Activation of collagen synthesis

Human monocyte macrophages (h-MDMs) and keratinocytes (HaCat) were co-cultured in a transwell culture system. The cells were stimulated with LPS (100 ng/ml) to induce a pro-inflammatory phenotype and then treated with Naticol® (1 mg/ml). The expression of collagen synthase 3 (an enzyme involved in collagen production), metallopeptidase 13 (MMP13, involved in the degradation of the collagen-containing extracellular matrix and tissue remodeling), TGF-α and IL-10 (anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution cytokines) were assessed using real-time qPCR.

A significant increase in collagen synthesis was observed with Naticol®. This was due to an increase in collagen synthase 3 and a decrease in MMP13. An increase in the expression of anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution cytokines (TGF-α and IL-10) was also observed with Naticol®.

Physical performance in old age

As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and become weaker. This can lead to physical frailty and is associated with an increased risk of falls and impairments in daily activities. Sarcopenia refers to this muscle wasting, which is associated with changes in physical function and muscle quality (see Evans W. 1997).

In a clinical pilot study, Naticol® clinically demonstrated an increase in lean body mass over time. The study results also showed that physical performance increased significantly more in the Naticol® group from baseline (week 0) to endpoint (week 24) compared to the placebo group. This clinical pilot study, conducted by Atlantia/Hospital of Cork (Department of Rheumatology, Prof. Ted DINAN, Ireland), was double-blind, randomized, and conducted against placebo. It was conducted for 24 weeks with 28 subjects with an average age of 62.5 years.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative disease that attacks the joints, causing pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and impaired quality of life. It is the result of a combination of risk factors, the most important of which are increasing age and obesity. Osteoarthritis affects more than half of people over 65 and is the most common joint disease. To date, the only available treatments aim to relieve symptoms such as pain and inflammation, maintain joint mobility, and limit loss of function.

The clinical results of a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study in 30 subjects (average age 61 years) taking 10 g of Naticol® orally daily for 12 weeks showed that regular intake of Naticol® can improve the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, such as pain and physical function (WOMAC scores). This study was conducted by Atlantia/Hospital of Cork (Department of Rheumatology, Prof. Ted DINAN, Ireland).

Reduction of skin aging

Skin aging occurs when the epidermis and dermis thin, cell turnover slows, and collagen is lost or damaged. This leads to reduced hydration, elasticity, and firmness of the skin. Skin architecture can be strengthened by taking specific bioactive collagen peptides such as Naticol®. The benefits of Naticol® for the skin have been demonstrated by three clinical studies, all of which were double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled.The biomechanical measurements of the subjects were performed by certified dermatologists.

The studies conducted on Naticol allow the following cosmetic claims:

· 2.5 g of Naticol® per day reduces wrinkles and improves skin homogeneity. 5 g of Naticol® per day increases skin firmness. (see Clinical double-blind, randomized, versus placebo study. Conducted on 95 healthy female volunteers for 12 weeks. Duteil L, et al. (2018) Effect of low-dose type 1 fish collagen peptides in combination or not with silicon on skin aging symptoms in mature women. JOJCS 6(4): 555692)

· 5 g Naticol® per day increases skin elasticity (cf. double-blind, randomized, versus placebo clinical trial with 60 healthy women over 8 weeks. Duteil L, et al. (2016) Specific natural bioactive collagen peptides of type 1 taken orally reverse the signs of skin aging in mature women. J Aging Res Clin Practice 5(2): 84- 92).

· 10 g of Naticol® per day improves the moisture content of the skin (see double-blind, randomized, clinical trial against placebo. Conducted on 40 healthy female subjects for 12 weeks. Centre of Clinical Pharmacology Applied to Dermatology (CPCAD), L'Archet 2 Hospital, Nice, France).

· According to test subjects, 2.5 g of Naticol® per day leads to visibly stronger, smoother, faster-growing and less brittle nails (cf. panel of 60 women, administration of 2.5 g Naticol®/day for 8 weeks).

Inflammatory bowel diseases

The development of inflammatory bowel diseases is based on a complex interplay between genetics, environmental or microbial factors, and the immune response. It has now been proven that diet contributes to the increased incidence of the disease, as it can influence intestinal inflammation. Naticol® has been shown to u.aIt has been proven effective in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis because it acts directly on macrophages via the mannose receptor. It directs the immune response toward anti-inflammatory activity and thus indirectly contributes to maintaining a healthy microbiome (see M. Rahabi et al. (2022) Bioactive fish collagen peptides attenuate intestinal inflammation; European Journal of Nutrition).

SPORT

Fish collagen peptides such as Naticol® are involved in:

• Muscle building (Naticol® is a pure protein)

• Protection of joints and connective tissue

• Improvement of athletic performance (Hembree et al., 1969)

• Protects the skin from aggressive environmental conditions

(chlorine, cold, etc.)

• Antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effect (Aleman et al., 2011)

• Satiating effect