Hydrolyzed collagen: Exploring its applications in the food and beverage industries and assessing its impact on human health - A comprehensive review.

Hydrolyzed collagen (HC) consists of many small and low-molecular-weight amino acid chains (3-6 kDa) that can be produced either in basic or acidic media through enzymatic activity. This review details the sources of hydrolyzed collagen, its biosynthesis and its uses in the food industry, as well as its production process and beneficial health effects. HC can be extracted from a variety of sources, during which acetic acid is used for the extraction of collagen type I from bovine, porcine, marine, chicken, and fish cartilage. An enzymatic treatment combined with an acidic treatment has shown more efficient extraction results. Because of its properties, it is frequently employed in the food industry since it improves sensorial qualities, as well as in the cosmetic industry as a functional component in face and body cream because of its moisturizing properties. It is also used in the pharmaceutical development of antioxidant supplements often combined with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. HC has an excellent therapeutic effect on osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, where a daily dose of 12 g enhances pain symptoms and contributes to bone health. It also increases mineral density and protects articular cartilage. This review presents the structure and properties of hydrolyzed collagen, which mainly consists of the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline in a triple helix, its extraction process and its sources, as well as its applications. In particular, the creation of Enzymatic Membrane Reactor allows the production of HC with different molecular weight distributions, allowing wider application.

The Efficacy and Safety of CollaSel Pro® Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptide Supplementation without Addons in Improving Skin Health in Adult Females: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study Using Biophysical and Skin Imaging Techniques.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral hydrolyzed collagen peptide (HCP) in healthy females by assessing the skin parameters via biophysical and skin imaging techniques. Methods: 112 females were randomly assigned to receive either HCP (n = 57; 10 g CollaSel Pro®) or placebo (n = 55; 10 g maltodextrin) daily for eight weeks. The contribution of HCP to skin elasticity, hydration, and roughness was investigated against a placebo, while the facial soft tissue sagging (RMS) and safety data were also recorded. Results: HCP was associated with significant improvements in skin elasticity (p = 0.009), skin hydration (p ranged from 0.003 to <0.001), and skin roughness (p ranged from 0.002 to <0.001). In the HCP vs. the placebo group, week eight values for skin elasticity (43.0 (7.4) vs. 40.3 (3.3) mPa, p = 0.017), skin hydration (65.8 (18.9) vs. 53.1 (14.9) g/m3, p < 0.001) and skin roughness (40.2 (20.4) vs. 24.9 (20.9) g/m3, p < 0.001) were significantly higher. In the HCP group, week 8 RMS values were significantly lower than baseline values (1.02 (0.21) vs. 1.10 (0.21) mm, p = 0.012). Conclusions: CollaSel Pro® HCP can be considered a well-tolerated, safe product that effectively improves dermal health and the appearance of sagging and ameliorates the signs of the aging process.

Antioxidant and Anti-Atherosclerosis Activities of Hydrolyzed Jellyfish Collagen and Its Conjugate with Black Jelly Mushroom Extract.

Atherosclerosis, a noncommunicable disease caused by cholesterol plaque, can cause chronic diseases. The antiplatelet medicines used in its treatment can cause complications. Marine collagen peptides can be used as a natural atherosclerosis remedy. The present study investigated the preparation and characterization of hydrolyzed collagen (HC) from jellyfish and its conjugation with black jelly mushroom extract (BJME). Their cytotoxicity and ability to prevent cholesterol-induced endothelial cell injury were also examined. HC was prepared using Alcalase or papain hydrolysis (0.2-0.4 units/g of dry matter (DM)). Higher yield, degree of hydrolysis, and antioxidant activities (AAs) were found in the HC obtained from Alcalase, especially at 0.4 units/g DM (A-0.4), compared to other processes (p < 0.05). Thus, A-0.4 was further conjugated with BJME (1-4%, w/w of HC). The HC-2%BJME conjugate showed the highest surface hydrophobicity and AAs compared to other samples. The FTIR spectra and size distribution also confirmed the conjugation between HC and BJME. When EA.hy926 endothelial cells were treated with HC or HC-2%BJME (25-1000 µg/mL), HC-2%BJME had no cytotoxicity, whereas HC at 1000 µg/mL induced cytotoxicity (p < 0.05). Both samples also exhibited protective ability against cholesterol-induced apoptosis and VE-cadherin downregulation of cells. Therefore, HC and conjugate could be natural agents for preventing atherosclerosis.

