Collagen is produced in the joints by cells called chondrocytes and is made up of amino acids such as glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. There are at least 28 different types of collagen in the human body, each with a different structure and function.

Collagen has beneficial properties for joint and bone health. Collagen is the main source of strength and mechanical resistance in cartilage. It forms a matrix of insoluble fibers that provide a support structure for cartilage tissue. In tendons, collagen fibers are organized in parallel bundles, giving tendons their mechanical strength and ability to withstand high mechanical stress.

It is important for joint health. It is a key component of cartilage, bones and tendons. Cartilage covers the ends of the bones in the joints, acting as a shock absorber for the joints and helping to protect the bones from wear and tear. Tendons are the junction between bone and muscle, enabling joint mobility by transferring force from muscle to bone. Over time and with intense effort, collagen production in the body naturally declines, which can lead to cartilage degradation and a loss of elasticity and firmness associated with joint pain. With age, intrinsic changes in the tendon, such as reduced collagen synthesis or water and proteoglycan content, impair the tendons’ ability to adapt and repair.

There are different types of collagen in the human body, each with a specific structure and function. Here are the most common types of collagen and their role in the body:

• Type I collagen: this is the most abundant type of collagen in the human body. It is present in bones, skin, tendons, ligaments and teeth. It is important for tissue strength and elasticity.
• Type II collagen: this is the most abundant type of collagen in cartilage. It is important for the strength and flexibility of cartilage, which covers the ends of bones in joints.
• Type III collagen: this is the type of collagen found in skin, blood vessels, muscles and internal organs. It is important for soft tissue structure and function.
• Type IV collagen: this is the type of collagen found in the basement membrane, a thin layer of tissue that separates epithelial cells from connective tissue.
• Type V collagen: this is the type of collagen found in connective tissues such as muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Each type of collagen has a different structure, giving it unique properties. This is why different types of collagen have different roles in the body, and are used in a variety of medical and cosmetic applications.

Research has shown that collagen supplementation helps to improve joint health, by stimulating collagen production and improving bone density. In terms of joints, supplementation can increase cartilage density and thickness, reduce joint pain and improve mobility in people suffering from osteoarthritis and other joint pathologies.

Native collagen is the form of collagen found naturally in the body. This is why hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen peptides, is often used in supplementation. It is obtained by putting native collagen through a fragmentation process called hydrolysis. This cuts the long chains of collagen molecules into smaller molecules called peptides, which are easier for the body to digest and absorb. These peptides have been scientifically proven to reduce joint pain, and have an anti-inflammatory and protective effect on chondrocytes and cartilage. ^1,2

Collagen supplements can help maintain and strengthen the body’s health

The two main types of collagen used in dietary supplements are marine collagen and bovine collagen :

1. Marine collagen is extracted from the skin, scales and bones of fish such as salmon, cod and trout. It is rich in type I collagen.
2. Bovine collagen is extracted from the skin, bones and tendons of cattle. It is rich in type I, type II and type III collagen.

At Ledvard, we have chosen Peptan® , a type I marine collagen, and Colartix® , a type II bovine collagen, for our product Synergy6.

It is important to note that :

• The quality and efficacy of collagen peptides can vary depending on the source, extraction process and purity of the product.
• The advantages and disadvantages of each type of collagen may vary according to quality, source and extraction method.

Therefore, it is important to choose collagen supplements that are quality and reliable origin to get the most out of them.

These choices influenced the formulation of Synergy6. Our scientific approach has enabled us to combine a specific choice of molecule with a precise, optimized dosage to guarantee maximum effect on the joints.