PRO-COL™ Collagen
What is PRO-COL™ Collagen?
PRO-COL® Collagen is a 100% pure hydrolysed bovine collagen supplement and is free from any bovine disease such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, a brain disorder in adult cattle that can spread to humans through diseased meat and infected bovine products. This can cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease also known as mad cow disease, which is a rare but potentially fatal disease. Hydrolyzed collagen is natural collagen where the protein fibres are reduced to the constituent amino acids, which are predominantly glycine, proline, and prolyl-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp). Studies have demonstrated that when taken orally, the amino acids in hydrolyzed collagen are incorporated into the collagen producing cells, which are mainly the fibroblasts and accumulates in the collagen rich tissues of the body, like skin and cartilage1, 2
Hydrolysed bovine collagen in PRO-COL Collagen capsules contains type I, II, III, IV and V of which type II is the highest percentage.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is an insoluble fibrous protein and is the most abundant protein in the body, comprising around 30% of all protein. It is an important structural protein found in the connective tissue that forms the supportive architecture of our body. Collagen is also found in the extracellular matrix (ECM), including the basement membrane separating connective tissue from the lining of a body cavity, and is network of sugars, fibrous proteins and adhesive proteins. ECM is secreted by cells to provide structural support for all tissues of the body as well as regulating the way different cells and tissues function. The constituents of ECM vary between tissues and the main fibrous protein in connective tissue is collagen.
Structure of collagen
Collagen is produced mainly by the fibroblast cells of connective tissue, as well as other cells like the endothelial cells of blood vessels, and its production is under the control of specific growth factors, including Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) and Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF beta). It is first produced as tropocollagen, which is then processed and modified to form procollagen with the formation of tiny fibres or fibrils in a triple helix structure that gives collagen fibrils its great tensile strength. When secreted by the cell procollagen becomes mature active collagen. The various collagen subtypes differ in their tissue distribution and structure. Most collagen in the body consists of types I, II and III with the triple helical structure of collagen, whereas, type IV collagen is two-dimensional in structure and only found in the basement membrane.
Why is Collagen important?
Collagen is found throughout the body in its various forms and is important for structural support of our body and for normal function of all tissues.
Fibrous tissues:
Type l is the most common type of collagen and is found in the dermis, or middle layer of the skin, where it provides the skin with support and elasticity. It is also found in tendons and ligaments that support our skeleton, while also providing flexibility needed to allow movement. Type 1 collagen is also found in bone, teeth and nails, where strength is important.
Cartilage:
Type ll collagen is found in cartilage that covers the surfaces of all our joints, protecting the bones from wear and tear. Loss of cartilage is seen in osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease due to wear and tear that causes pain, stiffness and loss of mobility of joints. Cartilage is also found in structural parts of the body like ears and nose.
Reticulate collagen:
Type lll collagen is known as reticulate collagen and although it is not as strong as type I collagen, it has the same triple helix structure and is often found alongside collagen type I, such as in arterial walls, skin and in the intestines. It is also produced in response to injury to be replaced by type I forming a scar over a wound.
Basement membrane:
Type lV collagen is only found in basement membrane, which separates a layer of cells from connective tissue. Different cell types that are attached to basement membrane include;
- epithelium, such as found in skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract
- endothelium, lining all blood vessels
- mesothelium, lining body cavities like the pericardium of the heart, pleural cavity of the lungs and peritoneum of the abdomen.
Type V collagen:
Type V collagen is important for the regulation and formation of collagen fibrils in type I and type III collagen. It contributes to the structure and function of bone matrix, the cornea of the eye and other tissues including muscle, liver, lungs, and placenta.
What are the Key Benefits of PRO-COL™ Collagen
As we age the body makes less collagen and this is reflected in many of the changes we associate with the aging process, including loss of skin elasticity with formation of fine lines and wrinkles3; less flexibility, reduced muscle tone, joint pain and reduced of mobility. PRO-COL Collagen can supplement for the loss of naturally produced collagen to help reduce some of the symptoms of the aging process and even slow down its progression. When skin, bones, muscles and joints are working better you are better equipped to enjoy your usual activities to the maximum of your physical ability.
