Hydrolyzed collagen (hydrolysate)
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Hydrolyzed collagen, HCP, (also known as purified gelatin and collagen hydrolysate) is collagen that has been enzymatically or chemically processed to make it more digestible and more easily absorbed by the body. HCP is often used by body builders because it is a relatively inexpensive protein source. It is also used to treat skin disorders, treat or prevent malnutrition and for those who cannot tolerate large amounts of bulk food, such as patients of weight loss surgery.
Collagen is the primary structural protein found in the connective tissues in the body (including the skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments), and commercially it is derived from either fish (marine sources), beef (bovine sources), or pig (porcine sources). Hydrolyzed collagen consists of water-soluble peptides which are rich sources of the amino acids glycine, L-proline and L-hydroxyproline. Nutritional supplements containing hydrolyzed collagen are typically marketed for osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, weight loss, and to assist in recovery from exercise and sports-related injuries, although scientific data in these areas is sparse.
HCP has been used by European health practitioners for decades as an alternative treatment for arthritis and osteoporosis. German and Czech studies cite the use of 7-10 grams of HCP daily to decrease pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.
The taking of the nutritional supplements Collagen Cydrolysate can prevent a cartilage degeneration and soothe arthrosis. About this effect has Dr. Steffen Oesser from the University Kiel reported during the orthopaedics convention in Berlin and explained it with studies.
The amino acid composition of Collagen Hydrolysate is equivalent in the cartilage matrix. From the Collagen Hydrolysate there will fragment reabsorbs after the taking and enriched in the joint cartilage. The fragments stimulate dose depending the biosynthesis of type II collagen there, as Oesser reported during thea symposium. The researcher could cover to cartilage cell cultures that Collagen Hydrolysate increases the collagen production of cells admitted in comparison with untreated cells around two and a half times. From the intestine reabsorbing and into the cartilage fabric taken Collagen-fragments have apparently the same effect as natural collagen degradation products: They stimulate the new synthesis of collagen and counteract a wear on the cartilage matrix.
Cultivated cartilage cells also produced more proteoglycans after the bonus of collagen hydrolysate, says the biochemist. Oesser:"Under influence of collagen hydrolysate the most important components of the extra cellular cartilage matrix are therefore established". This is important to the quality and durability of the cartilage. Taken Collagen hydrolysate therefore prevents presumably degenerative joint diseases, says Oesser. There are references to it also from clinical studies in which patients had taken part with pains and stiffness in the knee. From the majority of the patients the complaints were decreased considerably.
And the capacity of the joint areas as well as the strength of the surrounding fabric increased under a therapy of several months with a 10 mg collagen hydrolysate daily, as Oesser reported. The nutritional supplement is well wholesome and can be taken by patients with high arthrosis risk, by approximately overweight or in sports for prevention also.
Hydrolyzed collagen has also been found as a component in protein based hair conditioners. These HCP hair products are usually leave in treatments used to keep hair from breaking.
