Study Provides Further Evidence of Bone Health Benefits of Peptan Collagen Peptides

01 May 2014 --- Rousselot has released the results of its new integrated study assessing the beneficial effects of its Peptan collagen peptides on bone mass formation and preservation. Conducted in collaboration with the French National Institute for Agricultural Research, INRA, the combined in vivo and in vitro study reinforces existing scientific evidence regarding the ability of collagen peptides to support the development of bone formation cells and assist osteopenia prevention.

In the in vitro analysis, bone-forming cells were exposed to bovine-origin collagen peptides and assessed for key parameter changes. This activity was compared to cells exposed to a bovine serum albumin (BSA) control. The study revealed that collagen peptides induced a significant higher alkaline phosphatase activity (+20%) after one week of incubation, when compared to the control condition, demonstrating increased bone formation potential. This observation was corroborated by enhanced mineralisation in cultures in which bone cells were grown in the presence of collagen peptides (increased calcium and phosphorus nodule formation).

These results are consistent with other studies examining the bone health benefits of collagen peptides, such as that conducted by the Physiology and Ingestive Behavior Laboratory, INRA AgroParisTech  in 2012. In this in vivo study, ovariectomized (ovx) mice were used to mimic osteopenia in postmenopausal women and divided into two groups, with only one group fed a diet including Peptan over a 12-week period. A group of normal (non-ovariectomized) mice was also used as a control. The trial found that the group given a diet containing Peptan maintained the same bone mineral density (BMD) level as the non-ovariectomized mice over the test period. The results suggest that a daily intake of Peptan can help prevent the loss of bone mass after the onset of menopause.

Véronique Fabien-Soulé, Rousselot Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition Director, comments: “This integrated study confirms previous studies and further demonstrates the proven efficacy of collagen peptides in stimulating osteoblast activity to promote increased bone formation.

“The findings are particularly exciting as they unite in vivo and in vitro research to provide an integrated understanding of the important role of collagen peptides in supporting bone health and reducing the risk of developing osteopenia. This low bone density condition is commonly a precursor to osteoporosis and is a particular concern for postmenopausal women. Early diagnosis and treatment has been demonstrated to reduce fracture rates and improve quality of life.”

The study is the latest in a growing bank of scientific data which supports Peptan’s functional health benefits. Extensive research has proven that collagen peptides can promote bone and joint health, as well as muscle regeneration. Peptan’s ability to rejuvenate skin collagen structure and deliver visible anti-aging effects has also been demonstrated in an extensive range of clinical studies. Collagen peptides are a natural, highly digestible and bioactive protein source which can be incorporated into a range of exciting formulations.