Collagen is one of the most recognizable ingredients in and out of the wellness market. Decades of research, countless studies and even more product launches have confirmed the protein’s power and popularity, further corroborated by its natural, safe and easy-to-use status. But what if beyond its well-known benefits, the collagen molecule is also harboring unexplored potential?

Harnessing its more than 130 years of experience in collagen science, Rousselot has made it a mission to decode the hidden messages and targeted health benefits contained within collagen peptides (CPs). Crowning Rousselot as the ultimate expert is the company recently developed Nextida^TM, an innovative platform of specific collagen peptide compositions that act like the body’s natural GPS, triggering natural response mechanisms to guide us back to balance.

For the first practical application of the Nextida platform, Rousselot’s researchers focused on the trending topic of blood glucose control – exploring whether a carefully selected CP composition could support the wellbeing of supplement consumers. Read on as we take a tour through the causes of glucose spikes, the natural processes that can mitigate them, and how Rousselot’s Nextida platform is helping map uncharted territory in our understanding of blood glucose supplements and collagen itself.

UNDERSTANDING GLUCOSE SPIKES: A NATURAL PART OF METABOLISM

Glucose is the ‘fuel’ within our blood streams, providing all bodily systems with the energy they need to function. Following a meal, food and drink is rapidly digested and converted into glucose that is either used immediately or stored in the form of fat. This sudden spike in blood glucose levels can result in ‘sugar highs’ and ‘sugar crashes’, that leave us feeling alternately jittery or sluggish. While these fluctuations are often just uncomfortable, consistent swings between high and low blood sugar have been shown to potentially induce oxidative stress, which can be more harmful than consistently elevated glucose levels (1). Given the bad influence of modern Western diets and lifestyles, even healthy individuals can regularly feel unbalanced as a result of blood sugar spikes, sharpening demand for effective glucose control supplements. This is where CP’s potential as a natural GPS could offer tangible advantages.

BACK ON TRACK: SUPPORTING THE BODY’S NATURAL PROCESSES

The secretion of the incretin hormones Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide (GIP) is the body’s natural method for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels (2). These hormones are released when specific nutrients entering the digestive system bind to L and K-cell receptors in the intestine (2), which in turn stimulates increased insulin production, encouraging glucose uptake into the cells, and signaling to the stomach to slow down gastric emptying (2, 3). Known collectively as the incretin effect, these processes are (usually) effective in lessening the degree of the post-meal glucose spike.

Figure 1. Food intake stimulates entero-endocrine cells (L and K cells) to secrete hormones (GLP-1 and GIP)

As part of the wider Nextida project, scientists at Rousselot began compiling and screening a library of 17 CP compositions in cell-lines for their capacity to bind with GLP-1 receptors and stimulate increased hormone production - an indicative sign for an enhanced incretin effect. Over the course of these in vitro bioactivity tests, one specific candidate stood out.

NAVIGATING A NEW ROUTE: THE SCIENCE SUPPORTING NEXTIDA GC

Once identified, the Nextida GC CPs underwent preclinical testing to demonstrate their effects on C57BL6/J mice. Here it was discovered that oral supplementation with Nextida GC at a dose of 4g per kg, 45 minutes before a meal, significantly enhanced natural GLP-1 secretion in lean, normoglycemic and obese, prediabetic mice. Researchers then explored whether this increased GLP-1 secretion could have a physiological effect, finding that the dose listed above significantly lowered the glucose spike following a meal across mice, regardless of their metabolic status.

The investigation then turned to the possible impact of Nextida GC on human post-meal blood glucose levels. A first clinical trial was established with a group of 16 healthy participants, including normo-glycemic and pre-diabetic individuals. Results showed that both a 5- or 10-gram dose of Nextida GC successfully lowered glucose spikes when taken orally 30 minutes before a meal, significantly reducing the amount of glucose present in the blood by 42% on average. Not only the curve, but the height of the blood-sugar peak was lessened by 31% at the lower dose and 39% at the higher, demonstrating the solution’s multifaceted potential to enrich supplements aimed at supporting glucose management (4).

THE JOURNEY HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN

The unveiling of Nextida GC’s remarkable potential is both a huge achievement, and just the first step in a much longer journey. As Rousselot’s collagen decoding project continues, researchers are confident that even more fascinating secrets will be uncovered, reshaping our understanding of the nutraceutical industry’s ultimate all-rounder, and revealing whole new paths for brands and consumers alike.

DISCLAIMER
Rousselot makes no representation or warranty, whether expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect, for any information. Use of this information shall be at your discretion and risk. Nothing herein relieves you from carrying out your own suitability determinations and tests and from your obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations and to observe all third-party rights. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.