P roducts to keep joints and bones healthy for longer will take centre stage at Vitafoods. One company hoping to entice visitors in the joint health arena is Gelita, a leading manufacturer of gelatine and collagen peptides, which will be promoting Fortigel:a pure form of a bioactive collagen peptide claimed to combat wear and tear of the joints brought about by age and stress.
Suitable for manufacturers of foods, drinks or supplements, Fortigel may be particularly beneficial for consumers with ailing knees, says the firm.
Results from a recent study from Penn State University suggests that "the knee in particular benefited from the administration of collagen hydrolysate", says Gelita. "The [knee] pain experienced in walking and at rest was significantly reduced compared to the placebo group." Fortigel works by stimulating cartilage metabolism and enhancing the synthesis of cartilage cells, it claims.
Bio Serae is also targeting joint health with Osteol, a complex of bioactive milk proteins claimed to help lower inflammation and tackle cartilage degeneration. It can also be added to formulas containing chondroitin and glucosamine, where it can have a synergistic effect, says Bio Serae.
Bio Iberica will be promoting several ingredients and dietary supplements targeting joint care, with ingredients ranging from chondroitin sulfate to glucosamine, sodium hyaluronate, hydrolysed and native collagen.
Waitaki Biosciences, meanwhile, will be showcasing a range of products for bone and joint health, including Coll2: a combination of type II collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) claimed to assist in the restoration of connective tissues in inflammatory or degenerative disease such as osteoarthritis.
Aker BioMarine will also be catering for the joint care market with krill oil, which contains a potent mix of the long chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, phospholipids and astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant, while Gee Lawson wil be offering glucosamine and chondroitin.
S Black, meanwhile, will be concentrating on bone health with bioavailable, instantly soluble forms of calcium gluconate and calcium lactate.
Rousselot, finally, is hoping to impress punters with a 'healthy bone smoothie' containing hydrolysed collagens.
Several studies show the beneficial effect of a 10g/day supplementation on bone metabolism and joint health, claims the firm. "Our hydrolysed collagens have been designed for superior wetability, fast dispersion and instant solubility, even in cold water. Sensory panels ensure their taste and odour neutrality."