For rejuvenating and revitalising skin:
The loss and damage of the fibrillar collagen types I and III is a feature of aging skin, which is enhanced by sun damage and leads to the loss of firmness and elasticity associated with young skin3. Loss of collagen in the skin also leads to reduced moisture and nutrient retention, which contributes to thinning of the skin. Studies indicate that supplementation with collagen hydrolysate may improve elasticity, hydration, wrinkle formation, collagen density and other features of aging skin4, 5, 6.
For repair and healing:
Collagen plays an important role in the wound healing process and in the final stages, migration of fibroblasts into the wound is accompanied by the production of new collagen, which is type III collagen first as this is an easier and faster structure to manufacture by the cell. However Type I collagen then replaces type I collagen. It is thought that supplementation with hydrolysed collagen may be helpful for the enhancement of wound healing1. This may also apply to in bone, tendon, and ligament healing7.
In bone and joint disease:
Clinical evidence suggests that hydrolysed collagen is absorbed by the intestines and accumulates in cartilage, where it stimulates a significant increase in synthesis of extracellular matrix by chondrocytes (cartilage cells). This may help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis by promoting regeneration of cartilage and preventing progressive joint destruction seen in osteoarthritis; also reducing pain and stiffness in the joints8, 9. Hydrolysed collagen also has potential benefit for restoring bone structure to help prevent osteoporosis9 and in prevention of joint deterioration in a high risk group such as high performance athletes10.
What are the Contraindications/Interactions of PRO-COL™ Collagen?
You should consult your doctor if you have any concerns about taking PRO-COL Collagen and always check the ingredients for known allergies and to ensure you do not have any allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients. Stop using if you do develop any irritation or allergy while taking. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, consult your doctor before taking PRO-COL Collagen
What are the Directions for using PRO-COL™ Collagen?
Dosage:
Take 3 capsules at night before bed time.
Additional information:
Include vitamin C in the diet in addition to your PRO-COL Collagen capsules, as vitamin C is essential for regulating the production of functional collagen, which involves converting the amino acids proline and lycine to hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine.
Product SIze
90 Capsules
References
The following references provide scientific support for the use of this product:
- Sato K. The presence of food-derived collagen peptides in human body-structure and biological activity. Food Funct 2017 Nov 8. doi: 10.1039/c7fo01275f. [Epub ahead of print]
- Yazaki M, Ito Y, Yamada M, Goulas S, Teramoto S, Nakaya MA, Ohno S, Yamaguchi K. Oral Ingestion of Collagen Hydrolysate Leads to the Transportation of Highly Concentrated Gly-Pro-Hyp and Its Hydrolyzed Form of Pro-Hyp into the Bloodstream and Skin. J Agric Food Chem. 2017 Mar 22;65(11):2315-2322.
- Varani J, Dame MK, Rittie L, et al. Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. Am J Pathol. 2006;168(6):1861–1868.
- Genovese L, Corbo A, Sibilla S. An Insight into the Changes in Skin Texture and Properties following Dietary Intervention with a Nutricosmeceutical Containing a Blend of Collagen Bioactive Peptides and Antioxidants. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2017;30(3):146-158.
- Inoue N, Sugihara F, Wang X. Ingestion of bioactive collagen hydrolysates enhance facial skin moisture and elasticity and reduce facial ageing signs in a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study. J Sci Food Agric 2016 Sep;96(12):4077-81.
- Asserin J, Lati E, Shioya T, Prawitt J. The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. J Cosmet Dermatol 2015 Dec;14(4):291-301.
- Liu SH, Yang RS, al-Shaikh R, Lane JM. Collagen in tendon, ligament, and bone healing. A current review. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1995 Sep;(318):265-78.
- Bello AE, Oesser S. Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: a review of the literature. Curr Med Res Opin 2006 Nov;22(11):2221-32.
- Moskowitz RW. Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2000 Oct;30(2):87-99.
- Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, Aukermann DF, Meza F, et al24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008 May;24(5):1485-96.