Questions on osteoarthritis and osteoporosis

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is primarily a non-inflammatory disorder of movable joints characterized by an imbalance between the synthesis and degradation of the articular cartilage. This leads to the classic pathologic changes of wearing away and destruction of cartilage.

Typical symptoms are:

  • Pain (pain when in motion, morning stiffness, pain at rest, permanent pain)
  • Impaired mobility of the joints

Despite intensive research, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. Analgesics and anti­ inflammatory drugs may, at best, only suppress the pain or the inflammatory processes.

Degenerative joint diseases are widespread among the population:

  • Bone and joint diseases affect hundreds of millions of patients through out the world and are the leading cause of pain and disability.
  • Almost all people over 60 have some form of osteoarthritis/wear and tear of
  • Arthritic joint changes can actually be detected in 50% of all people over 35 years of age.
  • Due to the epidemic nature of the condition, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this decade(2000-2010) the “Bone and Joint Decade”.

What are the causes for osteoarthritis?

  • Age
  • Malnutrition (overweight)
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Congenital deformations of the joints
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Metabolic dysfunctions

What is the standard therapy for osteoarthritis?

In spite of decades of extensive research osteoarthritis cannot be cured. Analgesics and anti-rheumatics only relieve pain or suppress the inflammation process and may have undesirable side effects. Therefore every new hope for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis must be carefully examined.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease of bone in which the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced, bone micro architecture is disrupted, and the amount and variety of non­collagenous proteins in bone is altered. Osteoporotic bones are more at risk of fracture.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. It is a disabling and painful inflammatory condition, which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction.

Questions on Collagen and Cartilage

 What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human and animal body representing 30% of total body protein. Collagen gives the structure to tendons, cartilage tissue, bones, and connective tissue.

The collagen molecule is formed by 3 intertwined protein chains building a triple helix structure (with a molecular weight of -300 kD). The triple helix structure of collagen is responsible for the strength and flexibility of cartilage tissue.

To regenerate cartilage, our bodies need collagen raw materials that are small and can be absorbed. This problem was solved and the manufacturing process was patented by Gelita Health GmbH, a German company. Gelita took collagen and broke it down from about 300 Kilo Daltons to about 3.3 Kilo Daltons molecular weight.

The amino acid composition of collagen includes 30% glycine and 25% proline and hydroxyproline. These amino acids make collagen different from other proteins and are of great importance for collagen synthesis.

What is cartilage?

Cartilage covers all your joints and protects your bones from rubbing together, which can cause chronic joint symptoms (CJS) such as stiffness and pain. Joint cartilage is comprised mostly of a matrix of collagen and proteoglycans that gives joints the protection and strength they need to perform without loss of flexibility and stiffness.

Joint cartilage does not contain blood vessels or nerves, which makes it slow to heal or grow. However, joint cartilage is an active, growing tissue that needs continuous regeneration to give the protection and strength joints require to perform without stiffness. CH-Alpha ACTIV targets these areas and works to regenerate cartilage.

What is collagen hydrolysate?

Collagen hydrolysate is collagen (from skin, bone, cartilage) broken down by a natural process (hydrolysis) to facilitate easy absorption into the blood stream. Collagen hydrolysate stimulates collagen synthesis, as proven by a laboratory study by Oesseretal.(Cell & Tissue Research 311:393-9; March 2003)

Clinical studies with patients suffering from osteoarthritis revealed the positive effect of collagen hydrolysate on joint health (e.g. pain reduction, reduced medication, improved physical function). The beneficial effect of collagen hydrolysate on osteoarthritisis patented (European patent No 0254289 Agents for the treatment of osteoarthritis,1986, based on a study by Prof Adam).

Collagen hydrolysate received GRAS status (generally recognized as safe) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Questions on the production of collagen hydrolysate

 What raw material does GELITA use?

The raw materials for Collagen Hydrolysate can be bovine skin, hide spilt and bone chips. Collagen hydrolysate is manufactured by using only selected raw material from healthy animals that have been approved by the veterinary authorities for human consumption.

The CH-Alpha ACTIV’s formulation for Singapore contain collagen hydrolysate made from bovine origin (halal certified).

