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The beneficial effects of collagen peptides on joint health
Alexandre Adamczewski
A wealth of scientific evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of collagen peptides in supporting joint structure and function.
The bioactive properties of collagen peptides were demonstrated in a clinical study by Dr Janne Prawitt to reduce joint discomfort, improve joint function and flexibility, and promote the synthesis of cartilage extracellular matrix components (ref 1). Multiple clinical trials have also reported that people suffering from joint problems have benefited from the effects of collagen peptides (ref 1-5). Explanations & deciphering this study.
Action mechanisms
The aim of the study was to examine the impact of orally administered collagen peptides on the process of joint degeneration, focusing on the mechanisms of action. The results, based on careful observation of cartilage structure, chondrocyte* numbers and synovial changes, revealed significant cartilage protection and anti-inflammatory effects in damaged joints. Arthritis, which translates into joint inflammation, is known to play an active role in disease progression in the early stages of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is associated with the breakdown of cartilage tissue. It often follows a previous injury (e.g. cruciate ligament rupture), excessive stress or an underlying cartilage disorder. Osteoarthritis causes the joint cartilage to stiffen and lose its elasticity, making it vulnerable to damage and reducing its ability to absorb shock.
Protection against cartilage degeneration
Evaluation showed a significant loss of articular cartilage at 12 weeks post-injury in control animals (75% loss). Collagen peptide supplementation had a dose-dependent beneficial effect on cartilage. At low doses, the results showed cartilage maintenance. At higher doses, supplementation restored cartilage thickness comparable to that of healthy animals, demonstrating the protective effect of collagen peptides on cartilage during the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
Chondro-regeneration
In addition to protecting against cartilage loss, collagen peptide supplementation led to an increase in the number of chondrocytes in cartilage. This effect was also dose-dependent. Chondrocyte apoptosis* was reduced three weeks post-injury in collagen peptide-supplemented mice, suggesting collagen-related protection from the earliest stages of the process. Interestingly, collagen peptide supplementation also led to an increase in the number of active cells. The number of chondrocytes actively producing aggrecan, one of the main constituents of the cartilage matrix, was significantly increased with high-dose treatment.
Reduced inflammation
Three and twelve weeks after injury, the membrane surrounding the joint, known as the synovial membrane, showed strong signs of inflammation, now considered one of the main drivers of osteoarthritis progression. Surprisingly, collagen peptide supplementation helped reduce the inflammation process in this membrane. At three weeks, the inflammation scores of collagen-supplemented mice tended to decrease, with even clearer results at twelve weeks, when the synovial membrane of mice in the high-dose group showed significantly lower levels of inflammation, confirmed by reduced expression of a pro-inflammatory molecule.
Collagen peptides are now the leading ingredient for joint health in the dietary supplements sector.
Conclusion
The results of this study reveal for the first time the mechanisms of action of collagen peptides. They demonstrate that their daily consumption protects against cartilage loss, stimulates proteoglycan production by chondrocytes and inhibits synovial inflammation in the context of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Overall, these results suggest that collagen peptides are chondro-protective, chondro-regenerative and have a natural anti-inflammatory effect, positioning them as the ingredient of choice for joint health in the field of dietary supplements. The collagen peptides used in the study discussed in this article are Peptan® collagen peptides, produced in France and marketed by Rousselot .
At Ledvard, we have chosen Peptan for our joint supplement Synergy6.
Chez Ledvard, nous avons fait le choix du Peptan pour notre supplément articulaire Synergy6.
- UNRAVELLING THE MECHANISMS BEHIND THE JOINTHEALTH EFFECTS OF COLLAGEN PEPTIDES – Dr. JannePrawitt, Principal Scientist – Nutrition, Peptan. August 2017.
- Jiang, J.X. et al. 2014. Collagen peptides improve knee osteoarthritis inelderly women: a 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. AgroFOOD Industry Hi Tech, 25:19-23
- Kiani,C. et al., 2002. Structure and function of aggrecan. CellResearch, 12(1):19-32
- Henrotin, Y. et al., 2011. Nutraceuticals: do theyrepresent a new era in the management of osteoarthritis? – a narrative reviewfrom the lessons taken with five products. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage,19:1-21
- Dar,Q. et al., 2017. Daily oral consumption of hydrolyzed type 1 collagen ischondroprotective and anti-inflammatory in murine posttraumatic osteoarthritis.PLoS ONE 12(4):e0174705
- Clegg,D.O. et al., 2006. Glucosamine,Chondroitin Sulfate, and the Two in Combination for Painful Knee Osteoarthritis.N Engl J Med 2006 354(8): 795-808
*Chondrocytes are specialized cells found in cartilage tissue, a type of connective tissue found in joints, the nose, ears and other parts of the body. Chondrocytes are responsible for producing and maintaining the extracellular matrix of cartilage, which gives the tissue its unique structure and mechanical properties. They are involved in the synthesis of cartilage components such as collagen, proteoglycans and elastin. Chondrocytes play a crucial role in the growth, regeneration and maintenance of healthy cartilage, and are essential for normal joint function and body mobility.
** Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, is a regulated and controlled biological process by which cells trigger their own death. Unlike necrosis, which is an accidental and chaotic cell death, apoptosis is a carefully orchestrated process that occurs naturally in many of the body’s cells. Apoptosis plays an essential role in development, growth and the maintenance of homeostasis in tissues and organs. It enables the selective elimination of damaged, infected, aging or useless cells, while maintaining the balance between cell production and death.