Multilayered collagen-lipid hybrid nanovesicles for retinol stabilization and efficient skin delivery.

Lipid-based nanocarriers have been extensively utilized for the solubilization and cutaneous delivery of water-insoluble active ingredients in skincare formulations. However, their practical application is often limited by structural instability, leading to premature release and degradation of actives. Here we present highly robust multilamellar nanovesicles, prepared by the polyionic self-assembly of unilamellar vesicles with hydrolyzed collagen peptides, to stabilize all-trans-retinol and enhance its cutaneous delivery. Our results reveal that the reinforced multilayer structure substantially enhances dispersion stability under extremely harsh conditions, like freeze-thaw cycles, and stabilizes the encapsulated retinol. Interestingly, these multilamellar vesicles exhibit significantly lower cytotoxicity to human dermal fibroblasts than their unilamellar counterparts, likely due to their smaller particle number per weight, minimizing potential disruptions to cellular membranes. In artificial skin models, retinol-loaded multilamellar vesicles effectively upregulate collagen-related gene expression while suppressing the synthesis of metalloproteinases. These findings suggest that the robust multilamellar vesicles can serve as effective nanocarriers for the efficient delivery and stabilization of bioactive compounds in cutaneous applications.

Retrospective Cohort Analysis on the Use of Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder in Back Reconstruction Following Spinal Instrumentation.

Background: Nearly half a million interbody fusions are estimated to be performed in the US each year, many of which involve complex reconstruction. The ability to limit seroma formation is vital to a seamless postoperative recovery. Methods: A retrospective review was performed for patients undergoing fusion procedures along with flap reconstruction over a period of 20 months. Cohorts reflect a temporal practice shift where use of hydrolyzed collagen powder (HCP) was initiated for hypothesized seroma prevention. Outcomes and associated metrics were used for intergroup comparison. Results: The study included 76 patients, of whom 47 were treated with HCP and 29 were not. Control patients had significantly fewer postoperative seromas than experimental ones (6.9% vs 27.7%; P = .03). The cohorts had no significant differences in time until final drain removal or in number of spinal levels involved (7.8 vs 7.1 days; P = .33, 8.5 vs 8.4 levels; P = .90). Rates of wound dehiscence, hematoma, or infection did not differ significantly between control and experimental patients (3.4% vs 12.8%, P = .17; 0% vs 0%; and 6.9% vs 10.6%, P = .58, respectively). Conclusions: The use of HCP led to a 4-fold increase in postoperative seromas in patients undergoing spinal fusion with flap reconstruction. This was regardless of all analyzed demographic and procedural factors, with the exception of age, whereby control patients were found to be on average slightly younger than experimental counterparts.

Effects of Hydrolyzed Collagen as a Dietary Supplement on Fibroblast Activation: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to conduct a systematic review of the effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on the proliferation and activation of fibroblasts. METHODS: The search was conducted for journals that published articles in the English language, peer-reviewed, meeting the following criteria: (a) randomized clinical trials, (b) randomized studies in animals or humans, (c) in vitro studies, (d) studies using hydrolyzed collagens or collagen peptides, and (e) studies assessing alterations on fibroblasts as the primary or secondary outcome. We utilized the main journal databases PubMed/Web of Science and ongoing reviews by PROSPERO. For bias risk and methodological quality, we used an adaptation of the Downs and Black checklist. Our review followed the PRISMA checklist, conducted from February 2024 to the first week of March 2024, by two independent researchers (P.A.Q.I. and R.P.V.). RESULTS: Eleven studies were included in this review, where our findings reinforce the notion that hydrolyzed collagens or collagen peptides at concentrations of 50-500 µg/mL are sufficient to stimulate fibroblasts in human and animal tissues without inducing toxicity. Different enzymatic processes may confer distinct biological properties to collagens, allowing for scenarios favoring fibroblast promotion or antioxidant effects. Lastly, collagens with lower molecular weights exhibit greater bioavailability to adjacent tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrolyzed collagens or collagen peptides with molecular sizes ranging from <3 to 3000 KDa promote the stimulation of fibroblasts in human tissues.

