by Silvia Aeschbach in the SonntagsZeitung health-extra issue of December 01, 2024
Collagen production decreases with age. This not only leads to skin ageing, but also to a reduction in bone mass. But there is a remedy.
Healthy bones and joints are the basis for physical mobility and quality of life. They not only support our “body frame”, but also vital organs. Collagen plays an important role in this. It is the most abundant protein in the human body. Today, 28 different types are known. What they all have in common is that they consist of individual protein chains wound around each other, which are mainly made up of amino acids such as hydroxyproline, proline and glycine.
Collagen production decreases as we grow up. “This is due to a reduction in the activity of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen,” says Vanessa Craig. “Factors such as UV radiation, poor diet, smoking, chronic inflammation and exposure to pollutants accelerate this process.” This not only leads to visible signs of skin ageing and a weakening of the connective tissue, but also to a reduction in bone mass and bone density.
This age-related reduction in bone density is alleviated by taking collagen and the joints become more flexible. This is also evident when it comes to preventing osteoporosis. This occurs when too much bone mass is lost and the structure of the bone tissue changes. “That’s why it’s crucial to take preventative measures at a young age,” says the biomedical scientist.
Osteoporosis does not only affect women
Many people are unaware that osteoporosis is not an inevitable fate, but a largely preventable disease. It does not only affect women, but they experience faster bone loss after the menopause. This is mainly due to the decrease in oestrogen, which has a protective effect on the bones, among other things. In addition, women generally have smaller and thinner bones than men, which means that bone loss has a greater impact. In men, it usually progresses so slowly that they do not notice it. As a result, ninety percent of osteoporosis remains untreated.
“Both sexes are at great health risk after sixty if they suffer a hip or femur fracture,” says Craig. “Studies show that the risk of dying from infection, immobility or surgical stress within a year of the fracture is high.”
There are currently many collagen products on the market that promise great things when it comes to maintaining health and external attractiveness. According to Craig, the type of collagen peptides used, the dosage and the clinical evidence of efficacy are important for the effectiveness of a collagen supplement. Many of the products on the market do not contain the right bioactive peptides or are under-dosed, leading to limited and disappointing results. In the case of Formettã’s bioactive collagen peptides, studies on a large number of test subjects of both sexes aged between 18 and 80 years have measurably demonstrated the effect. This mainly concerns skin elasticity, bone density and joint health.
Collagen is also important in the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammation.
Over time, this long-lasting immune reaction can damage tissue and organs without being noticed. This can lead not only to chronic cardiovascular diseases, but also to diabetes and arthritis. If left untreated, inflammation can drastically shorten life expectancy. Add to this a diet low in essential nutrients, for example, and oxidative stress is promoted and the intestinal microbiome is disrupted.
Rheumatoid arthritis, which is caused by a chronic autoimmune disease, is a disease characterized by chronic and recurring inflammation in the joints. Elisabeth Weiss knows how difficult everyday life can be with such symptoms. The 57-year-old bookseller had her first flare-up of the disease after a Baker’s cyst, a protrusion of the joint capsule in her knee joint, burst a few years ago.
“As a result, my joints swelled up painfully and became hot. My mobility was severely restricted, especially in the phases when I had a recurring flare-up.” During this sudden flare-up of the disease, symptoms that had previously improved worsen again or new symptoms even appear. Weiss dispensed with the so-called basic therapy that is often prescribed by conventional medicine in such cases. “For me, this was one of the last options if my condition didn’t improve.”
She focused on taking more responsibility for herself and changed her diet. Although her condition improved at times, the painful and recurring flare-ups continued. A friend then advised her to try Formettã. “After three months, I felt a slight relief, and after six months I clearly had more mobility,” says Weiss.
As Formettã is one of the more expensive collagen supplements, she had to weigh up whether she wanted to continue using it after this improvement. “As I didn’t want to lose the positive effect, it was clear that I wanted to continue.” She was also helped in this decision by the fact that she could do without many additional dietary supplements. It also eliminated the risk of taking too high or too low a dose. “With Formettã, everything is coordinated.”
Many years of research ensure effectiveness
Vanessa Craig knows that her collagen development is not cheap: “The price reflects the quality and scientific validation of the product.” And the many years of research on which Formettã is based ensure safety and effectiveness. In addition, the formula is manufactured in Switzerland. “It is particularly important to me that all ingredients are tested for heavy metals and toxins.” Unfortunately, this is not a matter of course with other collagens.
Does Formettã lose its positive effect if you stop taking it regularly? “After discontinuation, the positive results may well last for a few weeks. However, it is important to know that the breakdown of collagen is a continuous process.” In order to maintain optimal collagen levels, the body must constantly stimulate the collagen-producing cells. “Because without peptides, there is no stimulation and the decline in collagen production starts again.” Regular supplementation ensures that the long-term health benefits are maintained.