How is collagen hydrolysate produced?

Collagen hydrolysate is extracted from collagenous raw material using a multi-stage extraction process; it is then purified, concentrated, sterilized and dried. This results in coldwater soluble powder of collagen hydrolysate.

Questions on R&D

How does CH-Alpha ACTIV work?

1. Oesseret al. (Journal of Nutrition 129:1891-95; 1999) showed that collagen hydrolysate CH-Alpha passes the intestinal wall and enter into the bloodstream.

2. They also showed that collagen hydrolysate CH-Alpha is significantly accumulated in joint cartilage (Oesser et al., Cell Tissue Res 311:393-399;2003).

3. In the joint cartilage collagen hydrolysate CH-Alpha stimulates the production of collagen and proteoglycans. (Oesser et al., Cell Tissue Res 311:393-399; 2003 and Oesser et al., Orthopaedische Praxis 9:486-494;2005).

Conclusion: The findings of Oesser et. al. show a stimulation of the main components of the extracellular matrix and thus a regeneration of the cartilage.

When was the beneficial effect of collagen hydrolysate discovered?

Since the end of the 1970s scientists of different medical disciplines have strengthened their R&D activities in the field of both cartilage metabolism and the effect of collagen hydrolysate on joint health.

Clinical research comprises more than 2,000 patients and shows a positive effect of a daily dosage of 1Og of collagen hydrolysate on joint health.

What are the results of the clinical research on collagen hydrolysate?

All clinical studies reveal positive effects of collagen hydrolysate on joint health, especially on osteoarthritis, for example:

  • Improvement of joint mobility
  • Significant reduction of pain
  • Reduced need for analgesics

How is collagen hydrolysate absorbed and how does it reach the cartilage?

Oesser et al. (Journal of Nutrition 129:1891-95; 1999) conducted experiments with isolated segments of the intestine which show that collagen fragments can pass through the intestinal wall and reach the blood stream. Accumulation of radio-labeled collagen hydrolysate can subsequently be seen in cartilage.

Questions on CH-Alpha ACTIV

What is CH-Alpha ACTIV’s active ingredient?

The active ingredient in CH-Alpha ACTIV is collagen hydrolysate. In clinical studies, this safe and natural supplement has been proven to be beneficial in rebuilding cartilage.

Why take CH-Alpha ACTIV?

The stress placed on our joints means that they are prone to damage in the longer term. Cartilage is worn out and sometimes even lost. Unfortunately the body is sometimes unable to produce sufficient new cartilage to counteract this loss. By taking CH-Alpha ACTIV we can provide our body with the essential building blocks needed for the formation of joint cartilage.

CH-Alpha ACTIV is used as nutritional supplement for the prevention and treatment of degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis.

Who can benefit from CH-Alpha ACTIV?

CH-Alpha ACTIV is an ideal nutritional supplement for any one wanting to stay fit and well or who wants to reduce the risk of degenerative joint disease by constitutional nutrition. CH-Alpha ACTIV plays an important role for use in individuals at risk for development of joint degeneration.

Such at-risk populations include:

  • Older individuals, particularly those individuals aged 50 years and older
  • Individuals who are overweight
  • Individuals with considerable professional joint stress
  • Individuals participating in extensive non-occupational physical activities including recreational runners/walkers, cyclists, gardeners, soccer/football players
  • Individuals with a past history of significant joint injury such as fracture or ligamentous injury
  • Individuals with a family history suggesting a genetic predisposition of to

How quickly will I notice a difference?

Acute pain, morning stiffness and restriction of articular function are symptoms of degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis. Patients taking CH-Alpha ACTIV see significant improvements after 8 to12 weeks.

If taken preventatively, CH-Alpha ACTIV will reduce the risk of degenerative disorders.

Does CH-Alpha ACTIV have any other benefits?

In addition to improving joint mobility, people have reported a gain in hair thickness and quality of skin and nails, but this is not yet scientifically proven.

Questions on the administration of CH-Alpha ACTIV

How is CH-Alpha ACTIV taken?

CH-Alpha ACTIV should be taken once daily at any time of the day with or without meals over a period of at least three months.

How long will I need to take CH-Alpha ACTIV?

