What are collagen peptides?

Collagen is collagen right? WRONG! We can confirm that not all collagen AND collagen supplements are made equal and we are going to tell you exactly why. Keep reading to find out…

But before we get to that… did you know that there are upwards of 16 different types of naturally occurring collagen in the human body! And as a result, collagen is the primary structural protein of the extracellular matrix and connective tissues of ALL mammals with 80-90% of the collagen in the body consisting of types I, II and III. More on that in a bit...

 

How is collagen made in the body?

To make collagen your body combines certain amino acids (the building blocks of proteins in the human body) from the foods and supplements we eat that are rich in protein, into longer chains and ultimately fibres to form the major structural components of the human body. This process also requires vitamin C, copper and zinc to be able to be carried out effectively.

Collagen molecules are tightly packed together to form fibrils which are formed into larger and larger groups to create stretchy but incredibly strong tissue structures like muscles, ligaments and tendons and skin. But they can also help form slightly softer connective tissue like cartilage to help smooth out the movement of joints. Gram for gram, type I collagen fibres (which is the collagen for joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and bones) are stronger than steel.

 

How are collagen supplements made?

The raw material used to manufacture specific collagen peptides is native collagen protein, which is found in large quantities in animal skin and bone.

Bioactive Collagen Peptides® like the ones used in our collagen supplements are produced through the specific and controlled enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen derived from bovine hide and bones. They are obtained when these raw materials are subjected to technical processes including extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, purification, concentration, sterilisation and drying.

The production processes are optimised to obtain different peptides with different functionalities. Therefore, the triple helix of collagen is broken up. Long chains are hydrolysed to form shorter chains and further hydrolysis leads to short peptides, which are bioactive with body stimulating functions and are much more easily absorbed when ingested.

 

How do collagen supplements work?

Specific collagen peptides like TENDOFORTE®, FORTIGEL® and VERISOL® are all made slightly differently. And by that we mean they all have a slightly different molecular weight. This means that when they are absorbed in the body, each one is able to interact with specific collagen producing cells. Giving you, the consumer, very specific and maximum functionality from your collagen supplements.

How do we know this? From research and experience that’s how!

This ingestion of collagen supplements can stimulate the body’s own collagen metabolism, triggering the production of more collagen and the net result is that extra collagen is available to support your body; to optimise performance, recovery and reduce the risk of injury.

 

Backed by science – VERISOL B®

There are now multiple clinical studies on the VERISOL B®, TENDOFORTE® and FORTIGEL® collagen proteins. And what we understand from studies on VERISOL B is that we can see proven improvements in the skin’s elasticity and also the reduction in the volume of lines and wrinkles for example. But also significant improvements in the effectiveness of wound healing and this is really just the start.

From as early as 56 days, as a result of daily supplementation of VERISOL B® we can see over a 60% improvement in the production of type I collagen. That’s the immature collagen fibres that make up our skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones. Oral ingestion of Bioactive Collagen Peptides® therefore, is clinically proven to boost collagen levels in the body.

 

Backed by science – TENDOFORTE®

U Perform TENDOFORTE®, specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides®, are designed to increase the health and quality of ligaments and tendons. Pre-clinical and clinical trials show the positive effects of TENDOFORTE®, especially when combined with physical activity.

A study of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) examined the benefits of TENDOFORTE® supplementation over a period of 6 months. The participants were 20 subjects with long-term symptoms of chronic Achilles tendinopathy, not responding to any traditional therapies and being unable to train.

Within 3 months, 12 out of 20 participants were able to return to running after starting a therapy with a daily intake of 5g TENDOFORTE® in combination with a highly specialized exercise program. The risk of injury decreases considerably, whilst flexibility improves. TENDOFORTE® significantly strengthens tendons and ligaments.

Furthermore, the effect is long-term. The group starting with TENDOFORTE® still had beneficial effects after 3 months!

 

Backed by science - FORTIGEL®

FORTIGEL® Bioactive Collagen Peptides® are a unique and innovative type II optimised collagen peptide formulation designed specifically for the regeneration of joint tissue and cartilage, helping to ease joint discomfort and keep joints smooth and mobile and moving better, for longer.

FORTIGEL® is an innovative new ingredient optimised to activate the growth of new cartilage by stimulating cells involved in the biosynthesis of type II collagen.

Type II collagen is very similar to type I collagen in that it forms stretchy and strong fibres. But in the case of type II collagen, the fibres are far less uniform in how they are layered together. By being distributed more randomly, they actually gain a softness and compressibility that is absolutely essential for allowing the smooth movement of our joints. But it also provides the shock absorption that our joints and bones need to cope with the stresses of movement at any level.

The effectiveness of FORTIGEL® has been scientifically proven in numerous studies. According to published research, the ingestion of FORTIGEL® stimulates a significant increase of cartilage tissue metabolism.

In a study carried out at Tufts Medical Centre in cooperation with Harvard University, the long term effect of FORTIGEL® treatment on the composition of hyaline cartilage in individuals with early knee osteoarthritis was investigated.

A specific type of magnetic resonance imaging was used to visualise structural changes in cartilage tissue. Overall, 30 subjects were randomized into one group receiving 10 g FORTIGEL® a day for 48 weeks and a control group receiving a placebo. The analysis of the cartilage scans revealed a statistically significant increase in proteoglycan density in the medial and lateral tibial regions of the FORTIGEL® treated subjects compared to the placebo group.

Results indicate that supplementation of FORTIGEL® has a direct impact on human cartilage tissue. This also demonstrates that specific collagen peptides can have an influence on cartilage tissue regeneration.

 

What’s the takeaway?

Overall what we can see AND prove is that Bioactive Collagen Peptides® do become functional in the body. And we can actually see, feel and measure real and lasting results as a result of ingesting collagen supplements like ours.

Our signature Active Collagen gel formulation is a first of its kind collagen supplement with added vitamins and mineral. Formulated using 3000mg of VERISOL B® and 5000mg of TENDOFORTE® collagen technology as well as key nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, zinc and copper to bring you the most powerful collagen peptide formulation there is in the world today.

And that's why you really can see AND feel the positive benefits from your daily dose of Active Collagen.

 

Why choose U Perform?

So if we hadn’t already convinced you. With U Perform you are getting evidence based results, clinical studies and a cost effective, great tasting collagen gel drink that becomes functional in the body in just a few days.

Your daily dose of Active Collagen is the key to maintaining healthy ligaments, tendons, maintaining muscle density and bone density which are all vital concerns for any experienced athletes and exercise enthusiasts alike.

It's simply not a choice for people who want to stay fit active and healthy. And especially if you want to continue participating in activity or competing in your sport for the rest of your life. Even if it's just simply playing with your children or even your grandchildren, we need collagen in our bodies to keep up those activity levels. It’s essential.

For more on the science behind our collagen peptides, why not check out our dedicated Collagen Science page. Or head over to our Collagen Collection to shop now!

 

Thanks for checking out the latest in the U Perform blog! If you have any questions for us, leave them in the comments below and we will do our best to answer them for you. We love hearing from you!