SOLUGEL® improves physical and mental well-being for active middle-aged adults

Joint discomfort and exercise: a catch-22

Across the globe, more and more people are doing physical exercise to improve their overall health. No less than 87% of middle-aged adults think that exercising or improving physical fitness is (very) important to create a feeling of well-being or wellness.¹ At the same time, joint health is a major concern for active adults worldwide. Research shows that 93% of people aged between 45 and 59 years have concerns about joint and muscle pain.² This leaves this category of people in something of a catch-22 situation: they want to exercise but they also apprehend exercising because of the joint pain. In fact, research has shown that over half of people aged 45 years+ reported they had stopped or reduced exercise due to joint discomfort.³

Clinical Trial: the effect of collagen on active middle-aged adults

Recognizing the role that collagen plays in our aging process — collagen loss starts in our 30s, causing tissue regeneration decline in skin, muscle, and bones, which in turn leads to reduced physical function, injuries, and persistent pain – a research team at FSU set out to investigate the effect of regular intake of SOLUGEL® collagen peptides for middle-aged adults. The study participants were all aged between 40 - 65 years and spent at least 3 - 4 hours each week undertaking activities such as hiking or cycling. They had no specific pathology but suffered from joint and/or musculoskeletal pain. After 6 months, the research evidences not only a significant decrease in joint discomfort but also indicates an increase in daily activities and mental well-being.

Trial outcomes: less pain, more activity, and increased well-being

The double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial showed significant improvements with SOLUGEL® on various levels. Those consuming 10 g per day of SOLUGEL® collagen peptides saw an improvement according to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), indicating significant reductions in pain and improvements in knee functionality.

Dr. Michael Ormsbee, Director at FSU Institute of Sports Sciences & Medicine and the lead clinical study researcher, said: “This is the first and only study to examine not only the physical impact but also the mental component of collagen peptide intake for this demographic group: healthy active adults without pathology.”

Dr. Reyhan Nergiz Unal, Health & Nutrition Science Lead at PB Leiner, said: “The potential of collagen peptides to contribute to holistic health for this demographic group is very encouraging: being pain- free and enjoying an increased activity range also has its effect on mental well-being.” Dr. Nergiz Unal is due to speak at the 6th Nutrition in Athlete Development Summit in Barcelona (Spain) on October 10, 2023, where, among other things, she will expand on the study findings.

About SOLUGEL® collagen peptides: SOLUGEL®, one of PB Leiner’s product brands, can provide support for healthy joints, skin beauty, weight management, and physical performance in a wide range of foods, beverages, and supplements. Obtained from natural animal sources, it is a highly digestible pure protein that is perfectly soluble and neutral in taste and flavor.

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