Research

Every fourth person on this planet is dealing with joint-related problems and the number of individuals affected by this issue is constantly increasing. The main reason for this occurrence lies in the wear and tear of articular cartilage, which can occur as a consequence of age-related changes and mechanical wear and tear. The joint cartilage is not a dead formation; it consists of cartilage cells, which produce cartilage mass. The later consists of collagen, which represents 70% of its entire structure. Cartilage formation and its wear and tear are two ongoing processes, which only represent a problem if the wear and tear starts exceeding the cartilage production.

The consumption of partially hydrolysed collagen (gelatine) dates back to the Middle Ages, more precisely to the year 1175, when St. Hildegard started writing about gelatine as a substance that reduces pain in the joints and increases their mobility. The earliest commercial production of gelatine appears to have been in Holland around 1685.

According to recent studies consumption of hydrolysed collagen stimultes cartilage re-growth. Hydrolysed collagen is obtained from pharmaceutical gelatine in a process called enzymatic degradation. The enzymes applied for this purpose have been approved by competent institutions. It has been proven that hydrolyzed collagen processed during enzymatic degradation  is absorbed in the intestines, but most of it is deposited in the joint cartilage.

Multiple researches performed on different target groups (physically active individuals, sportsmen, overweight and elderly people) have shown that long-term consumption of hydrolysed collagen (at least 12­-24 weeks) improves joint mobility and reduces pain.

Flexovitalis products contain FORTIGEL^®, which is a highly effective form of hydrolysed collagen that helps restore articular cartilage. All of our products also include Vitamin C, which is important for the formation of collagen. Collagen is crucial for proper functioning of cartilage and bones and for healthy skin, teeth and gums.

 

Research – expert publications:

• Mc Alindon idr. (2011)
  Change in knee osteoarthritis cartilage detected by delayed gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging following treatment with collagen hydrolysate: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 19,4, 399-405.

• Clark idr. (2008)
  24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 24, 5, 1485-1496.

• Flechsenhar (2007)
  Fortigel^® – a new concept for the treatment of osteoarthritis. AgroFOOD industry hi-tech, 18, 5, 46-48.

• Flechsenhar in Sebastianelli (2007)
  Long-term use of collagen hydrolysate as a nutritional supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 15, C, 145.

• Oesser in Seifert (2005)
  Impact of Collagen Fragment on the Synthesis and Degradation of the Extracellular Matrix of Cartilage Tissue.

• Oesser idr. (2005)
  Influence of Collagen Hydrolysate on the Extracellular Matrix Metabolism of Human Chondrocytes.

• Flechsenhar in Alf (2005)
  Results of a Postmarketing Surveillance Study of Collagen Hydrolysate CH-Alpha^®.

• Weh in Petau (2001)
  Change in the Properties of Tissue Through the Administration of Gelatine: A Biomechanical In-Vivo Plot Study. Originalia/Effect of gelatine, 24, 4, 12-16.

• Moskowitz (2000)
  Role of Collagen Hydrolysate in Bone and Joint Disease. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 30, 2 , 87-99.

• Oesser idr. (1999)
  Oral Administration of C Labeled Gelatin Hydrolysate Leads to an Accumulation of Radioactivity in Cartilage of Mice (C57/BL). Nutrient Metabolism, 1891-1895.

• Fernandez in Perez (1998)
  Effects of Gelatine Hydrolysates in the Prevention of Athletic Injuries. Archivos de Medicina del Deporte, 15, 66, 277-282.

• Beuker idr. (1996)
  Biochemical and clinical examinations on the effects of regular applications of gelantine on degenerative damages of the motoric system. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 1, 17, 88.

• Adam (1991)
  What Effects Do Gelatin Preparations Have? Therapy of Osteoarthritis. Therapiewoche 41, 38, 2456-2461.

• Seeligüller in Happel (1989)
  Degenerative joint diseases: Can a mixture of gelatin and L-cystine stimulate proteoglycan synthesis.

• Oberschelp (1985)
  Individual Arthrosis Therapy is possible. Aus der Praxis für die Praxis.

• Götz (1982)
  Well-nourished cartilage does not grind. Chondropathia pattellae in juveniles: Stimulation of cartilage biosynthesis improves symptoms in 80% of cases. Ärztliche Praxis.
• Krug (1979)
  On supportive therapy for osteo- and chondropathy. Erfahrungsheilkunde. Zeitschrift für die ärztliche Praxis, acta medica empirica.