The Combined Anti-Aging Effect of Hydrolyzed Collagen Oligopeptides and Exosomes Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Human Skin Fibroblasts.

Stem cell-derived exosomes (SC-Exos) are used as a source of regenerative medicine, but certain limitations hinder their uses. The effect of hydrolyzed collagen oligopeptides (HCOPs), a functional ingredient of SC-Exos is not widely known to the general public. We herein evaluated the combined anti-aging effects of HCOPs and exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HucMSC-Exos) using a senescence model established on human skin fibroblasts (HSFs). This study discovered that cells treated with HucMSC-Exos + HCOPs enhanced their proliferative and migratory capabilities; reduced both reactive oxygen species production and senescence-associated ß-galactosidase activity; augmented type I and type III collagen expression; attenuated the expression of matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α); and decreased the expression of p16, p21, and p53 as compared with the cells treated with HucMSC-Exos or HCOPs alone. These results suggest a possible strategy for enhancing the skin anti-aging ability of HucMSC-Exos with HCOPs.

Formulative Study and Characterization of Novel Biomaterials Based on Chitosan/Hydrolyzed Collagen Films.

To date, the need for biomaterials capable of improving the treatment of chronic skin wounds remains a clinical challenge. The aim of the present work is to formulate and characterize chitosan (Cs)/hydrolyzed collagen (HC) films as potential biomaterials with improved mechanical and hydration performances compared to single component formulations. Films were made by the solvent casting method, with or without glycerin and/or PEG1500 as plasticizers, resulting in a total of eight formulations. All films were characterized by their physico-chemical characteristics and their mechanical and hydration features. A full factorial design was also used to statistically assess the effect of HC concentration, type and concentration of plasticizers and their possible interactions on mechanical and swelling behaviors. Solid state characterization confirmed the hybrid nature of the films, with suggested electrostatic interactions between Cs and HC. Mechanical and swelling properties, along with the analysis of the experimental design, allowed the identification of formulations containing high HC concentration (2% w/v) and glycerin or glycerin/PEG1500 as more suitable candidates for skin wound treatment. Finally, viability assay of immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) showed no statistical differences in cell survival compared to the complete culture medium, suggesting their potential as a promising tool for biomedical applications.

Collagen study advances for photoaging skin.

BACKGROUND: Collagen dominates the skin's extracellular matrix (ECM). Type I collagen comprises 80%-90% of the skin's collagen, followed by type III (8%-12%) and type V (5%). Reactive oxygen species, matrix metalloproteinases, and collagen degradation all increase during photoaging, which disrupts the ECM's dynamic balance and lowers the amount of total collagen in the body. In recent years, domestic and foreign researchers have conducted multidimensional and multifaceted studies on collagen and skin photoaging. Collagen and the peptides that are derivates of it are currently being used more and more in biomedicine and medical esthetics. OBJECTIVE: Offering new suggestions for both the avoidance and remedy of photoaging. METHODS: This article reviews collagen and its potential connection to skin photoaging, illustrates the effects of collagen and peptide supplementation derivatives on photoaged skin, and briefly describes other compounds that can also be used to fight photoaging by increasing collagen synthesis in the skin. RESULT: Both internal and external aging are inevitable, and as the main component of extracellular matrix, collagen plays a variety of functions in maintaining skin structure and fighting skin aging, and its role in photoaging is undeniable. Ultraviolet radiation can induce increased fragmentation and degradation of cutaneous collagen, while conversely, supplementation with collagen can effectively counteract photodamage-induced skin impairment. CONCLUSION: Collagen and its derived peptides are indispensable in photoaging skin, holding promising prospects for applications in skin aging.

Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder Dressing Improves Wound Inflammation, Perfusion, and Breaking Strength of Repaired Tissue.

