Collagen peptides in the new normal
Global lockdown and quarantine measures have led to a change in consumer buying habits. On one hand, this change has impacted negatively on retail sales, with some health categories seeing a short-term decline in growth. On the other hand, however, it’s had a positive effect on the sales of vitamins and dietary supplements, with a strong focus on immunity and prevention[1].
This clearly indicates that, in light of the current situation, people are concerned about their immune health and are actively seeking ways to maintain wellness. So, health supplements that were trending well before the lockdown have suddenly become more popular as more consumers seek out the latest information on what products can help them stay healthy.
Collagen peptides is one of those ingredients. Before the pandemic, collagen supplementation had already gained an excellent reputation in the market, with food innovators finding novel ways to make it accessible to an even wider audience[2].
So at the moment there is an increased interest in how collagen peptides can enhance products and help people with their health and wellness aims in the coronavirus era.
But how can manufacturers leverage the immense value of collagen peptides?
Collagen peptides: an ideal ingredient for a wide range of health products
Collagen peptides are an ideal ingredient for manufacturers of vitamins and health supplements. As a unique protein from natural origin, they hold the position of being both functional and suitable for a wide range of formulation challenges.
As a functional ingredient, collagen peptides are backed by science.
Below are some research findings and references to the scientific studies:
- help reduce muscle soreness after intense exercise, thereby reducing recovery time and enabling active consumers to maximize their training and exercise[3];
- help improve joint conditions[7];
- support skin beauty by helping the body produce more collagen and hyaluronic acid[4];
- increase the protein content of a product, thereby making the product more nutritious;
- support bone health by helping with the bone remodelling process[5].
In terms of formulation benefits, collagen peptides:
- can be specially designed (see Peptan) for high solubility in cold water - ideal for ready-to-drink powders and protein bars;
- have a mouthfeel similar to fat, so they can be used as a bulking agent for reduced fat products;
- are odorless and flavorless, meaning they can be blended with other ingredients without impacting the taste and smell of the finished product;
- have high stability and can improve the shelf-life of products;
- blend well with key immunity ingredients e.g. vitamin C, vitamin D.
When it comes to immunity supplements, collagen peptides can make all the difference
As the demand grows, manufacturers of vitamins and health supplements (particularly those that cater for immune health) are looking for ways to differentiate their products.
In this respect, collagen peptides offer an excellent opportunity for product differentiation. Collagen peptides have complimentary properties that allow them to be blended with other ingredients such as vitamin C. So manufacturers can safely add them to their immune health offerings, thereby adding value to their finished products. For example, it wouldn’t be just vitamin C - it would be vitamin C plus collagen.
To the consumer looking for ways to maximize his or her budget, such formulations could be very appealing.
Joint health: Collagen peptides can help people get more active, which in turn helps the immune system
Regular exercise is good for immune health[6]. However, because of their joint conditions, some people aren’t able to do much exercise, and so their immune system doesn’t get the benefit. Typically this consumer suffers from stiff and swollen joints that restrict mobility.
Collagen peptides have a solid reputation in this market as several scientific studies have shown that type II collagen supplementation can help improve joint health, thereby enabling the consumer to get more active[7].
As people become more aware of the link between exercise and immune health, collagen peptides inevitably represent an excellent opportunity for both consumers and manufacturers.
Would you like to know more? Check out our on-demand webinar.
Sources:
[1] Impact of Covid-19 crisis on retail trade
[2] Collagen is moving beyond a specialised functional space
[3] Clifford, T, et al., 2019, The effects of collagen peptides on muscle damage, inflammation and bone turnover following exercise: a randomized, controlled trial. Amino Acids https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-019-02706-5
[4] Asserin, J. et al., 2015. The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, doi: 10.1111/jocd.12174
[5] Guillerminet, F. et al., 2010, Hydrolyzed collagen improves bone metabolism and biomechanical parameters in ovariectomized mice: An in vitro and in vivo study. Bone, 46:827-834
[6] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007165.htm
[7] Jiang J.X. et al., 2014, Collagen peptides improve knee osteoarthritis in elderly women: A 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Agro FOOD Industry Hi Tech, 25:19-23
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