GHP May 2017

12 GHP / May 2017 , effects of these collagen peptides on body composition and muscle strength. Involving 60 sarcopenic men aged 65 and older (mean age = 72), the results of the study were published in the British Journal of Nutrition 1 . The participants were divided into two groups. During the 12- week study period, both groups underwent the same guided resistance training program, with three sessions per week. One group was supplemented daily with placebo, the other with BODYBALANCE® collagen peptides: 15 g given in powder form dissolved in 250 mL of water. The participants drank the solution within one hour after the training. The training exercises (pull down, leg press, bench press and back press) were done on fitness devices. Increased benefits thanks to specific collagen peptides The main finding of the study was that specific collagen peptides further increased the benefits of resistance training in elderly people with sarcopenia. Compared with placebo, participants in the collagen- supplemented group showed a significant increase in fat-free mass (+4.2 kg compared with +2.9 kg) and muscle strength (+16.5 Nm compared with +7.3 Nm), as well as a statistically significant reduction in fat mass (-5.4 kg compared with -3.5 kg). In conclusion, the study results demonstrate that the combination of resistance exercise and specific collagen peptides supplementation is well suited to increase muscular power and to fight and prevent sarcopenia. Body composition and toning GELITA has also investigated the effects of BODYBALANCE® on body composition and toning in younger and middle-aged adults and the initial results are very promising. In this latest randomized, double- blind, placebo-controlled study 2 , the effect of post- exercise BODYBALANCE® supplementation on fat-free body mass, fat mass and muscle strength in combination with resistance training was tested: 114 healthy but not particularly sporty men (aged 30–60) underwent a 12 week resistance training program (1 hour, three times per week); half received 15 g of BODYBALANCE® per day whereas the other half were given a placebo. Changes in the body composition (fat-free mass, fat mass) were measured by DXA scans. In addition, muscle strength, waist circumference and various blood parameters were determined. The results of the primary endpoint of the study revealed a statistically significant increase in fat-free mass after BODYBALANCE® supplementation compared to placebo. The positive effect was also reflected in the results of the secondary study criteria. BODYBALANCE® treatment led to statistically significant fat mass reduction, whereas there was an improvement trend in muscle strength and waist circumference after collagen peptide intake. 2. Regenerating joint cartilage Around the world, more than 25% of the population suffers from joint problems; this represents a considerable loss of quality of life. The principal reason for these problems is wear and tear of the joint cartilage — brought about by increasing longevity, being overweight through lack of activity or the mechanical stress of intensive sport. Despite considerable medical progress, there is still no cure for osteoarthritis and only a few therapeutic remedies to treat the disease. In most cases, the symptoms are treated and not the cause. However, GELITA’s specific collagen peptides in FORTIGEL® tackle this problem in a completely different way. After oral administration, they stimulate the cartilage cells to increase the production of both collagen and proteoglycans — the two major components that make up almost 90% of cartilage dry mass. By treating the actual causes, FORTIGEL® considerably improves joint mobility, reduces pain and hence provides a better quality of life. To detect the possible mode of action, a study was conducted with patients with mild arthrosis of the knee joint. 3 The objective of this investigation was to detect and confirm structural changes in the joint cartilage, which was evaluated using dGEMRIC (a magnetic resonance imaging technique). Although a progressive loss of cartilage was observed during the 1-year study period in the untreated placebo group, the subjects receiving FORTIGEL® showed significantly reduced degeneration of the extracellular cartilage matrix. As a result, it was shown for the first time in humans that orally administered collagen peptides have a direct influence on cartilage structure. Prevention Joint-related problems not only affect overweight and elderly people, there is increasing concern that too much physical activity may lead to osteoarthritis as well. The continuous stress that physical activity places on the joints can result in microtrauma and degeneration of the articular cartilage. However, osteoarthritis onset appears to depend on the frequency, intensity and duration of physical activity. Yet, the right choice of nutrients can help to prevent joint problems occurring and keep consumers physically active. A clinical study undertaken by Penn State University tested the effect of a finished product named CH-Alpha®, which contains FORTIGEL®, on 147 sports students who were suffering from joint problems as a result of mechanical stress (participants with diagnosed osteoarthritis or acute injuries and inflammation were excluded). 4 During a period of 24 weeks, the participants either received 10 g of FORTIGEL® in form of CH-Alpha® or a placebo. Compared with the control group, the students who took FORTIGEL® showed a significant reduction in joint symptoms as well as improved mobility. In particular, these positive effects were obvious in participants with knee joint problems brought on by mechanical strain. Previously, the same findings had been demonstrated in an observational study on active sportspeople at the Rhein-Rhur Olympic Support Center in Germany. 3. Collagen matrix stimulation in bones Bone atrophy, loss of bone density and stability is a significant problem for many elderly people. Beyond that, osteoporosis is a major public health threat. Based on WHO diagnostic criteria, approximately 22 million women and 5.5 million men aged between 50 and 84 years of age are estimated to have osteoporosis in the EU (2010 figures). Owing to changes in population demography, the number of men and women with osteoporosis in the EU will rise from 27.5 million in 2010 to 33.9 million in 2025, corresponding to an increase of 23%. 5 When we think of bones, we think of calcium; but our bones need more than just calcium. Bone is a mixture of mineral crystals held in an organic collagen matrix. On their own, the crystals would be extremely brittle and prone to breakages. Collagen is equally as important for bone health. FORTIBONE®, with specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides®, stimulates osteoblast activity to increase the production of the extracellular bone matrix, which is the essential framework for calcium mineralization. In addition, FORTIBONE® regulates the degenerative processes that affect bones by reducing osteoclast- based protease production. FORTIBONE® supplies the body with the basic components needed for a strong and stable bone structure, supporting overall bone stability and flexibility. As a natural, clean label and easily digestible ingredient, non- allergenic FORTIBONE® can be used in a wide variety of foods, functional products, nutraceuticals or food supplements. Products including FORTIBONE® appeal