Objective: Hydrolyzed collagen-based matrices are widely used as wound care dressings. Information on the mechanism of action of such dressings is scanty. The objective of this study was to test the effect of a specific hydrolyzed collagen powder (HCP), which is extensively used for wound care management in the United States. Approach: The effects of HCP on resolution of wound inflammation, perfusion, closure, and breaking strength of the repaired skin were studied in an experimental murine model. Results: In early (day 7) inflammatory phase of wound macrophages, HCP treatment boosted phagocytosis and efferocytosis of wound-site macrophages. In these cells, inducible reactive oxygen species were also higher on day (d) 7. HCP treatment potentiated the expression of anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 cytokine and proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production. Excisional wounds dressed with HCP showed complete closure on day 21, while the control wounds remained open. HCP treatment also demonstrated improved quality of wound healing as marked by the improved breaking strength of the closed wound tissue/repaired skin. Innovation: These data represent first evidence on the mechanism of action of clinically used HCP. Conclusion: HCP dressing favorably influenced both wound inflammation and vascularization. Improved breaking strength of HCP-treated repaired skin lays the rationale for future studies testing the hypothesis that HCP-treated closed wounds would show fewer recurrences.

Effects of hydrolyzed collagen alone or in combination with fish oil on the gut microbiome in patients with major burns.

Burns are associated with gut dysbiosis. Collagen peptides and omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) are suggested to improve wound healing and the inflammatory response. These are also correlated with microbiome colonization. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of hydrolyzed collagen alone or in combination with fish oil on specific species of the gut microbiome in patients with major burns. In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, 57 adults (aged 18-60 years) with 20-45% total body surface area burns were randomised into three groups to receive either 40 gr hydrolyzed collagen +10 ml sunflower oil, 40 g hydrolyzed collagen +10 ml fish oil or placebo, divided into two daily drinks, for two weeks. Gut bacteria were measured using the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. The mean concentration of Bifidobacterium was significantly reduced in the control (P = 0.002) and collagen (P = 0.005) groups compared with the baseline values, whereas no significant change was observed in the collagen omega-3 group. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio decreased significantly in the collagen group (p = 0.002) after supplementation compared to baseline . No significant changes in concentration of Lactobacillus, Enterobacteriaceae, and F.prausnitzii were observed between or within the study groups. Two weeks of supplementation with collagen and omega-3 FAs in patients with major burns did not result in a significant difference in the concentration of bacteria measured between the study groups. However, the addition of omega-3 FAs prevented a significant reduction in gut Bifidobacterium. Future studies are suggested to investigate the potential efficacy of these nutrients in improving the gut microbiota and clinical outcomes in major burns. REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20131125015536N9.

Green Extraction and Preliminary Biological Activity of Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides (HCPs) Obtained from Whole Undersized Unwanted Catches (Mugil cephalus L.).

Considering the global increase in fish consumption, the growing side-streams coming from the fish supply chain (e.g., skin, fins, tail, heads…), also including undersized or "unwanted catches", have been recently proposed as source of high-value bioactive compounds (e.g., peptides and fatty acids). In this case study, hydrolyzed collagen peptides (HCPs) were extracted from different parts of Mugil cephalus L. using environmentally friendly techniques such as ultrasounds and enzymatic treatments. Both a mixed biomass derived from the skin, fins, and tail, and a whole fish, were considered as starting biomass, simulating the unsorted processing side-streams and an undersized/unwanted catch, respectively. The extracted HCPs were purified in fractions (<3 KDa and >3 KDa) whose yields (about 5% and 0.04-0.3%, respectively) demonstrated the efficiency of the hydrolysis process. The extraction protocol proposed allowed us to also isolate the intermediate products, namely the lipids (about 8-10%) and the non-collagenous proteins (NCs, 16-23%), whose exploitation could be considered. Each sample was characterized using Sircol, UltraViolet-Spectra, and hydroxyproline assay, and the viability of their collagen fractions was tested on human endothelial cells. Significant effects were obtained at a fraction of <3 KDa, in particular at a concentration of 0.13 µg/mL. The T-scratch test was also performed, with positive results in all fractions tested.

