According to recent figures, approximately 1.71 billion people1 around the world suffer from joint conditions, which typically presents with stiff and tender joints associated with various musculoskeletal conditions.2
Joint health is a major concern for an aging population
Poor joint health can be debilitating and can prevent people from living normal, active lives. It’s not surprising that a recent survey revealed that 17-20% of consumers in the US and UK are extremely concerned about their joint health.3
Mild sufferers of joint conditions can take over-the-counter painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to relieve discomfort and inflammation. However, long-term use of these drugs can negatively impact the rest of the body.4 Stronger prescription drugs are available for severe cases, but these also come with potential side effects and are not ideal for long-term use.
In recent years, there’s been a trend towards natural health supplementation with supplements on the market such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
While existing supplements have provided helpful support,5 there’s a growing opportunity to do even better. Consumers are always looking for the next generation of joint health solutions—safe, natural options that support their well-being and mobility.
Introducing collagen’s role in supporting joint health
Collagen, a major component in joint tissue, plays an important role in joint health
Joints connect bones and make movement (such as walking, running and turning) possible. They are made up of cartilage, tendons, ligaments and synovial fluid, each of which plays an important role in supporting the joint.
Synovial fluid keeps the joint well-lubricated, while cartilage acts as a cushion protecting bones from trauma and friction. Tendons and ligaments are connective tissues that give structure, strength and flexibility to the joint.
There are a number of joints in the human body, each one supporting the kind of movement we associate with normal activity. During the course of our lives we are constantly moving, putting pressure on the joints, and as we age this can take its toll on the cartilage which can become damaged, leading to discomfort.
Now for the key fact: joints are 70% collagen, a fibrous protein that gives the body strength and structure. Collagen is actually a key structural component of cartilage. Maintaining sufficient levels of collagen is essential for keeping joints healthy and flexible.
Collagen peptides align with consumer demand
As living conditions improve globally and people enjoy longer lifespans, maintaining quality of life has become a key focus. Many are looking to stay active and mobile as they age, seeking solutions that support joint health and overall well-being.
One emerging ingredient is collagen peptide (also known as hydrolyzed collagen)—a form of collagen broken down into smaller peptides. These peptides are highly bioavailable,6 meaning they are easily absorbed by the body.
Growing research interest suggests that hydrolyzed collagen may play a role in supporting joint health, and as a result, it’s becoming a popular inclusion in new product development. In fact, collagen peptides are now found in a significant portion of newly launched joint health supplements.
Essentially it is native collagen that’s been broken down into small peptides of amino acids. These peptides are extremely bioavailable and bioactive, meaning they’re easily absorbed by the body. Scientific studies show that, when taken as a supplement, hydrolyzed collagen may trigger the production of collagen in the body and reduce inflammation in the joints, thereby improving symptoms and mobility.
Here’s some science to back up type 1 collagen peptides for joint health
In 2014, a clinical study by Jiang et al. explored the potential benefits of collagen supplementation for joint health.8
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study focused on elderly women with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis in the knee. Over six months, participants were given collagen peptides, and the results showed an improvement in joint mobility and a reduction in discomfort.
Their conclusion highlighted collagen peptides as a promising ingredient for joint health, supporting the maintenance of an active lifestyle during aging.
Further research, including a 2016 study by Dar et al., reinforced these findings. The in vivo study showed that daily intake of Peptan before cartilage damage resulted in cartilage preservation and reduced inflammation in mice. In the study, the mice that were given Peptan before cartilage damage, had a higher cartilage area and lower levels of inflammation than the mice that did not take Peptan before cartilage damage.9
These results indicate that oral consumption of Peptan could have a positive effect on maintaining healthy cartilage.
In summary
The overall benefits of collagen peptides:
- They can help reduce joint discomfort, and improve joint function
- They are highly bioavailable and bioactive
- It’s a natural product, sustainably sourced with excellent traceability
- Safe
- They are odorless and tasteless, meaning it can be incorporated into numerous supplementary delivery forms and applications
With their potential to support mobility, protect cartilage, and offer an easy-to-consume format, collagen peptides provide a natural and sustainable option for consumers seeking joint health products.
All-in-all, collagen peptide has the potential to improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world and represents an exciting opportunity for manufacturers of joint health supplements.
Peptan Collagen peptides have also been demonstrated in scientific studies to support overall mobility and skin beauty, making it the ideal ingredient for manufacturers who wish to develop products to satisfy the growing health and wellness market.
- Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/musculoskeletal-conditions
- Innova Market Insights Consumer Survey 2017
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3158445/
- https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/supplements-herbs/glucosamine-chondroitin-osteoarthritis.php
- Kleinnijenhuis, A. J., et al. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-019-02323-x
- https://peptan.com/what-is-collagen/
- Jiang J.X. et al., 2014, Collagen peptides improve knee osteoarthritis in elderly women: A 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Agro FOOD Industry Hi Tech, 25:19-23
- Dar, Q. et al., 2017. Daily oral consumption of hydrolyzed type 1 collagen is chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory in murine posttraumatic osteoarthritis. PLoS ONE 12(4):e0174705
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