Lonza’s collagen improves joint flexibility by ten years, study finds

04 May 2022 --- A randomized, double-blind clinical study has shown that a 40 mg daily dose of Lonza Capsules & Health Ingredients UC-II undenatured type II collagen can significantly reverse joint flexibility degradation and reduce joint discomfort in healthy subjects of all ages.

Lindsey Toth, director of global marketing at Lonza Capsules & Health Ingredients speaks with NutritionInsight.

“This new research helps to substantiate the role that UC-II undenatured type II collagen plays in supporting joint health and mobility in adults as young as 20, providing all-important, robust backing for these new claims,” she says.

According to Lonza, people taking UC-II undenatured type II collagen walked over one-quarter of a mile more in a day compared to the placebo group.According to the CDC, joint mobility declines with age. (Credit: Lonza)

The findings of the placebo-controlled study are significant according to Lonza, as previous studies only looked into the ingredient’s efficacy for older populations. Now Lonza’s collagen’s joint-boosting claims for healthy individuals can also apply to younger consumers.

Last year, the company pegged collagen as the “key” to the future of the joint health market.

Kinds of collagen
UC-II undenatured type II collagen is a health supplement targeted at joint comfort, flexibility and mobility. The ingredient works by aiding in the repair and rebuilding of cartilage via the body’s immune mechanisms with daily supplementation.

“From the commercial standpoint, there are three main categories of collagen, with each grouping having its own unique characteristics – types I, II and III. Type I – often derived from beef and fish – is the form most commonly found in skin, bone, teeth, ligaments, organs and tendons,” Toth expains

“Meanwhile, type II collagen – often prepared from chicken and beef – is the primary protein in cartilage, the connective tissue protecting our bones at the joints.”

Lonza’s UC-II undenatured type II collagen is manufactured using cartilage derived from chicken sternum: “the richest source of type II collagen,” Toth notes.Lonza's first study focused on knee flexibility.

Process is key
She continues however that source isn’t the only important factor: “It’s also the processing method.” 

According to Toth: “The gentle, low-temperature patented process we use is essential for enabling UC-II collagen’s mechanism of action that targets the joints.” 

“By ensuring that more of the undenatured triple helix structure of the type II collagen is preserved, the important bioactive binding regions on the triple helix – called epitopes – are also preserved, so they can bind with a collection of immune cells in the small intestine, called Peyer’s Patches.” 

This binding process triggers an immune response, helping stimulate the building of joint cartilage.

Reversing the clock
The study was published in two papers. The first paper focused on knee flexibility and the second paper focused on joint discomfort. The papers describe that in the study, 96 active and healthy subjects aged 20 to 55 years old experiencing “reversible” mobility discomfort were studied over a six-month period. 

The participants were evaluated for joint flexibility and discomfort and noted their daily step count before and after supplementation. “To qualify, participants were required to perform sports at least two times per week, including but not limited to activities such as soccer, basketball, handball, volleyball, tennis and running.”

“The study showed that UC-II undenatured type II collagen supplementation significantly increased knee flexion by 3.23 degrees and knee extension by 2.21 degrees compared to baseline,” says Toth. 

Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control, adults can lose over one degree in range of motion per decade. This means that Lonza’s collagen ingredient may help restore range of motion by ten years or more.

She continues: “This three-degree increase in range of motion flexion helps to recover more than a decade of joint function and, with these results, UC-II collagen becomes the only joint health ingredient clinically proven to improve joint flexibility 15 times better than placebo – helping joints feel ten years younger.”There are rising calls to examine supplements’ effects in the population targeted for their consumption.

The undenatured collagen was also found to significantly decrease knee discomfort during twisting and pivoting, walking downstairs and walking across a flat surface compared to the placebo. The supplement therefore makes walking more comfortable and Lonza says this will help people hit their daily step goals.

Scientific proof shaping the market
Toth says science and evidence has become paramount to convincing consumers of a product.

“With 93% of consumers saying that proof of scientific efficacy is necessary when purchasing a supplement product, our new research will empower brands to stand out in the competitive joint health category and capture consumer attention.”

She adds that many global regulatory bodies require studies with populations similar to those taking the product to authorize claims, allowing consumers to be sure of what works for people like themselves.

Toth says the collagen is suited to a variety of formulations across the supplements and F&B space, from gummies to beverages and protein bars. “So nutrition brands can launch product innovations that resonate with today's consumers – from millennials to seniors and everything in between – and bring joint health innovation to life.”

Lonza continues to shake up the health and nutrition space. Early this year, Lonza rolled out its “clock-stopping” sports probiotic drink for European markets.

In 2020, the company showcased its novel business strategy, driving transparency and cultivating a “harmonized” business identity.

By Olivia Nelson