Joint pain is a remarkably widespread issue among middle-aged people throughout the world. In fact, research indicates that 93% of those aged between 45 and 59 globally have concerns about joint and muscle pain, with two-thirds saying it has a moderate to severe impact on their health.1
The sheer scale of the numbers shows the problem goes far beyond those suffering with conditions such as osteoarthritis or injuries. Nor is it limited to those with sedentary lifestyles. Today, middle-aged people are more physically active than ever before, with a 2021 survey finding that 30% exercise almost daily—up from 25% two years earlier.2
Studies have shown that collagen can reduce joint pain among those suffering with conditions such as osteoarthritis as well as joint stability problems, injured joints, or exercise-induced issues. However, there has not been the same look at the long-term impact of collagen supplementation on joint pain and everyday activities in the healthy and active middle-aged population.
Recognizing the vast number of people in this demographic, PB Leiner commissioned Florida State University (FSU) to carry out a study to determine whether collagen peptides (as SOLUGEL®) could improve their experiences with joint pain and discomfort. The study was accepted by a scientific committee and presented at the 18th International Sports Nutrition Society Meeting ON DATE?. It is due to be published in 2021 in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition Supplement.
Study participants were between 45 and 65 years old, exercised at least three hours per week, and were not suffering from osteoarthritis or joint injuries. Over the course of six months, each consumed either a placebo or collagen peptides daily and their progress was assessed according to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Higher scores indicate reductions in pain and improvements in the ability to carry out everyday activities.
Key Benefits
Those consuming 10g per day of SOLUGEL® collagen peptides saw a 36% improvement according to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, indicating significant reductions in pain and improvement in knee functionality.
The study also found that collagen peptides may improve the ability to carry out everyday tasks such as commuting, cleaning and shopping. A third of those in the 10g/d group saw meaningful improvements in their scores while undertaking such activities. None of the participants in the placebo group saw any improvement.
Joint and muscle pain is the second biggest health concern for 45- to 59-year-olds worldwide.3 Two in three people also link joint and bone health to good overall health, while 60% say they are interested in joint and bone health products even if they're not suffering from specific problems.4
With the middle-aged population expected to grow from 1.6 billion to 2.6 billion by 2100,5 demand for preventive solutions is set to increase significantly in the years ahead. In that sense, SOLUGEL® can provide a clinically proven solution across a wide range of applications for this target population.
Dr. Nergiz Unal, will be hosting a presentation on the study at Vitafoods Europe from 16:00 to 16:25 on 6 October 2021 in the New Ingredients – Sports Nutrition Theatre. The presentation will also be streamed online and available to those registering for the event.
References
1. Euromonitor Global Health & Wellness Survey 2021
2. Euromonitor Global Health & Wellness Survey 2019-2021
3. Euromonitor Global Health & Wellness Survey 2021
4. FMCG Gurus 'Joint and Bone Health Global Report' (2021)
5. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2019). World Population Prospects 2019