Scientists from New Jersey-based Eurofins found that the undenatured type II collagen known as UC-II from California’s InterHealth Nutraceuticals was safe up to 100 times the human recommended dose with no adverse events reported, according to findings published in the Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods.
The study’s findings were welcomed by Paul Dijkstra, CEO of InterHealth. “These findings validate the safety and clinical value of UC-II. We believe that UC-II offers manufacturers an opportunity to provide consumers with safe and effective joint-health support.
“With the continued increase in the older population, joint-health problems are becoming a major medical and financial concern. UC-II offers a cost-effective way to support joint mobility, flexibility and comfort, which - in these tough economic times - is a big win for consumers,” he added.
Efficacy
Results of a randomized, double-blind study indicated that the ingredient may be twice as effective as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, the big hitters in the joint health supplements world.
According to findings published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences, the undenatured type II collagen (40 mg) was found to reduce pain, stiffness and immobility associated with osteoarthritis.
Safety
The new toxicology study involved a 90-day sub-chronic toxicity study in male and female rats. This was supplemented with acute oral, acute dermal, primary dermal irritation, primary eye irritation toxicity studies, Ames' bacterial reverse mutation assay and mouse lymphoma tests.
Results gave an LD50 value of over 5000 mg/kg and the acute dermal LD50 of over 2000 mg/kg. LD50 is a toxicological measure of the lethal dose at which 50 per cent of the test animals die. The collagen ingredient was also determined to be non-mutagenic according to the mutation assays.
Source: Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods
Published online ahead of print
“Safety and toxicological evaluation of undenatured type II collagen”
Authors: P.A. Marone, F.C. Lau, R.C. Gupta, M. Bagchi, D. Bagchi