Our flagship supplement, FLEXIBLE collagen, is renowned among elite athletes, dancers, and Cirque du Soleil performers for enhancing performance and supporting connective tissue with its exceptional quality and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, its value extends to the everyday individual who may be encountering stiffness, joint discomfort, or some of the new joint pains that come with normal ageing. This article documents why this collagen powder is an especially wise choice for individuals aged 60 and above—with the help of studies conducted on men and women within this specific age range—who aim to lead a full and active lifestyle without compromise.

BONE HEALTH: REDUCED BREAKDOWN AND INCREASED FORMATION

The foundation of mobility lies in robust bone health, especially as we age. A study involving 102 postmenopausal women with reduced bone mineral density (BMD) revealed that taking 5 grams of collagen peptides daily for a year significantly increased BMD of the femoral neck and spine, indicating reduced bone breakdown and increased formation [5]. Similar studies have affirmed a positive relationship between collagen intake and bone health [7].

JOINT MOBILITY: LESS STIFFNESS AND PAIN

Scientific evidence supports the role of collagen peptides in improving joint mobility, particularly in the senior population. In a randomised, placebo-controlled study, mature women with mild joint discomfort experienced a significant reduction in painful symptoms like stiffness and pain after oral intake of collagen peptides (8 g/day). The positive effects extended to improved mobility and joint function within three months [4].

Moreover, a separate study spanning subjects aged between 40 and 75 grappling with osteoarthritis underscored the efficacy of collagen supplementation in alleviating pain intensity. Collagen peptide supplements play a pivotal role in promoting our body’s natural synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans—structural molecules that support cartilage health—nurturing the overall health of our joints and mitigating the impact of age-related wear and tear [6].

LEMAlab's FLEXIBLE collagen supplement contains premium grass-fed hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides and three other synergistic ingredients that enhance its anti-inflammatory properties for joint health and overall well-being. Of these ingredients, MSM and glucosamine sulphate have been demonstrated to be of particular value for joint health and mobility. A study with men and women aged 45-90 with knee osteoarthritis suggests that MSM supplements can effectively help alleviate pain and improve physical function in osteoarthritis [3]. On the other hand, glucosamine sulphate has been shown to similarly ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis and even reduce its progression by delaying the narrowing of joint space [9].

DIGESTIVE BENEFITS: REDUCE BLOATING, ACID REFLUX AND MORE

FLEXIBLE collagen extends its benefits to the digestive system. A study encompassing women up to 65 years old highlighted that collagen supplementation improved digestive symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, acid reflux, stomach pain, and irregular bowel movements. Research suggests that collagen peptides strengthen connections between cells in the intestinal wall, promoting a well-organised structure [1].

Other collagen components may also contribute to its gut-beneficial properties, such as its glycine content, known for its ability to prevent harmful gastric secretions in the stomach lining. Plus, FLEXIBLE collagen supplement also contains Bromelain, which is known to aid digestion.

SKIN HEALTH: YOUR BEST FRIEND FOR REDUCING WRINKLING AND ROUGHNESS

Specific bovine collagen peptides have demonstrated effectiveness in improving measurable aspects of skin well-being related to ageing. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, women aged 40–65 experienced increased skin density and smoothness after 12 weeks of collagen supplementation. The existing literature suggests that oral collagen supplements contribute to improved skin elasticity, turgor, and hydration, reducing skin wrinkling and roughness [2, 8].

MUSCLE MASS: A USEFUL TOOL FOR IMPROVING BODY COMPOSITION

Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass, is a significant concern for individuals over 60 and warrants serious attention for those aspiring to age with grace. It is a major contributor to frailty and reduced independence in later years. Studies indicate that from the age of 30 onwards, a person may lose up to 3–8% of muscle mass per decade. This percentage accelerates after the age of 60, making it crucial to incorporate strategies that mitigate muscle deterioration as a central part of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle [10].

Research has shown that combining 60 minutes of resistance exercise three times per week with collagen peptide supplementation can significantly improve muscle mass, strength, and motor control for mature men. This combination resulted in a more pronounced improvement in body composition compared to exercise alone [11]

BOTTOM LINE

In conclusion, FLEXIBLE collagen is a key player in promoting overall well-being at any age. For individuals aged 60 and above, specific studies have proven benefits for bone health, joint mobility, digestion, skin, and muscle mass, resulting as a holistic solution for those seeking to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the inclusion of MSM and glucosamine sulphate enhances the supplement's efficacy in supporting joint health and mobility. Bromelain also adds to the product's benefits, contributing to its anti-inflammatory potential. This makes FLEXIBLE collagen a comprehensive and valuable choice for those seeking to support the well-being of mature bodies.

REFERENCES

[1] Abrahams M, O'Grady R, Prawitt J. (2022). Effect of a Daily Collagen Peptide Supplement on Digestive Symptoms in Healthy Women: 2-Phase Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Form Res, 31;6(5), 36339. doi: 10.2196/36339.

[2] Al-Atif H. (2022). Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatol Pract Concept, 1;12(1):e2022018. doi: 10.5826/dpc.1201a18.

[3] Debbi EM, Agar G, Fichman G, Ziv YB, Kardosh R, Halperin N, Elbaz A, Beer Y, Debi R. (2011). Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomised controlled study. BMC Complement Altern Med, 27;11:50. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-11-50.

[4] Jiang JX, Yu S, Huang QR, Zhang XL, Zhang CQ, Zhou JL, Prawitt J. (2014). Agro Food Industry Hi Tech, 25(2), pp. 19-23

[5] König D, Oesser S, Scharla S, Zdzieblik D, Gollhofer A. (2018). Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients, 16, 10(1):97. doi: 10.3390/nu10010097.

[6] Lee, H. J., un Kim, D. and Kim, C. O. (2023). The efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides for joint pain in patients with osteoarthritis: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Functional Foods, 109, 105792.

[7] Porfírio, E. and Fanaro, G. B. (2016). Collagen supplementation as a complementary therapy for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Revista Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia, 19, pp. 153-164.

[8] Proksch, E., Segger, D., Degwert, J., Schunck, M., Zague, V. and Oesser, S. (2014). Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Has Beneficial Effects on Human Skin Physiology: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(1), pp. 47–55. doi:10.1159/000351376

[9] Veronese N, Demurtas J, Smith L, et al. (2020) Glucosamine sulphate: an umbrella review of health outcomes. Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease, 12. doi:10.1177/1759720X20975927

[10] Volpi E, Nazemi R, Fujita S. (2004). Muscle tissue changes with aging. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 7(4), pp. 405-10. Doi: 10.1097/01.mco.0000134362.76653.b2.

[11] Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, Baumstark MW, Gollhofer A, König D. (2015). Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly sarcopenic men: a randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Nutrition, 114(8), pp. 1237-1245. doi:10.1017/S0007114515002810