Research done on collagen hydrolysate.

There have been medical observations, key laboratory and clinical studies on the effect of collagen hydrolysate on joint health carried out over the past 20 years by international leading experts of different medical disciplines. 

All clinical studies reveal positive effects of collagen hydrolysate type II on joint health or knee pain, especially on osteoarthritis, for example:

• significant reduction of pain
• reduced need for analgesics
• improvement of joint mobility

In 1986, the beneficial effect of collagen hydrolysate on osteoarthritis was patented(European patent No 0254289 Agents for the treatment of osteoarthritis).

In spring 2003 Oesser et al published a laboratory study, that could explain the potential basic mechanism of the clinical observations. Scientists were able to demonstrate, that collagen hydrolysate stimulates collagen synthesis in cartilage cells (chondrocytes).


What are the most important studies on collagen hydrolysate?
Dr Roland Moskowitz, Director of the Arthritis Research Institute, Cleveland/USA conducted an international study (USA; UK; Germany) with 390 patients suffering from osteoarthriti found a pain-relieving effect from collagen hydrolysate. The patients were able to significantly reduce their consumption of analgesics and reported an improvement in physical function. [1]

The most extensive research was carried out by Prof. Milan Adam, Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Prague, published a randomized, double-blind study that involved 81 osteoarthritis patients. Analysis of the results revealed that the pain score in the group treated with collagen hydrolysate dropped by more than 26 percent compared to the control group which led to the issue of a European patent, No 0254289 Agents for the treatment of osteoarthritis. [5]

Both studies reveal the positive effects of collagen hydrolysate on joint health, especially on osteoarthritis.

Dr Steffen Oesser, physiologist at the University of Kiel, Germany published key studies on cartilage metabolism and regeneration. Oesser et al. demonstrated for the first time that collagen hydrolysate stimulates collagen synthesis in cartilage cells This latest publication (Cell & Tissue Research 311:393-9; March 2003) demonstrates that Collagen Hydrolysate stimulates collagen synthesis in cartilage cells that will boost the formation of new cartilage tissue. [6]

Collawell promotes growth of cartilage tissue
Oesser S et al (2007) Osteoarthritis Cartilage 15: C61-C62, 94 [7]

Dr Steffen Oesser, in an animal study with mice that were genetically predisposed to spontaneously develop osteoarthritis of the knee joint, the degree of osteoarthritis was seen to have significantly improved after 3 months of treatment with collagen peptides. This trial offered clear confirmation of the inhibition of progressive cartilage degeneration. [7]

Research findings at the congress of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) in Montreal, Canada, September 2009.
Working in collaboration with Kiel University, researchers at the Kiel-based Collagen Research Institute (CRI) have demonstrated the stimulating effect of special bioactive collagen peptides collagen hydrolysate in the context of cell experiments. The investigations of the CRI provide an explanation for the findings of a joint clinical trial carried out by Tufts Medical Center, Boston on patients with mild osteoarthritis of knee joint. With the aid of special imaging (MRI) techniques this clinical trial demonstrated that collagen hydrolysate stimulated cell metabolism in the knee-joint cartilage and promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue.[8]

MRI Images shows how Collagen Hydrolysate improves cartilage tissue in 48 weeks.

Summary
Collagen hydrolysate can be an effective nutritional supplement for those suffering from osteoarthritis

Hyaluronic acid – How does it help in joint pain?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is a substance that attaches to collagen and elastin to form cartilage and can be derived from multiple resources and foods. HA not only helps keep the cartilage that cushions joints strong and flexible, but also helps increase supplies of joint-lubricating synovial fluid. 

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a necessary co-factor in collagen synthesis and is known to increase the production of collagen and promote the synthesis of new, healthy collagen in the body.


References

1. Moskowitz, R. (2000). "Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease". Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism 30 (2): 87–99. doi:10.1053/sarh.2000.9622. PMID11071580
   
   
2. Ruiz-Benito, P.; Camacho-Zambrano, M.M., Carrillo-Arcentales, J.N., Mestanza-Peralta, M.A., Vallejo-Flores, C.A., Vargas-Lopez, S.V., Villacis-Tamayo, R.A. and Zurita-Gavilanes, L.A. (2009). "A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy and safety of a food ingredient, collagen hydrolysate, for improving joint comfort". International journal of food science and nutrition 12: 1–15.
   
   
3. Nomura, Y.; Oohashi, K., Watanabe, M. and Kasugai (2005). "Increase in bone mineral density through oral administration of shark gelatine to ovariectomized rats". S Nutrition21 (11-12): 1120–1126. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2005.03.007. PMID 16308135.
   
   
4. Fricke, O.; Baecker, N., Heer, M., Tutlewski, B. and Schoenau, E. (2008). "The effect of L-arginine administration on muscle force and power in postmenopausal women". Clinical physiology and functional imaging 28 (5): 307–311. doi:10.1111/j.1475-097X.2008.00809.x. PMID 18510549
   
   
5. Adam, M.; “Welche Wirkung haben Gelatinepraparate?” in: Therapiewoche 41: 2456-61; 1991
   
   
6. Dr. Steffen Oesser, physiologist, University of Kiel, Germany in his publication, “Cell & Tissue Research 311:393-9; March 2003. 
   
   
7. Oesser S et al (2007) Osteoarthritis Cartilage 15: C61-C62, 94
   
   
8. 10.T.E. McAlindon, et al, “Change 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(4), 399–405 (2011).