Is collagen really worth the hype?
Collagen's role in the body
In response to the question on the mind of several modern consumers, collagen can only come from animal-based products thus there is currently no plant-based source. Collagen can only come from animal-based products. It is naturally found only in animal flesh like meat and fish that contain connective tissue and bone. The main amino acids that make collagen are proline, glycine and hydroxyproline which group together to form protein fibrils in a triple helix structure.
Collagen is a protein that serves as one of the main building blocks for bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is what helps keep youthful looks that many believe is the sign of beauty, health, and vitality.
Collagen is also responsible for maintaining mobility and appearance. Aside from being found in bones, as well as muscles, it is also in blood, and comprises three-quarters of skin thus making up a third of the protein in the entire body.
Collagen continues to rise in importance.
The most significant sectors for collagen as an ingredient are:
Why need supplements?
As one ages, the body’s ability to produce collagen breaks down, and it gets harder to make more.
Collagen fibers create the infrastructure for elastin and hyaluronic acid, which are responsible for skin's elasticity and hydration. As the body advances in age, it produces less collagen. The skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. The loss of collagen leads to the formation of wrinkles and less resistance to sun damage.
For general health
Collagen supplements are associated with several health benefits to health and wellbeing. They are known to increase muscle mass, prevent bone loss, relieve joint pain, and improve skin health by reducing wrinkles and dryness.
For the healthy skin and beauty
Skin hydration and elasticity - research has shown that consumers of collagen supplements see a clear improvement in the firmness, suppleness, and moisture content of the skin, with wrinkles appearing less noticeable.
For lustrous hair
Collagen supplements have been shown to increase the body's hair building proteins, which can result in longer, thicker hair.
For stronger nails
Daily doses of collagen peptides are believed to show an increase in nail growth, and a decrease in the frequency of broken nails as well as brittleness.
For muscle recovery and growth
Collagen supplements are believed to strengthen connective tissues and support tissue recovery. It encourages elasticity in the tendons and ligaments, for more efficient recovery after workouts - helping with injury prevention. Muscle nourishment can help conditioning which reduces the possibility of muscle fatigue and damage.
For strengthening of joints and extra mobility
Collagen is rich in amino acids that play an important role in the building of joint cartilage and it may have anti-inflammatory effects.
Healthy aging - reducing age related wear and tear
Sarcopenia and Osteoporosis are both age related deteriorations in muscle and bone density respectively.
The effects of both are believed to be kept at bay through the preemptive administration of collagen before the condition sets in irreversibly.
Market trends and projections
All F&B Categories, pet food and supplements.
In 2023, the consumer health industry is expected to increase in value by USD 12 bn compared to last year, which is a year-on-year growth of 3.8%. Similar growth is expected from 2023 to 2024, but macroeconomic trends then predict more modest growth after 2024.
Currently, Sports and Active Nutrition is predicated to be the fastest-growing sector from 2022 to 2025, with a CAGR rate of 7.1%. However, since this is the smallest sector in the consumer health industry, this equates to a real terms growth of USD 8.8 bn. (Source: GlobalData Market Analyzers—Global Market Data: Segment Insights, accessed June 6, 2023)
What are collagen peptides?
Science behind collagen peptides: The body is unable to absorb collagen in it’s whole form. Collagen peptides are small pieces of animal collagen that has been broken down into smaller fragments called peptides or amino acids.
Here’s how you can get in on the market
Essentia manufactures OmniCol™, a pure hydrolyzed collagen peptide that is derived from animal skin and bones of bovine and porcine origin. The powders dissolve easily and can be integrated into many applications. The low molecular weight distribution enhances the absorption rate of OmniCol™ into the body.
Let us help you meet your collagen needs
Get in on the rising market that caters to consumers who prefer nutrition that goes beyond skin-deep. Co-create with knowledgeable experts in Essentia’s innovation center, to find out how 100 % natural clean label ingredients can elevate your brand. The applications division will work with you to explore the optimal custom solutions that suit your needs, to help find the desired nutritional profile for your products. Learn more by contacting a representative near you.
