Peptan collagen peptides support bone formation, says recent study

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A study recently published in the journal Nutrition found that the branded collagen peptide manufactured by Rousselot (Son, The Netherlands) called Peptan can directly target and modulate the function of bone-remodeling cells. The study combined in vivo, ex vivo, and clinical approaches with both mice and humans. The ex vivo model was specifically designed to take into account the modifications that collagen peptides undergo when taken orally and passing through the digestive system.

In the study, mice were given either collagen peptides or hydrolyzed casein as a control. Their serum was collected one hour after intake and the samples were then tested in bone-related primary cell culture assays for effects on osteoblast and osteoclast activity; the cells responsible for new bone formation and bone degradation, respectively. Results showed that mouse serum enriched with collagen peptide metabolites had a direct stimulatory impact on osteoblast activity and processes involved in forming bone mass. The collagen peptides also inhibited osteoclast differentiation, meaning they could not develop into mature and fully functional cells that break down bone mass.

The study design was then adapted to humans. Ten volunteers fasted for 12 hours, and then took either 25 g of either the collagen peptides or hydrolyzed casein dissolved in water. One hour after ingestion, blood was collected to produce metabolite-enriched serum and bioactivity assays were performed in human cell models. The observations were in line with the mouse cell assays. Results also showed that Peptan collagen peptides of different raw material showed comparable effects.

“Previous research had already shown the benefits of Peptan on bone health but understanding the cellular mechanisms that are responsible for those benefits has major scientific value for the body of evidence for bioactive collagen peptides,” explained Lisette Van Lith, global director of Peptan, in a press release. “Results of this recent trial clearly demonstrate the dual impact supplementation has in both improving bone formation and reducing bone breakdown, thus promoting overall bone health. We’re extremely proud to contribute to an ever-increasing portfolio of supporting science that can be used by our customers to educate consumers on the benefits of collagen peptides.”