A new clinical study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that resistance training—in combination with specific collagen peptides developed by GELITA—can significantly increase muscle mass and strength and decrease fat mass.

A steady loss of lean muscle mass along with fat mass increase, a condition known as sarcopenia, is one of the hallmarks of aging that goes hand in hand with a loss of strength and mobility. Sarcopenia affects millions of aging adults. It not only reduces mobility, but also increases the risk of falling for the elderly.

Thus, it not only is one of the greatest long-term threats to our ability to live healthy and independently, but also places an ever greater burden on health care systems. To fight sarcopenia GELITA, the world’s leading collagen protein expert and solution provider for health and nutrition issues, has developed specific bioactive collagen peptides named BODYBALANCE™.

Researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo controlled study at Germany’s Institute of Sports and Sports Science at the University of Freiburg. The study included 60 sarcopenic men, aged 65 and older, with a mean age of 72 years. It is the first study that investigates the effects of collagen peptides on body composition and muscle strength.

Two comparison groups

Study participants were divided into two groups. During the 12-week study period, both groups underwent the same guided resistance training program, with three sessions per week. One group was daily supplemented with placebo while the other received BODYBALANCE™ collagen peptides in a 15g does (in powder form) dissolved in 250ml water. The participants drank the solution within one hour after the training. The training was exercised on fitness devices such as pull down, leg press, bench press and back press.

The main finding of the present study is that specific collagen peptides further increased the benefits of the resistance training in elderly people with sarcopenia. Compared with placebo, participants in the collagen-supplemented group showed a significant increase in fat-free mass (+4,2 kg compared to +2,9 kg) and muscle strength (+16,5 Nm compared to +7,3 Nm), as well as a statistically significant reduction in fat mass (-5,4 kg compared to -3,5 kg).

In conclusion, the study results demonstrate that the combination of resistance exercise and specific collagen peptides supplementation is well suited to strengthen muscular power and to fight and prevent sarcopenia.

GELITA’s high quality collagen peptides BODYBALANCE™ provides the industry access to a market with high growth potential. The bioactive collagen peptides can be used to develop innovative products such as beverages and shakes, bars, gels and all kinds of instant foods (including soups) that contribute to a healthy nutrition. BODYBALANCE™ is a purely natural product and non-allergenic and allow for clean label products.

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About GELITA

GELITA is the leading company for manufacturing and marketing collagen proteins. Coordinated from the headquarters in Eberbach, Germany, GELITA provides customers around the world with products of the highest standard, comprehensive technical expertise and sophisticated solutions. More than 20 sites and a global expert network ensure that state-of-the-art know-how is always available for customers. GELITA has 140 years of experience in the field of collagen protein research. A strong requirement for innovation is the driving force of the family-owned company that is continually looking for new solutions for food, pharmaceutical, health and nutrition applications.

Within the range of collagen proteins, GELITA supplies collagen peptides with proven body-stimulating capabilities, tailor-made gelatines and non- or partly- water soluble collagens. This holistic range of products in combination with its vast experience in developing solutions for different applications makes GELITA first choice for its customers. In today’s landscape of highest consumer demands, manufacturers of food products rely on natural, healthy, non-allergenic ingredients for their developments. Collagen proteins from GELITA fulfill all of these requirements and are foodstuffs in their own right (e.g. no E-number). They also possess a set of unique technical and physiological properties.

Besides the traditional use of collagen proteins as natural stabilizers and emulsifiers for countless products, they enable manufacturers to also add important healthful properties. GELITA has intensified its research in developing solutions for physical mobility, weight management and beauty from within.

www.gelita.com