Drink one vial containing 10g of collagen hydrolysate CH-Alpha ACTIV daily. In clinical studies, participants experienced increased flexibility and reduced stiffness after just 2 to 3 months.

You should continue taking CH-Alpha ACTIV even after your flexibility returns. Chronic joint symptoms (CJS) will likely return if you discontinue therapy.

How long does the positive effect of CH-Alpha ACTIV last?

CH-Alpha ACTIV should be taken daily for at least 3 months. A continuous intake is recommended as chronic joint symptoms (CJS) will likely return if you discontinue therapy.

Can I take CH-Alpha ACTIV when I am on other medication?

Yes, since collagen hydrolysate is a food and not a pharmaceutical drug, there are no contraindications or side effects.

Does CH-Alpha ACTIV reach every joint in the body?

Yes, CH-Alpha ACTIV reaches and affects the cartilage in all joints in the body.

Does CH-Alpha ACTIV help when cartilage is gone?

No, CH-Alpha stimulates cartilage cells to produce collagen. When these cells are lost, the product cannot help in this particular joint.But it can make sense to protect other joints where the cartilage is not yet damaged.

Is CH-Alpha ACTIV useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?

Yes, the Rosehip extract in Alpha ACTIV helps to reduce inflammation and pain in rheumatoid arthritis.

Is CH-Alpha ACTIV suitable for diabetis?

Yes. The sugar content in one serve of CH-Alpha ACTIV (1.9g), is very low. It does not affect the sugar level.

Is CH-Alpha ACTIV useful for the treatment of slipped discs or back pain?

Scientific studies were mainly done with patients suffering from osteoarthritis in the knee. Theoretically CH-Alpha ACTIV should also work at the discs, as long as there is a wear and tear of cartilage and not an inflammation.

Is CH-Alpha ACTIV useful for the treatment of an injured meniscus?

Not if only the meniscus is damaged. But in most cases additionally to the injured meniscus the cartilage is affected. CH-Alpha ACTIV should be taken to regenerate the cartilage.

How should one store CH-Alpha ACTIV?

CH-Alpha ACTIV should be stored in a dry and cool place at room temperature (<25° C). Direct sunlight should be avoided.

Questions on the safety of CH-Alpha ACTIV

How safe is collagen hydrolysate?

Several international studies have demonstrated the safety of collagen hydrolysate due to its production process with respect to contaminations or any other infections present. In 1999, the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status for collagen and its hydrolyzed form.

Are there any side effects of taking CH-Alpha ACTIV?

CH-Alpha ACTIV is a food and not a pharmaceutical drug. It has a strong safety profile: Extensive studies demonstrate no significant side effects: in very rare cases diarrhea or flatulence were observed.

Collagen hydrolysate is neither a mutagen nor a toxic substance nor a teratogen.

May CH-Alpha ACTIV be taken during pregnancy?

Yes, CH-Alpha is a natural product and has no negative side effects.

Is CH-Alpha ACTIV free of purine?

Yes, CH-Alpha ACTIV is free of purine and thus no problem for gout patients.

Does CH-Alpha ACTIV contain gluten?

No, CH-Alpha ACTIV doesn’t contain any parts of gluten.

Difference between CH-Alpha ACTIV and CH-Alpha?

CH-Alpha ACTIV is an improvement to CH-Alpha with the additional ingredient, 500mg of Rosehip extract. Rosehip extract reduces inflammation and joint pain. Hence CH-Alpha ACTIV provides more benefits than CH-Alpha. The other benefits of CH-Alpha are also available in CH-Alpha ACTIV.

Questions on GELITA / GELITA Health Initiative

 Who is GELITA / GELITA Health Initiative?

GELITA, headquartered in Eberbach, Germany, has subsidiaries on every continent and over 2,800 employees worldwide. The company has more than 130 years of experience in the manufacture of high-quality gelatine and collagen hydrolysate.

In the late seventies, GELITA started supporting R&D activities on collagen hydrolysate and its beneficial benefits on joint health.

To generate new insight and to extend knowledge, GELITA founded the GELITA Health Initiative. The GELITA Health Initiative is the competent partner for all questions related to joint and bone health and collagen hydrolysate.