Collagen Type 2 (hyaluronan colagen) Hyaluronic Acid / Biocell II

Collagen Type II Shown to Support Skin Health and Joint Strength - Page 2 & References
Reprinted by permission from Pat Whittington of Vitamin Research

Hydrolyzed vs. Native Collagen At the summer 2003 meeting of the British Nutrition Society, Oesser and Seifert announced the results of their experiments on the effects of the type II collagen on chondrocytes.  They studied the effects of hydrolyzed vs. native (undigested) type II collagen on the activity of mature bovine chondrocyte cells.  They found that native collagen had no stimulatory effect on chondrocytes, but cells fed the hydrolyzed collagen increased their production of type II collagen 250 percent.8 At the meeting, Dr. Oesser remarked:  This is the first time a cell culture model has shown that collagen hydrolysate, can lead to an increase in cartilage formation.  It is very plausible that collagen hydrolysate, when taken as a supplement to our normal diet, may help activate the synthesis of collagen in cartilage.  Particularly in situations in which cartilage is under massive stress [e.g., arthritis, obesity, sports injury, etc.], the intake of collagen hydrolysate could be highly significant and reduce degenerative changes. Collagen Type II vs. Skin Aging

Dr. Nelson Novick is a practicing M.D., and associate clinical professor of dermatology at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, as well as a dermatology clinic chief at The Mount Sinai Medical Center.  In a recent article on Tips for at-home anti-aging skin care, he commented on the usefulness of type II collagen for promoting youthful skin.  I recommend daily oral supplementation with Biocell Collagen [Type] II, a unique combination of collagen II, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate (HA's companion that builds cartilage) to nourish the skin from the inside out where topical applications cannot reach, he said.  This dietary supplement provides the only natural and bioavailable source of these three elements needed to maintain skin moisture and elasticity.  This complex concentrated matrix of elements, formerly only available to plastic surgeons as injectable drugs, not only halts the appearance of skin aging, but also potentially supports the aging process altogether ... This supplement is not a short-term solution, such as the use of injectable collagen;  rather it is a necessary part of any regimen intended for life-long skin tissue health.9

Collagen Safety
In a review on the role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint issues, Professor Roland Moskowitz, M.D., commented on the excellent safety profile of collagen hydrolysates.10  He noted that partially hydrolyzed collagen has been used as a food since at least early medieval times.  Various collagen hydrolysate products have been affirmed as GRAS (generally regarded as safe) by the FDA.  He also notes that Collagen hydrolysate is of interest as a therapeutic agent of potential utility in the treatment of joint and bone related conditions.  Its high level of safety makes it attractive as an agent for long-term use in these chronic disorders.10

Collagen Type II Dosage
Collagen Type II comes in 500 mg capsules.  The standard dose is two capsules two or three times daily.  The product can be taken with or without food as desired.  Very large persons, or those with severe joint problems, may need to take larger doses (i.e., six to eight capsules daily) while smaller persons, or those just taking collagen as a skin/joint maintenance supplement, may only need two to four caps daily.

Regular use of Collagen Type II may also improve wound healing,2,3 as well as improve quality and growth of hair and nails.9,10  Side effects with collagen hydrolysates are rare, but may include a sensation of unpleasant taste, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, a bloated feeling or burping.10

References
1.  Sardi, B. Restoring youth with hyaluronic acid. Total Health for Longevity, 2002, 23(6).

2.  Anderson, I. The properties of hyaluronan and its role in wound healing. Prof Nurse, 2001, 17:232-35.

3.  Greco, R. et al. Hyaluronic acid stimulates human fibroblast proliferation within a collagen matrix. J Cell Physiol, 1998, 177:465-73.

4.  Ghersetich, I. & Lotti, T. Hyaluronic acid in cutaneous intrinsic aging. Int J Dermatol, 1994, 33:119-22.

5.  Champe, P. & Harvey, R. Lippincotts Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1994:147-55.

6.  Ronca, F. et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of chondroitin sulfate. Osteoarth & Cartilage, 1998, 6 (Suppl A):14-21.

7.  Duarte, A. The Collagen Type II. 1997:39.

8.  Oesser, S. & Seifert, J. Stimulation of type II collagen biosynthesis and secretion in bovine chondrocytes cultured with degraded collagen. Cell Tissue Res, 2003, 311:393-99.

9.  Novick, N. Tips for at-home skin care. Total Health for Longevity, 2003, 25:44-46.

10. Moskowitz, R. Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joints. Semin Arth Rheum, 2000, 30:87-99.