The JUMPFOOD study: additional effect of hydrolyzed collagen and vitamin C to exercise treatment for patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee) in athletes-study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is a common problem in jumping athletes. Management can be challenging and treatment outcome is not always successful. In combination with tendon loading exercises, hydrolyzed collagen/vitamin C supplementation appears to have a promising effect on the recovery of tendinopathy. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the use of oral supplementation of hydrolyzed collagen and vitamin C in combination with progressive tendon loading exercises (PTLE) is superior to PTLE and placebo on VISA-P score (which rates pain, function, sports participation) after 24 weeks for athletes with PT. METHODS: The JUMPFOOD study is a double-blinded, two-armed randomized controlled trial, in which the effectiveness of oral supplementation of hydrolyzed collagen/vitamin C combined with PTLE compared to PTLE with placebo on pain and recovery of function in athletes with PT will be investigated. Seventy-six athletes aged 16-40 years, with symptoms of PT for at least 12 weeks, who play sports at least once a week will be included. All participants will receive education, advice with regard to load management and a PTLE program according to the Dutch guidelines for anterior knee pain. In addition, the intervention group will receive daily 10 g hydrolyzed collagen and 40 mg vitamin C supplementation for 24 weeks whereas the control group receives 10 g maltodextrin placebo supplementation. Measurements will take place at baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks' follow-up. Primary outcome is the VISA-P score, which evaluates pain, function, and sports participation. For secondary outcome measures, data with regard to pain during functional tests, flexibility measurements, blood withdrawals, imaging characteristics of the tendon, and health questionnaires will be collected. During the follow-up period, participants will register sports participation, amount of training and tendon load, pain during sports, co-medication, and side-effects in a digital weekly diary. DISCUSSION: The JUMPFOOD study is the first large RCT to study the effectiveness of hydrolyzed collagen/vitamin C supplementation in combination with the PTLE program in athletes with patellar tendinopathy. If supplementation of collagen/vitamin C appears to be effective, this treatment can be implemented in daily sports medicine practice to improve the treatment outcome of patients with PT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05407194. Registered on 7 June 2022.

Hydrolyzed Collagen Tripeptide Promotes Longitudinal Bone Growth in Childhood Rats via Increases in Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Bone Morphogenetic Proteins.

Previous studies have reported that collagen tripeptide (CTP) derived from collagen hydrolysate has various beneficial effects on health by protecting against skin aging and improving bone formation and cartilage regeneration. Collagen-Tripep20TM (CTP20), which is a low-molecular-weight CTP derived from fish skin, contains a bioactive CTP, Gly-Pro-Hyp >3.2% with a tripeptide content >20%. Herein, we investigated the osteogenic effects and mechanisms of CTP20 (<500 Da) on MG-63 osteoblast-like cells and SW1353 chondrocytes. And we measured promoting ratio of the longitudinal bone growth in childhood rats. First, CTP20 at 100 µg/mL elevated the proliferation (15.0% and 28.2%), alkaline phosphatase activity (29.3% and 32.0%), collagen synthesis (1.25- and 1.14-fold), and calcium deposition (1.18- and 1.15-fold) in MG-63 cells and SW1353, respectively. In addition, we found that CTP20 could promote the longitudinal growth and height of the growth plate of the tibia in childhood rats. CTP20 enhanced the protein expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in MG-63 and SW1353 cells, and in the growth plate of childhood rats, along with Janus Kinase 2, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 activation in MG-63 and SW1353 cells. CTP20 also elevated the expression levels of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in MG-63 and SW1353 cells and in the growth plates of childhood rats. These results indicate that CTP20 may promote the endochondral ossification and longitudinal bone growth, through enhancing of IGF-1 and BMPs. (Clinical Trial Registration number: smecae 19-09-01).

Production and Partial Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Underutilized Marine Bioresources for a Cosmetic Formulation: Cytotoxicity and Bioactivity Evaluation.

Hydrolyzed collagen, glycogen, and hyaluronic acid, obtained through the biotechnological valorization of underutilized marine bioresources, fulfill cosmetic industry requirements for sustainable products produced under circular economy principles. Hydrolyzed collagen was obtained by hydrolyzing blue shark collagen with papain and ultrafiltration. Glycogen was isolated from industrial mussel cooking wastewaters through ultrafiltration, precipitation, and selective polysaccharide separation. Hyaluronic acid was produced by fermentation, purification, and depolymerization. The main objective was to test the feasibility of including these three biomolecules in a cosmetic formulation as bioactive compounds. For this, the in vitro irritant potential of the three ingredients and also that of the cosmetic formulation was assayed according to the Reconstituted Human Epithelium Test method OECD 439. Moreover, an in vitro assessment of the effect of hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronic acid combinations on mRNA expression and collagen type I synthesis was evaluated in adult human fibroblasts. This study establishes, for the first time, the potential use of particular hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronic acid combinations as stimulators of collagen I synthesis in fibroblast cultures. Besides, it provide safety information regarding potential use of those biomolecules in the formulation of a cosmetic preparation positively concluding that both, ingredients and cosmetic preparation, resulted not irritant for skin following an international validated reference method.

