CLINICALLY PROVEN;

LIGAMENTS / TENDONS;

• Increases in the production of collagen types I and III, proteoglycans and elastin. Resulting in increases in connective tissue firmness. 

• Increases tendon strength and elasticity

• Helps to alleviate an existing injury by stabilising the injured joint

CARTILAGE;

• Activates the growth of new cartilage

• Improves cartilage structure

JOINTS;

• Make the joints smooth and mobile, improving joint function

• Eases joint discomfort, reducing symptoms of pain and stiffness

• Reduces post-exercise joint pain

• Prevents re-injury

OTHER

• Ameliorates Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

• Lowers post exercise lactate concentrations

• Reduced inflammation

• Improved injury rehabilitation

ABOUT GELITA® COLLAGEN PEPTIDES

GELITA® uses an enzymatic hydrolysis process to produce Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP's) from the parent collagen protein to be rapidly absorbed by the body. 

This process is similar to human digestion, however specific, so to consistently obtain the precise bioactive sequences. 

The BCPs by GELITA include a range of specific polypeptides of optimal molecular weight. The mode of action of BCPs is related to their unique molecular weight fingerprint, as they bind to specific receptors found on the surface of each cell type, stimulating the metabolism of the target cells. 

The specific molecular weight and structure of gelita peptides allows for optimal cell interaction and elicits long lasting activation and stimulation of the target cells. Each of the various GELITA® BCPs stimulate different cell types.

Whole Body Collagen contains the BCP's:

• FORTIGEL® 

• TENDOFORTE®

• PLUS HydroCurc®

FORTIGEL®

Optimized specific BCPs of FORTIGEL® have been proven to activate the growth of new cartilage by stimulating cells, helping to ease joint discomfort and make the joints smooth and mobile.

FORTIGEL® BCPs have been shown to improve collagen production in joints, resulting in improved cartilage structure (increased glycosaminoglycans content as evidenced by MRI and joint space by X-ray), reduced osteoarthritis symptoms (pain, stiffness), improved joint function, reduced post-exercise joint pain in young athletes and improved ankle stability.[16-26],[47],[48] 

Most athletic injuries occur at tendon sites, likely because the tendon is often the weakest link in the chain of transmitting mechanical force. Since the tendon is composed of 60-80% collagen, collagen peptide supplementation has potential to support improved tendon strength and elasticity.

FORTIGEL® RESEARCH

A study held at Penn State University (2008) with 147 athletes who experienced activity related joint pain. Subjects were divided into 2 groups, one taking 10g of FORTIGEL® collagen peptide per day and the other group taking placebo. The study was prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo controlled. The study ran over a 24 week period. Both groups were assessed for several parameters referring to pain, mobility and inflammation.

Results showed significant changes with those taking the FORTIGEL® supplement across the following parameters when compared to placebo; reduced joint pain at rest (p=0.001), reduced joint pain when walking (p=0.003), reduced joint pain when standing (p=0.011), reduced joint pain when carrying objects (p=0.014), and reduced joint pain when lifting (p=0.018)

The results suggest that active people consuming FORTIGEL® can reduce parameters such as pain that has a negative effect on physical activity.[55]

TENDOFORTE®

TENDOFORTE® is unique blend of BCPs that have been formulated to support the health of the body’s connective tissue such as tendons and ligaments. It has been shown to increase the expression of extracellular matrix molecules resulting in an increase in the production of collagen types I and III, proteoglycans and elastin. This results in increases in connective tissue firmness. Administration of TENDOFORTE® may also result in a reduction in the enzymatic or activity – induced upregulation of inflammatory compounds.[55]

TENDOFORTE® can positively affect the functional and mechanical properties of connective tissues including proteoglycans and elastin in ligaments and tendons. TENDOFORTE® supplementation (along with well-structured strengthening exercises and back-to- fitness plans) increases the tensile strength of ligaments and tendons, helping to alleviate an existing injury, stabilise the injured joint, improve joint function and prevent re-injury.[55][56]

TENDOFORTE® RESEARCH

TENDOFORTE® has been clinically trialled on two occasions, both trials showing an increase in the tensile strength of tendinous tissues. 

