“Huge unexplored potential” for collagen peptides, flags PB Leiner following joint pain study

21 Sep 2021 --- PB Leiner’s Solugel collagen peptides have been found to reduce joint pain in active and middle-aged populations. The company-commissioned study, which was carried out by Florida State University (FSU), also found that collagen peptides may improve the ability to carry out everyday tasks such as commuting, cleaning and shopping.

“Sports nutrition is one market segment where collagen peptides have huge unexplored potential,” Yingying Wu, PB Leiner’s product manager, tells NutritionInsight.

However, the limitation had been the lack of strong scientific evidence in relation to the target demographic – active adults who regularly take part in sports and have not been diagnosed with a disease such as arthritis, she continues. 

In addition, there is often limited consumer awareness of collagen peptides’ benefits for sports in comparison to skin health.

“This is the first and only study to examine the impact of collagen peptides on joint pain in this demographic group. The findings suggest they have protective as well as beneficial effects, supporting the growth and repair of connective tissue as well as reducing joint pain,” adds Dr. Mike Ormsbee, associate director at FSU Institute of Sports Sciences & Medicine and the lead clinical study researcher. Participants consuming 10 g of Solugel a day saw a 36% improvement to their pain score. 

Giving market confidence
The study participants were aged between 45 and 65 and spent at least three hours each week undertaking activities such as hiking or cycling. Over the course of six months, each consumed either a placebo or 10 g Solugel collagen peptides every day.

The Solugel group saw a 36% improvement according to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, indicating significant reductions in pain and improvement in knee functionality. In contrast, more than half of those in the placebo group saw a decline in their score.

Additionally, a third of the Solugel group also saw clinically meaningful improvements in their scores while undertaking various everyday tasks. Meanwhile, none of the participants in the placebo group saw any improvement. 

“The findings of the study will undoubtedly give more support and confidence to the market about the positive health benefits of collagen peptides in sports, stimulating new product developments,” notes Wu. 

A trailblazing study
According to PB Leiner, previous research had established that collagen can reduce joint pain among those suffering from conditions such as osteoarthritis as well as joint stability problems, injured joints or exercise-induced issues. 

However, the new study is the first to demonstrate collagen’s long-term impact on both joint pain and everyday activities in the healthy and active middle-aged population.

“We commissioned this research because such a huge number of fit and healthy middle-aged people suffer from joint pain – and the results show collagen peptides’ enormous potential to help this demographic,” says Dr. Reyhan Nergiz Unal, health and nutrition science lead at PB Leiner. 

She adds that Solugel not only supports joint health but may also contribute to the healthy functioning of the body, including muscle and connective tissue recovery and bone health. 

The study results have been accepted by a scientific committee and presented at the 18th International Sports Nutrition Society Meeting. The study is due to be published later in 2021 in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition Supplements. A large part of the population is significantly affected by joint pain in their daily lives. 

A rising issue
Joint pain is an issue that affects vast numbers of people around the world. PB Leiner points to research showing that 93% of those aged between 45 and 59 globally have concerns about joint and muscle pain, with two-thirds saying it has a moderate to severe impact on their health. 

This can cause significant discomfort during exercise and can even limit the ability to carry out everyday activities.

“More and more middle-aged consumers are suffering from joint pain, and they believe the continuation of exercise is important as it helps them to improve their symptoms,” emphasizes Wu. 

With an average annual growth of 26% from 2018 to 2020, sports nutrition products and supplements with a joint health claim are increasingly finding their place in the global market, Innova Market Insights reports. 

Wu emphasizes that not all collagen peptides are created the same. “For example, Solugel uses the best raw materials, applies quality technology and strictly controls production steps and conditions to ensure the consistency, quality and bio-efficacy.” 

By Katherine Durrell