The company says it was pleasantly surprised by the results of one trial that showed bone density increased by nine per cent in a group using the company’s KoAct Calcium Collagen Chelate, compared to groups using regular calcium and regular calcium/collagen mixtures.
The patent (No. 7,495,076) covers peptide chelated mineral products, pharmaceutical formulations and details methods for, “generating the optimal size of collagen peptide for optimum mineral chelation as well as optimum biological function for supporting bone health and joint health.”
Methods to increase bone density/prevent osteoporosis are also covered as is reducing joint pain and/or joint deterioration from osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, joint defect, and rheumatoid arthritis.
"Collagen fragments prepared in accordance with the present invention are employed to form chelates with any mineral to produce mineral collagen chelate compounds with enhanced bioavailability," the patent reads.
When administered, the compounds stimulate cartilage cell secretion to support bone, joint and skin health, depending on the mineral incorporated in the compound.
While the use of collagen chelate with calcium is the most thoroughly studied, with earlier related patents dating back to the mid-1970s, other minerals are set to benefit from the process including magnesium, zinc and iron.
At 25-35 per cent, collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals and the main structural component in bone, skin and cartilage, but many people do not consume enough of it.
AIDP was not able to be contacted before publication.
The joint health market is typically dominated by glucosamine and chondroitin, which are best-sellers in the US dietary supplements market among non-VMS products.