Dressler (2018)[55] conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial looking at the effects of 5g daily TENDOFORTE® supplementation on chronic ankle instability in active people. The results of the study showed improvements in tensile load, stiffness and strength of the affected connective tissue, as well as the perception of joint stability in the treated subjects who felt that the joint was less likely to “give way” during physical activity. These results were not experienced by the placebo group.

The German version of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM-G) and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Toll (CAIT) were used for objective measurements of connective tissue health and function. Subjective ankle stability was improved in both the CAIT (p < 0.001) and the FAAM-G (p < 0.001) following TENDOFORTE® supplementation compared with placebo.

3-month follow-up analysis showed a decrease in relapsing injury rates in comparison to the placebo group suggesting superior tissue repair and injury prevention outcomes over placebo.

Praet (2019)[56] studied the effects of TENDOFORTE® on symptoms and tendon vascularisation in patients with chronic mid-portion Achilles Tendinopathy in a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial. Treatment included a 5gm daily dose of TENDOFORTE® in combination with a structured exercise program. Study duration was 6 months with a 3 month cross over point.

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment – Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaires and microvascularity measurements using contrast enhanced ultrasonography were used as outcome measurement tools. Both groups experienced improvements in VISA-A scores and reductions in microvascularity of the tendon during the active treatment phase of the study.

The authors concluded that TENDOFORTE® supplementation may expedite the benefits of exercised based programs in patients with Achilles tendinopathy.

HydroCurc®

HydroCurc® is a highly bioavailable curcumin utilising the patented LipiSperse® technology. 

LipiSperse® has the capacity to facilitate increased absorption, while at the same time reducing or eliminating the effect of food on the absorption of many bioactive compounds.

The exceptional bioavailability of a single dose of HydroCurc® has been demonstrated in the pharmacokinetic study conducted at the University of Queensland and published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

The key to assessing bioavailability is measuring the total amount (ng/ml) of curcuminoids delivered into blood. HydroCurc® achieved 807ng/ml blood plasma.[3]

LipiSperse® also protects the curcumin during GIT transit, as the technology “coats” or embeds a lipophilic tail with a hydrophilic head on each particle /crystal. This assists by reducing degradation by stomach acid.[4]

Most bioavailable curcumins on the market contain a curcuminoid load in the range of 6% to 20%. HydroCurc® in comparison is 90% curcumin (86% curcuminoids).

HydroCurc® RESEARCH

In a pharmacokinetic study with 18 subjects (seven crossed over) HydroCurc® delivered significantly higher plasma curcuminoid concentrations (807 ng/mL vs 318 ng/mL), higher than any other published data.[6] 

These findings are supported by a mechanistic study[7] conducted at the University of South Australia. This demonstrated: “drastic improvement on the solubility of curcuminoids”;

HydroCurc® impacted the dissolution profile & assisted in the permeation of curcumin across a CaCo2 cellular monolayer; and the LipiSperse® dispersion system protects curcumin from degradation by the stomach acid.

Another randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study at the University of Queensland assessed the efficacy of HydroCurc®, for alleviating joint pain and improving quality of life in adults aged 25-70 years old reporting joint pain. 

80 participants were randomised to receive either HydroCurc® or a placebo daily for 2 weeks. The primary outcome was a self-assessed reduction in pain as assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, completed in the morning and evening. Secondary outcomes included change in quality of life (SF-36), profile of mood states scale (POMS) and gastrointestinal tolerance. This study demonstrates that HydroCurc® maybe a safe and effective option for reducing joint pain.[8] Morning pain scores for the HydroCurc® group were reduced in as little as six days.[8]

In a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled study to measure exercise recovery in recreationally trained healthy participants, acute supplementation with HydroCurc® allowed participants to return to recover faster from training and return to exercise at higher levels. 

The HydroCurc® group had significantly reduced DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) pain, and experienced significantly lower post exercise lactate concentrations. Other measures included increased anti-inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-10 which reduce TC, pain, and modulate energy metabolism.

The clinical research conducted is also supported by Case Studies on the use of HydroCurc® by elite athletes. These have included several seasons use by Gloucester Rugby in the English Premiership, the English Men’s Cricket team (notable fast bowlers and Ben Stokes), Queensland Cricket, and English Hockey. Reported benefits have included reduced muscle soreness, reduced inflammation, faster recovery time from tendinopathy and improved injury rehabilitation.