3RFlex Frequently Asked Questions Part 1

Q1: What is collagen?

Q2: What is collagen hydrolysate?

Q3: What is the difference between collagen, collagen hydrolysate and gelatine?

Q4: What raw material does 3Rflex use?

Q5: How is collagen hydrolysate absorbed and how does it reach the artilage?

Q6: Why take a collagen hydrolysate supplement?

Q7: Why is collagen hydrolysate specially important for cartilage in comparison to other proteins?

Q8: Can I take it when I'm on other medication?

Q9: Are there any side effects of taking collagen hydrolysate?

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Q1: What is collagen?

A1: Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human and animal body representing 30% of total body protein. Collagen gives the structure to tendons, cartilage tissue bones and connective tissue.

The collagen molecule is formed by 3 intertwined protein chains building a triple helix structure (with a molecular weight of -300kD). The triple helix structure of collagen is responsible for the strength and flexibility of cartilage tissue.

The amino acid composition of collagen includes 30% glycine and 25% proline and hydroxyproline. The amino acids make collagen different from other proteins and are of great importance for collagen synthesis.

Q2: What is collagen hydrolysate?

A2: Collagen hydrolysate is collagen (from skin, bone and cartilage) broken down by a natural process (hydrolysis) to facilitate easy absorption into the blood stream.

Since collagen hydrolysate has the same amino acid composition as collagen it is an ideal component for cartilage regeneration. Collagen hydrolysate stimulates collagen synthesis, as proven by a laboratory study by Oesser et al. (Cell & Tissue Research 311:393-9; March 2003).

Clinical studies with patients suffering from osteoarthritis revealed the positive effect of collagen hydrolysate on joint health (e.g. pain reduction, reduced medication, improved physical function).

The beneficial effect of collagen hydrolysate on osteoarthritis is patented (European patent No 0254289 Agents for the treatment of osteoarthritis, 1986, based on a study by Prof Adam). Collagen hydrolysate received GRAS status (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Due to its special production process collagen hydrolysate does not gel and is soluble in cold water.

Q3: What is the difference between collagen, collagen hydrolysate and gelatine?

A3: Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human and animal body representing 30% of total body protein. Collagen gives the structure to tendons, cartilage tissue bones and connective tissue.

Gelatine is produced from collagen. It has gelling properties and is used in the food industry (e.g. emulsifier, gel-former, taste and color enhancer), in the pharmaceutical industry (e.g. for capsules, as blood replacement, agent for vitamin coating) and in the photo industry (e.g. basis of film and photographic paper).

Collagen hydrolysate is also produced from collagen but by a different process. The amino acid composition of collagen and collagen hydrolysate are very similar. This similarity gives collagen hydrolysate an important role in building new cartilage. Research has shown that collagen hydrolysate stimulates collagen synthesis: this effect was proven by a laboratory study by Oesser et al. (Cell & Tissue Research 311:393-9; March 2003).

Q4: What raw material does 3Rflex use?

A4: Bovine (skin of cow), hide spilt and bone chips are the raw materials of collagen hydrolysate. Collagen hydrolysate is manufactured by using only selected raw materials from healthy animals that have been approved by veterinary authorities for human consumption.

Q5: How is collagen hydrolysate absorbed and how does it reach the cartilage?

A5: Oesser et al. (Journal of Nutrition 129:1891-95; 1999) conducted experiments with isolated segments of the intestine show that collagen fragments can pass through the intestinal wall (10-15% of these proteins; in a high molecular form of up to 50kD) and reach the blood stream. Accumulation of radio-labeled collagen hydrolysate can subsequently be seen in cartilage.

Q6: Why take a collagen hydrolysate supplement?

A6: The stress placed on our joints means that they are prone to damage in the longer term. Cartilage is worn out and sometime lost. Unfortunately the body is sometimes unable to produce sufficient new cartilage to counteract this loss.

By taking a collagen hydrolysate supplement we can provide our body with the essential building blocks needed for the formation of joint cartilage. Collagen hydrolysate is used as nutritional supplement for the prevention and treatment of degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis.

Q7: Why is collagen hydrolysate specially important for cartilage in comparison to other proteins?

A7: The amino acid composition of collagen hydrolysate corresponds exactly to that of collagen - the predominant protein in cartilage.

Q8: Can I take it when I'm on other medication?

A8: Yes, since collagen hydrolysate is a food and not a pharmaceutical drug, there are no contraindications or side effects.

Q9: Are there any side effects of taking collagen hydrolysate?

A9: Collagen hydrolysate is a food and not a pharmaceutical drug. It has a strong safety profile: Extensive studies demonstrate no significant side effects: in very rare cases diarrhea or flatulence were observed.

Collagen hydrolysate is neither a mutafgen nor a toxic substance not a teratogen.

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