Collagen Formula Pro for Cartilage, 60 capsules

Collagen Formula Pro for Cartilage

Collagen Formula Pro is the result of a search for the highest-quality and most scientifically sound forms of collagen. It contains undenatured collagen types I, V and X derived from eggshell membrane (Ovomet®), as well as undenatured collagen type II (UC-II®). The formula contains Ester-C®, a superior form of vitamin C that is important for collagen production and benefits the cartilage. These ingredients form an effective trio, the components of which complement each other perfectly.

Collagen

The word ‘collagen’ is derived from the Greek κoλλώ, meaning ‘to bind together’. Collagen fibres are the most important proteins in the human body, providing structure, strength, cohesion and elasticity outside the cells. Various types of supporting tissue, such as connective tissue, cartilage and bone, contain collagen fibres. Collagen can occur in up to 28 different types. The most common form of collagen in the human body is type I. It is found, for example, in tendons, ligaments and bone tissue. Collagen types II, V and X are more specialised and occur in smaller quantities in specific areas. For example, cartilage is predominantly composed of type II, with a small amount of type X also present. The structure of all types of collagen is identical. Collagen fibres are made up of bundles of collagen fibrils, which consist of strands of collagen molecules (see figure). These molecules are made up of three protein chains arranged in a specific triple-helix structure. As collagen is not of plant origin, animal collagen is always used in dietary supplements.

Undenatured type II collagen

The Collagen Formula Pro contains non-denatured type II collagen (derived from chicken cartilage) under the brand name UC-II®. This collagen is produced by the well-known American supplier Interhealth. Interhealth has invested considerable resources in the scientific validation of this product. Several human studies involving UC-II® have been carried out, yielding positive results. A key distinguishing feature of UC-II® is that it is a ‘non-denatured’ form of type II collagen. This means that the collagen contained in the product is still in its original form and retains the same spatial (helix) structure, which the body can recognise as such. In contrast, there is denatured type II collagen available as a dietary supplement. In this case, the collagen is processed by hydrolysis (a chemical reaction with water breaks the collagen down into smaller peptides). This alters the three-dimensional structure of the molecule, which is detrimental. By comparison, the daily dose for UC-II® containing non-denatured type II collagen is just 40 mg, whereas several grams are normally required for denatured type II collagen.

Eggshell membrane

Inside an egg is a thin membrane that is rich in nutrients and aids the development and protection of the chick. When eggs are consumed in the usual way, this membrane is generally lost as it is attached to the eggshell. The Spanish manufacturer of Ovomet®, Eggnovo, has found a useful application for chicken eggshells, which are normally considered a waste product. The membrane is separated from the inside of the egg using a natural process based on water extraction and processed for use in food supplements. Thanks to this gentle manufacturing process, the beneficial properties of the eggshell membrane, including the spatial structure of the collagen it contains, are preserved. Among other things, Ovomet® contains a large amount of potent, undenatured type I collagen. Furthermore, it contains undenatured collagen types V and X. Ovomet® is a genuine natural product and therefore also contains other constituents such as elastin (approx. 20%), hyaluronic acid (approx. 4%), glucosamine (approx. 2%), chondroitin (approx. 2%), keratin (approx. 1%), lysozyme (approx. 1%) and over 500 different types of protein. Furthermore, various human studies have been carried out using Ovomet®.

Vitamin C

Collagen Formula Pro contains vitamin C in the form of Ester-C®. This patented ingredient is vitamin C in the non-acidic form of calcium ascorbate. It also contains several natural metabolites of vitamin C, such as threonic acid, which makes Ester-C® unique. Ester-C® offers benefits such as faster absorption by the body and longer retention compared to standard vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid. Consequently, it takes longer to take effect and a lower dose is sufficient. The various health-promoting effects of vitamin C are extensively documented in the scientific literature. This collagen formula is ideal for vitamin C, as it contributes, amongst other things, to the normal formation of collagen. Three different enzymes involved in collagen production require vitamin C as a cofactor. These three enzymes promote the attachment of a hydroxyl group (OH) to the amino acids L-lysine and L-proline, which are components of the collagen molecule, in order to stabilise collagen’s characteristic triple-helix structure. Regular collagen synthesis is important, amongst other things, for the formation and development of cartilage and the composition of bone tissue, and for all these processes to function normally.

Nutritional properties

• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for normal cartilage function.
• Vitamin C plays a role in bone formation.

Nutrition declaration

*Reference value in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011

Key ingredients

* No reference amount specified under the Food Information Regulation (LMIV)

Ingredients

Eggshell membrane(Ovomet®, from chicken eggs), vegetable capsule (pullulan, from fermented cassava starch), calcium ascorbate (Ester-C®), chicken cartilage (UC-II®), anti-caking agent (rice fibre).

Ovomet® is a registered trademark of Eggnovo. UC-II® is a registered trademark of Interhealth.
Ester-C® is a registered trademark of The Ester-C Company.

Recommended intake

Take 1 capsule per day with water at dinner or before bedtime.

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place away from light (not in the fridge).

Legal information

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of young children.