What is Undenatured Collagen?

Undenatured collagen is the form of collagen that preserves its natural triple helix structure and does not lose its structural integrity during processing. Type 1-3 and Type-2 forms are widely used in the sector. By using low temperature and sensitive extraction methods in the production processes, the natural structure of collagen is preserved intact, which allows undenatured collagen to maintain its biological activity.

Structural Features

• Triple-Helix Structure: Undenatured collagen preserves the triple-helix structure formed by the orderly arrangement of amino acid chains. This structure is fundamental to collagen's biological activity and its effects on the immune system.

• Type II Collagen: Found primarily in cartilage tissues, Type II collagen is vital for maintaining the structural integrity of joints. In its undenatured form, this collagen can help preserve joint function and reduce inflammation.

Production Process

• Low-Temperature Extraction: Undenatured collagen is typically obtained from chicken sternum cartilage using low-temperature techniques. This method preserves the delicate structure of collagen, preventing its degradation and ensuring it retains its natural biological activity.

• Enzymatic Processing: In this process, collagen is broken down into small protein segments without structural damage, enhancing its bioavailability for more effective absorption and utilization by the body.

Biological Functions

• Joint Health: Undenatured collagen supports joint health by aiding in the preservation and repair of cartilage tissues. It can be particularly effective in alleviating symptoms of degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.

• Immune System Modulation: By activating the oral tolerance mechanism, undenatured collagen can reduce the autoimmune response of the immune system. This helps to alleviate inflammation and pain in the joints.

• Anti-Inflammatory Effect: Undenatured collagen can suppress the production of cytokines that regulate the inflammatory response. This reduces inflammation in the joints and helps prevent cartilage degradation.

Applications

1. Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

• Osteoarthritis: Undenatured collagen can reduce joint pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients, slowing down cartilage degradation. Clinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in improving joint mobility and managing pain.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: It has the potential to reduce autoimmune responses against joint tissues, helping to alleviate symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Sports Health

• Joint Protection: Undenatured collagen is used by athletes to protect joints and support recovery processes during high physical activity. It can help prevent joint wear and improve athletic performance.

3. Immune Modulation and Medical Research

• Autoimmune Diseases: Undenatured collagen can regulate autoimmune responses that target cartilage tissues. This immune modulation property presents a promising treatment option for autoimmune diseases.
• Vaccine Development: Due to its immune-modulating properties, undenatured collagen is being explored as a potential agent in vaccine development and immunotherapy research.

Research and Clinical Studies

1. Clinical Studies

Various clinical studies have shown that undenatured collagen is effective in alleviating symptoms and improving joint mobility in patients with osteoarthritis. Notably, it has been observed to be effective even at low doses, such as 40 mg. For example, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients consuming undenatured Type II collagen reported significant reductions in joint pain and improvements in mobility.

2. Immune Response and Autoimmunity

When taken orally, undenatured collagen can modulate the immune response through immune cells in the gastrointestinal system. This process helps suppress autoimmune responses against the body's own cartilage tissues, thereby reducing joint damage.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

• Low-Dose Effectiveness: Compared to traditional collagen supplements, undenatured collagen can be effective at much lower doses. It can alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms even at doses as low as 40 mg.

• Preservation of Natural Structure: By retaining its triple-helix structure, it has high biological activity and more effective immune-modulating effects.

• Immune Regulation: It can regulate autoimmune responses, reduce inflammation, and improve joint health.

Limitations:

• Animal Source: Being derived from chicken sternum cartilage, it is not suitable for vegan or vegetarian users.

• Allergy Risk: People who are allergic to chicken proteins or other animal proteins may have a risk of allergic reactions.

• Long-Term Security: More research is needed on the safety and effectiveness of long-term use.

Safety and Side Effects

• General Security: In clinical studies, undenatured collagen was generally well tolerated and side effects were rare. However, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort.

• Allergy: Caution should be exercised in people who are allergic to chicken or animal proteins.

Conclusion

Undenatured collagen is gaining attention as an effective and safe supplement to support joint health and relieve symptoms of autoimmune joint diseases. This form of collagen, which maintains its structural integrity, can reduce joint pain and inflammation by modulating the immune system. Although promising results have been obtained in diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, more clinical studies are needed to better understand its long-term effects and safety.

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