Subacromial injection of hydrolyzed collagen in the symptomatic treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy: an observational multicentric prospective study on 71 patients.

Background: The purpose of the present observational multicentric prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new infiltration device (CHondroGrid, Bioteck S.p.A, Arcugnano, Italy) based on hydrolyzed collagen in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy. Methods: Seventy-one patients (53.3 ± 11.6 years old) affected by rotator cuff tendinopathy were treated in 2021 with two subacromial injections of CHondroGrid at 13 ± 2.9 days apart. The outcomes measured were the visual analog scale (VAS) score (in movement, during the night, and at rest), the Constant Score, the Simple Shoulder Test, and patient satisfaction. The outcome variables were measured before each injection, at 1 month and at 6 months after the last injection. Results: The treatment was significantly effective from the first injection and up to the six-month follow-up. At the last follow-up, the VAS score on movement had improved by 71% (P < .001), while the VAS score at rest and during the night had ameliorated by 91% and 87%, respectively (P < .001). The Constant Score and Simple Shoulder Test improved by 32% and 61%, respectively (P < .001). No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: CHondroGrid resulted in a safe and effective treatment in pain relief and for the functional recovery of rotator cuff tendinopathy.

In Vivo Acute Toxicity and Immunomodulation Assessment of a Novel Nutraceutical in Mice.

Achieving and maintaining a well-balanced immune system has righteously become an insightful task for the general population and an even more fundamental goal for those affected by immune-related diseases. Since our immune functions are indispensable in defending the body against pathogens, diseases and other external attacks, while playing a vital role in maintaining health and modulating the immune response, we require an on-point grasp of their shortcoming as a foundation for the development of functional foods and novel nutraceuticals. Seeing that immunoceuticals are considered effective in improving immune functions and reducing the incidence of immunological disorders, the main focus of this study was to assess the immunomodulatory properties and possible acute toxicity of a novel nutraceutical with active substances of natural origin on C57BL/6 mice for 21 days. We evaluated the potential hazards (microbial contamination and heavy metals) of the novel nutraceutical and addressed the acute toxicity according to OECD guidelines of a 2000 mg/kg dose on mice for 21 days. The immunomodulatory effect was assessed at three concentrations (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) by determining body and organ indexes through a leukocyte analysis; flow cytometry immunophenotyping of lymphocytes populations and their subpopulations (T lymphocytes (LyCD3+), cytotoxic suppressor T lymphocytes (CD3+CD8+), helper T lymphocytes (CD3+CD4+), B lymphocytes (CD3-CD19+) and NK cells (CD3-NK1.1.+); and the expression of the CD69 activation marker. The results obtained for the novel nutraceutical referred to as ImunoBoost indicated no acute toxicity, an increased number of lymphocytes and the stimulation of lymphocyte activation and proliferation, demonstrating its immunomodulatory effect. The safe human consumption dose was established at 30 mg/day.

Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease, generating pain, disability, and socioeconomic costs worldwide. Currently there are no approved disease-modifying drugs for OA, and safety concerns have been identified with the chronic use of symptomatic drugs. In this context, nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals have emerged as potential alternatives. Among them, collagen is being a focus of particular interest, but under the same term different types of collagens coexist with different structures, compositions, and origins, leading to different properties and potential effects. The aim of this narrative review is to generally describe the main types of collagens currently available in marketplace, focusing on those related to joint health, describing their mechanism of action, preclinical, and clinical evidence. Native and hydrolyzed collagen are the most studied collagen types for joint health. Native collagen has a specific immune-mediated mechanism that requires the recognition of its epitopes to inhibit inflammation and tissue catabolism at articular level. Hydrolyzed collagen may contain biologically active peptides that are able to reach joint tissues and exert chondroprotective effects. Although there are preclinical and clinical studies showing the safety and efficacy of food ingredients containing both types of collagens, available research suggests a clear link between collagen chemical structure and mechanism of action.

Replacing Fish Meal with Hydrolyzed Collagen Derived from Fish By-Products Improved Muscle Quality and Glycolipid Metabolism of Triploid Crucian Carp.

