Bone remodeling? Rousselot-endorsed study flags collagen peptide’s potential in bone formation

20 Sep 2019 --- Collagen peptides can improve overall bone health by simultaneously targeting bone formation and bone resorption. This is according to a Rousselot and French National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA)-endorsed study, which examined the effects of its Peptan brand of collagen peptides on bone metabolism. Via a “pioneering” clinical screening approach developed by the INRA the study, published in Nutrients, the findings indicate that Peptan’s collagen peptides directly target and modulate the function of bone-remodeling cells. This provides further evidence that the benefits of bioactive collagen peptides go beyond simple protein supplementation and are an effective nutritional intervention to support bone health.

Bone is a highly dynamic tissue with a continuous matrix turnover, a fine-tuned and highly regulated balance of processes that break down and rebuild matrices. Collagen is a crucial component of the bone as it represents 80 percent of the total protein mass in the skeleton. It is also a key part of the bone’s protein scaffold that provides the structure for mineral deposition. Forming long fibers, collagen provides bones with the strength and flexibility to resist fractures.  

“Rousselot is targeting senior consumers as they are at risk of developing bone-related conditions since the bone structure loses strength and becomes thinner over time. This can lead to fractures and loss of mobility. It is essential that senior consumers remain proactive in preventing mobility and bone-related conditions. Making sure that the body receives all the nutrients needed is one of the key ways to do that,” Janne Prawitt, Scientific Director, Peptan, tells NutritionInsight.

Collagen peptides, such as Peptan, can be integrated into a wide variety of applications. “Powder drinks, for example, are a convenient application, widely popular across the world. In Asia, collagen peptides are usually delivered in milk powder, alongside other nutrients supporting bone health, such as calcium and Vitamin D. In the US, consumers tend to take collagen peptides in the form of pure powder to integrate into daily recipes and smoothies,” Prawitt notes.

Improved bone mineral density and strength
Previously published preclinical research by Rousselot has shown that supplementation with Peptan collagen peptides helps to maintain healthy and strong bones in a mouse model of menopause-induced bone loss. Peptan-supplemented animals showed an improved bone mineral density and improved bone strength. 

Rousselot is targeting senior consumers as they are at risk of developing bone-related conditions.Combining in vivo, ex vivo and clinical approaches, Rousselot and INRA explored the cellular mechanisms by which bioactive collagen peptides exert their beneficial effects on the skeleton. For that purpose, an ex vivo model was designed that specifically takes into account the modifications that collagen peptides undergo when taken orally and passing through the digestive system. Following the intake of collagen peptides or hydrolyzed casein as a control, serum was collected from mice at one hour after intake, the time where the concentration of bioactive metabolites was previously recorded to peak. 

The samples were then tested in bone-related primary cell culture assays for effects on osteoblast and osteoclast activity, meaning the cells responsible for new bone formation and bone degradation, respectively. The results revealed that mouse serum enriched with collagen peptide metabolites had a direct stimulatory impact on osteoblast activity and processes involved in forming bone mass. In addition, Peptan serum inhibited the differentiation of osteoclasts, meaning they could not develop into mature and fully functional cells that break down bone mass. These effects were not observed in the control group.

Repeating the study in humans
To assess the relevance of these findings for humans the study design was adapted for repetition in human volunteers. Ten healthy volunteers fasted for 12 hours and then took 25gr of either Peptan collagen peptides or hydrolyzed casein dissolved in water. At the time of maximum absorption (1hour post-ingestion), blood was collected to produce metabolite-enriched serum and bioactivity assays were performed in human cell models according to the methodology developed by INRA. The observations were fully in line with the results from the mouse cell assays, confirming that collagen-enriched serum enhanced osteoblast activity, supporting bone formation, and lowered osteoclastogenesis, responsible for the degradation of bone cells. 

Interestingly, Peptan collagen peptides of different raw materials (bovine, porcine, piscine) all showed comparable effects.

“We designed this novel approach in response to the growing demand for tools of high physiological relevance that can assess the efficacy of nutritional interventions without common limitations. The study provided new insights into the mode of action of collagen peptides, demonstrating that they can directly impact bone cell activity. This was achieved by taking into account the metabolism at the whole-body level and in particular, the modifications that collagen peptides undergo when passing through the body’s system of digestion and absorption,” says Yohann Wittrant, Senior Researcher at INRA and lead investigator.

“Previous research has already shown the benefits of Peptan on bone health but understanding the cellular mechanisms that are responsible for those benefits has major scientific value for the body of evidence for bioactive collagen peptides. Results of this recent trial clearly demonstrate the dual impact supplementation has in both improving bone formation and reducing bone breakdown, thus promoting overall bone health. We’re extremely proud to contribute to an ever-increasing portfolio of supporting science that can be used by our customers to educate consumers on the benefits of collagen peptides.” 

Such findings, supported at a preclinical as well as clinical level, are particularly significant as the incidence of osteoporosis increases globally. Manufacturers are now looking to develop new, safe products to promote bone health and to serve as a preventative nutritional solution and keep the population healthier for longer.  

“In addition to supplementation, it is important to consider other factors that can contribute to bone health. The International Osteoporosis Foundation explains that genetic factors play an important role in determining whether an individual is at risk of osteoporosis, however, lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity also influence bone development in youth and the rate of bone loss later in life,” Prawitt concludes.

By Kristiana Lalou