Collagen

• Type I collagen type

Type I collagen is involved in the formation of the skin and tendons. It performs various functions, such as ensuring the elasticity, flexibility and strength of the dermis. This type of collagen is synthesised by the fibroblasts, the main cells of the connective tissue.

With age, collagen synthesis decreases, which leads to sagging skin, the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of skin ageing (loss of volume, density and radiance). To prevent these adverse effects, collagen supplementation can be helpful, as its benefits in maintaining moisture, skin quality and elasticity have been demonstrated in several scientific studies.1

• Type II collagen

Type II collagen is produced by chondrocytes, cells present in cartilage. This form of collagen is involved in the elasticity and flexibility of the joints, as well as in shock absorption.

The benefits

A protein secreted by the cells of the human body, type I collagen contributes to the density of the skin, its hydration and firmness, while type II collagen maintains the normal structure of cartilage.

THERASCIENCE special features

The THERASCIENCE Laboratory has selected two types of deposited collagen :

• A deposited type I collagen Peptan®, in the form of peptides (fragments of the collagen protein), for action on the skin.
• A deposited type II collagen Collavant®n2 for action on the joints.

The type I marine collagen peptides, registered Peptan^®, have an excellent bioavailability: 90% are digested and bioavailable in the connective tissue only 4 hours after ingestion. Connective tissue has a protective and supportive function for other tissues.

According to a randomised double-blind clinical study versus placebo, carried out on 106 women aged between 45 and 65, the fragmentation of the collagen network is reduced by 31% and the density of collagen increases by 9% after 12 weeks of oral supplementation with a daily intake of 10g of Peptan^®.

The collagen peptides bind to the fibroblasts, which, stimulated in this way, start to produce more collagen, thus increasing the elasticity of the skin. For more information, click on Peptan^®.

Collavant^®n2 [link to Collavant^®n2 website] is a type II collagen that acts at the level of the joints and helps to educate immune cells about this type of collagen.

Indeed, when cartilage degrades, fragments of type II collagen are released inside the joints and are recognised by the immune cells as potentially dangerous foreign elements. The immune system then initiates an inflammatory response causing the degradation of endogenous collagen, a vicious circle that fuels inflammation and reinforces pain.

Collavant^®n2 provides type II collagen in its native, non-hydrolysed conformation. Recognised by the immune system, this protein enables an oral tolerance mechanism to be triggered. This mechanism aims to reduce the destruction of endogenous type II collagen through regular ingestion, thus creating a "desensitisation" and a modification of immunity to this protein.

Collavant^®n2 helps to reduce inflammation1 caused by the autoimmune-like response generated by immune cells, reduces joint discomfort^2-3 and improves knee function².

To find out more, click on Collavant^®n2 or read our article Collagen and joints: How to improve joint health?

1. Asserin J et al., J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015 Dec; 14 (4):291-301.
2. Mannelli, L. D. C. et al. BMC Musculoskelet. Disord. 2013,14, 228
3. Bakilan, F. et al. Eurasian J. Med. 2016, 48: 95–101

Collavant^®n2 is a trademark licensed by BIOIBERICA SAU.

Scientific publication

Collagen is the subject of more than 205 467 scientific publications.

• Kim DU, Chung HC, Choi J, Sakai Y, Lee BY. Oral Intake of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptide Improves Hydration, Elasticity, and Wrinkling in Human Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2018 Jun 26;10(7):826.
• Evans, Malkanthi et al. “A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study to evaluate the efficacy of a freshwater marine collagen on skin wrinkles and elasticity.” Journal of cosmetic dermatology vol. 20,3 (2021): 825-834.
• Sangsuwan, Wich, and Pravit Asawanonda. “Four-weeks daily intake of oral collagen hydrolysate results in improved skin elasticity, especially in sun-exposed areas: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” The Journal of dermatological treatment vol. 32,8 (2021): 991-996.
• Bakilan, Fulya et al. “Effects of Native Type II Collagen Treatment on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” The Eurasian journal of medicine vol. 48,2 (2016): 95-101.