Fish by-products are rich in collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen derived from fish by-products was used to replace fish meal to evaluate the effects on muscle quality and glycolipid metabolism of juvenile triploid crucian carp. A total of 240 juvenile fish with body weight of 10.01 ± 0.02 g were divided into four groups and fed four diets for 66 days: fish meal (FM) replaced with hydrolyzed collagen (HC) in 0% (Control), 2% (2% HC), 4% (4% HC), and 6% (6% HC), respectively. The results were as follows: The increased proportion of fish meal replaced with hydrolyzed collagen linearly and quadratically decreased the specific growth rate (SGR) of triploid crucian carp (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the SGR and intestinal α-amylase, trypsin and lipase activities in the 4% and 6% HC groups significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the control and 2% HC groups (p > 0.05). Total umami amino acids content, chewiness and myofiber density of muscle in the 4% and 6% HC groups, as well as the essential fatty acids content in all HC groups increased significantly (p < 0.05). All HC groups significantly increased the serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and decreased the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05). When the replacement amount reached 4%, the serum glucose and liver glycogen content, the liver and serum triglyceride (TG) content, and serum total cholesterol (T-CHO) content were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). In addition, the expression levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) of the liver in all HC groups and lipolysis-related genes (lipoprotein lipase (LPL), carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT 1) and hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (HADH)) of the liver in the 6% of HC group increased significantly (p < 0.05), and the expression levels of lipogenesis-related genes (fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP 1)) of the liver in the 4% HC and 6% HC groups decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the replacement of 2% fish meal with hydrolyzed collagen had no negative effects on the growth of triploid crucian carp, while the replacement of 4% fish meal with hydrolyzed collagen decreased SGR, but improved the muscle quality and decreased glycolipid levels. The maximum proportion of hydrolyzed collagen replacing fish meal should not exceed 4%.

Development of a Mobile App to Monitor the Effectiveness of a Hydrolyzed Cartilage Matrix Supplement on Joint Discomfort: Real-World Study.

BACKGROUND: Joint discomfort is a widespread and growing problem in active adults. The rising interest in preventative nutrition has increased the demand for supplements reducing joint discomfort. Protocols assessing the effect of a nutritional intervention on health commonly involve a series of face-to-face meetings between participants and study staff that can weigh on resources, participant availabilities, and even increase dropout rates. Digital tools are increasingly added to protocols to facilitate study conduct, but fully digitally run studies are still scarce. With the increasing interest in real-world studies, the development of health apps for mobile devices to monitor study outcomes is of great importance. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this real-world study was to develop a specific mobile app, Ingredients for Life, to conduct a 100% digital study testing the effectiveness of a hydrolyzed cartilage matrix (HCM) supplement on joint discomfort in a heterogeneous group of healthy, active consumers. METHODS: The Ingredients for Life mobile app using a visual analog scale was specifically developed to monitor the variation in joint pain after exercise by the study participants. A total of 201 healthy and physically active women and men (18-72 years old) with joint pain completed the study over a period of 16 weeks. Participants were randomly allocated to the study groups and did not receive any dietary or lifestyle advice. Each participant indicated one area of joint pain and logged the type and duration of their weekly activities. They received blinded study supplements and took a daily regimen of 1 g of HCM (HCM group) or 1 g of maltodextrin (placebo group) for 12 weeks while weekly logging joint pain scores in the app. This was followed by a 4-week washout period during which participants continued reporting their joint pain scores (until the end of week 16). RESULTS: Joint pain was reduced within 3 weeks of taking a low dosage of HCM (1 g/day), regardless of gender, age group, and activity intensity when compared with the placebo group. After stopping supplementation, joint pain scores gradually increased but still remained significantly lower than those of the placebo group after 4 weeks of washout. The low dropout rate (<6% of participants, mainly in the placebo group) demonstrates that the digital study was well received by the study population. CONCLUSIONS: The digital tool allowed us to measure a heterogeneous group of active adults in a real-world setting (without any lifestyle intervention), thus promoting inclusivity and diversity. With low dropout rates, it demonstrates that mobile apps can generate qualitative, quantifiable, real-world data showcasing supplement effectiveness. The study confirmed that the oral intake of a low dose (1 g/day) of HCM led to a significant reduction of joint pain from 3 weeks after starting supplementation.