Gelatin is the common name used for hydrolyzed collagen protein (HCP). Collagen is the chief structural protein that makes up connective tissues in the body (skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments). Hydrolyzed collagen is simply a modified fo...
* Please Note: Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. Although we have done our best to review the validity of these uses and we continue to revise this information as new data emerges, the traditional uses indicated on this page for this product may be wrong. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not necessarily based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Gelatin is the common name used for hydrolyzed collagen protein (HCP). Collagen is the chief structural protein that makes up connective tissues in the body (skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments). Hydrolyzed collagen is simply a modified form of the protein that has been broken down into smaller pieces by enzymes - which makes the protein easier to incorporate into dietary products and may ease the digestion and absorption of the amino acids by the intestine. Gelatin is often used as a general protein source in body building products because it is relatively inexpensive. Gelatin has most recently been used to promote joint health, nourish cartilage and bones and help athletes recover from exercise and sports-related injuries.
Gelatin is useful as a tonic and diuretic. It has been shown to have efficacy for arthritis, rheumatism, respiratory tract infections, cartilage and bones repair, fast injury recovery, tissue recovery following exercise and protection against over-use injuries (sprains, strains, tendinitis).
As a general protein source, Gelatin is not generally considered a good source of "high-quality" protein like you would find in meat, poultry, fish and in protein powders comprised of soy, egg or milk/whey proteins. On the one hand, Gelatin is a "poor" protein source because it is low in the sulfur containing amino acids such as cystine (cysteine) and methionine. On the other hand, however, Gelatin is the richest dietary source of the primary amino acids that make up the collagen molecule - glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, lysine and hydroxylysine. As a concentrated source of these collagen amino acids, Gelatin is thought to help nourish the collagen-containing tissues throughout the body - tissues such as cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments and skin.
Gelatin has been used in Europe for decades as a dietary supplement and an alternative treatment for arthritis and osteoporosis. In several German and Czech studies, 7-10 grams of Gelatin per day for 30-90 days has been shown to decrease the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. In some studies, Gelatin was as effective as oral painkillers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and in others, subjects were able to decrease or discontinue their use of analgesic medications while consuming Gelatin. Although proponents of Gelatin consumption claim that they "rebuild" cartilage, this is merely speculation (though probably correct) based on the body of scientific data showing pain reduction. At least one small German study has shown a suppression of bone breakdown in osteoporotic women. In addition, athletes recovering from intense exercise training or sports injuries appear to be able to do so faster when consuming Gelatin.
As a joint support supplement, Gelatin is typically much less expensive compared to other popular joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, but the level and quality of the scientific evidence is also not nearly as strong. It may be possible, however, that because Gelatin and glucosamine/chondroitin products target different parts of the cartilage structure (collagen and proteoglycans, respectively), one ingredient or the other may work better for some individuals.
Gelatin also appears to be beneficial to athletes for muscle growth and metabolism, as it contains lysine, which is important for muscle growth and arginine a precursor of creatine, an amino acid important for the energy metabolism of muscle cells.
Gelatin is a vitreous, brittle solid that is faintly yellow to white and nearly tasteless and odourless. It contains 84-90% protein, 1-2% mineral salts and 8-15% water.
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Directions
Take 3 capsules at each meal with a large glass of water.
Ingredients
Gelatin - 450 mg
Additional Information
Herb-Xtra is committed to the manufacture of high quality, standardized and guaranteed natural health products and supplements.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
