al., 2014, Collagen peptides improve knee osteoarthritis in elderly women: A 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Agro FOOD Industry Hi Tech 25: 19-23

4. Guillerminet, F. et al., 2010, Hydrolyzed collagen improves bone metabolism and biomechanical parameters in ovariectomized mice: An in vitro and in vivo study. Bone, 46: 827-834

5. Guillerminet, F. et al., 2012, Hydrolyzed collagen improves bone status and prevents bone loss in ovariectomized C3H/HeN mice. Osteoporosis International, 23(7):1909-1919

6. Daneault, A. et al., 2014, Hydrolyzed collagen contributes to osteoblast differentiation in vitro and subsequent bone health in vivo. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 22: S131

7. Daneault, A. et al., 2017. Biological effect of hydrolyzed collagen on bone metabolism. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(9):1922-1937

8. Hays N.P. et al., 2009, Effects of whey and fortified collagen hydrolysate protein supplements on nitrogen balance and body composition in older women. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 109:1082-1087.

9. Liu, J., Wang, Y., Song, S., Wang, X., Qin, Y., Si, S., & Guo, Y. (2015). Combined Oral Administration of Bovine Collagen Peptides with Calcium Citrate Inhibits Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Rats. Plos One, 10(8). 

10. EFSA regulation 1924/2006, 2012

DISCLAIMER:
Rousselot makes no representation or warranty, whether expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect, for any information. Use of this information shall be at your discretion and risk. Nothing herein relieves you from carrying out your own suitability determinations and tests and from your obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations and to observe all third-party rights. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.