AIDP beleives the patent could prove useful to supplement providers for both bone and joint health, as well as providing anti-aging properties to help repair photo aged skin that has been subsequently wrinkled.
The company says it was pleasantly surprised by the results of one trial that showed bone density increased by nine per cent in a group using the company’s KoAct Calcium Collagen Chelate, compared to groups using regular calcium and regular calcium/collagen mixtures.
Optimizing collagen peptide
The patent (No. 7,495,076) covers peptide chelated mineral products, pharmaceutical formulations and details methods for, “generating the optimal size of collagen peptide for optimum mineral chelation as well as optimum biological function for supporting bone health and joint health.”
"Collagen fragments prepared in accordance with the present invention are employed to form chelates with any mineral to produce mineral collagen chelate compounds with enhanced bioavailability," the patent reads.
Methods to increase bone density/prevent osteoporosis are also covered as is reducing joint pain and/or joint deterioration from osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, joint defect, and rheumatoid arthritis.
While the use of collagen chelate with calcium is the most thoroughly studied, with earlier related patents dating back to the mid-1970s, other minerals are set to benefit from the process including magnesium, zinc and iron.
People need more collagen
At 25-35 per cent, collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals and the main structural component in bone, skin and cartilage, but many people do not consume enough of it.
Collagen supplements and beauty foods have proved increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in Japan, where the substance is considered to be a significant tool in the fight to help keep signs of skin aging at bay.
Collagen is typically extracted from bovine or shark sources and has been available in the US since about 1986 as a food supplement.
AIDP was not able to be contacted before publication.