kolla2_collagen

Collagen Supplements
Sarah Quadri, Bachelor of Science in Biomolecular Science

Appendix from Prolotherapy: Living Pain Free

Consistent positive results of immune application of undenatured collagen type II are still in the process in human use. It was also perceived for a period of time that like collagen type I & III, hydrolysis of chicken collagen type II would also be necessary to maximize the absorption and benefits of collagen type II as a nutrient, therefore hydrolyzed chicken collagen was developed. Hydrolyzed collagen type II involves a similar process as the type I & III whereby the collagen is broken down and denatured to amino acid and peptide components. Recent laboratory testing has shown however, that the severe heat or acid steps necessary in hydrolysis can destroy and wash away some of the vital carbohydrate nutrients (mucopolysaccharides) that normally complex with the chicken collagen type II, including hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin. The latest collagen type II, unhydrolyzed chicken sternum cartilage collagen type II (under the trade name of Kolla2® made by Collagen Nutraceuticals, Inc.), involves a patent-pending low temperature process that preserves a low-molecular weight structure as well as more of the important mucopolysaccharides.

Researchers recognized that hydrolyzing chicken sternal collagen type II would lower the high levels of anti-inflammatory mucopolysaccharides present in the cartilage of six-week-old chicks (the source of chicken sternal collagen type II). In contrast, Kolla2® unhydrolyzed collagen type II leaves the long chains of amino acids intact, but allows the body's own superior natural enzymes to recognize the precise genetic code in the healthy active molecules of chicken sternal collagen type II for maximum assimilation. This provides chicken sternal collagen type II as a building block for the body to heal itself, especially in cases of osteoarthritis. By not hydrolyzing, the Kolla2® unhydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage collagen type II provides the following ratio of nutrients (±2%):

50% Collagen Type II Protein
17% Hyaluronic Acid
16% Chondroitin and
about 17% Glucosamine.

The benefits of preserving the mucopolysaccharides result in the presence of the natural ratios of the building blocks the body needs to make more cartilage and other important tissues, present best in Kolla2® unhydrolyzed chicken sternal collagen type II. The articular benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin are common in this day and age, but not until recently have the benefits of the third component of chicken collagen type II begun to be realized-hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid (HA), also known as hyaluronan, is an important disaccharide found in every tissue of the body, but in particular as an essential lubricant of healthy joints, skin and eyes. Recent attention on hyaluronic acid began after ABC News published a report on the Japanese village of Yuzuri Hara, where the residents were living long and healthy lives at much higher rates than statistics of most other peoples. After studying them, it was determined that their diets stimulated and supplied high quantities of hyaluronic acid in their bodies. In fact, to rule out the effects of genetics, younger generations of Yuzuri Hara exposed to new western foods infiltrating the region have expressed health problems and created an "upside down health pyramid" where elderly parents were outliving their adult children. Our western diets leave little room for sufficient supply of HA, therefore people have turned to the prospect of using HA-rich supplements such as Pure H.A.T natural hyaluronic acid.

HA is part of a group of macromolecules in the body labeled as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are primarily in cell membranes and in the intercellular matrix of connective tissue. Along with water, HA's unique property of high viscosity, and therefore low compressibility, provides vital shock absorption and lubrication properties. In the intercellular matrix, HA essentially operates with water to "bathe" cells by binding with almost 1000-fold of its own weight in water. This distribution along with the property of high viscosity provides for separation of cells and intercellular fibers to facilitate movement of nutrients and waste, protection of underlying tissue such as cartilage, bone, and muscle from wear and tear, and hydration and structure. HA can be found more concentrated in areas of the body that endure increased movement and friction or have a higher fluid component such as the eyes, ears, heart, and joints. In the joints, HA is secreted by chondrocytes (articular cells) and is one of the most essential components of the vitreous humor (joint fluid) that protects the joints from deterioration. HA works similarly as a component of the fluids lubricating the heart to prevent friction between the heart and surrounding membranes, as well as lubrication of the corneal epithelium on the surface of the eye. HA also provides an optically clear structural component for rigidity in the vitreous (fluid) of the eye. In addition to its physical contributions, HA has also been found to assist in regulation of cell turnover in the skin, to serve as an anti-oxidant to free-radicals generated by UV radiation, and as an aid in communication between cells in cell-mediated immune response. Just as collagen, as we age HA content in our bodies tends to decrease, but recent supplementation with an HA-rich product is providing promising results.

The ability to nutritional support so many different conditions with collagen supplementation can only further interest in researching its further applications and mechanisms for support of connective tissues.

*The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Results will vary among individuals. Always consult with your physician.