Collagen is the structural protein of the body’s connective tissues, supporting the framework of bones, skin, joints, and other tissues. Collagen is a spiral, fibrous protein with excellent elasticity and tensile strength. Its most important function is to keep body tissues flexible, able to renew, and functional. Thirty percent of the body’s proteins consist of collagen, and a lack of collagen can impair the function of joints, bones, and tendons. Collagens are essential in various soft-tissue repair processes in the body.
In horses, over 60% of lameness is caused by osteoarthritis (Caron & Genovese 2003). Osteoarthritis can occur in sport horses already at an early stage, or in older horses with age. Risk factors can include, among other things, high levels of physical stress, incongruities between joint surfaces, fractures, microfractures in subchondral bone, or other trauma-related injuries. Wear changes are particularly common in the fetlock joints (McIlwraith et al. 2012).
Collagen peptides supporting cartilage
Bioactive Collagen Peptides® have been proven to stimulate cartilage metabolism in companion animals, improve mobility, and have no side effects. The effects of the Petagile® product in animals have been studied in several preclinical and clinical studies. When administered orally, these bioactive collagen peptides stimulate cartilage cells to increase the production of new cartilage matrix. Cartilage matrix consists mainly of collagen and proteoglycans, which act as a buffer between the bones.
Petagile® – Verified by research
One placebo-controlled study (Dobenecker et al, 2018) included 38 horses, which were divided into three different groups. One group received 25 grams of Petagile® per day, the second group received 50 grams, and the third received a placebo. The study lasted 12 weeks and used eight different parameters, including the level of lameness, a flexion test, turning pain on different surfaces, stride length, and the owner’s assessment of the animal at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the study.
The 50 g Petagile® group showed a strong effect in six of eight parameters (lameness, pain, flexion test, stride length, turning on different surfaces) within six weeks.
The 25 g Petagile® group showed a moderate effect in six parameters within six weeks.
The study results showed a significant reduction in lameness and flexion pain in the group receiving 50 grams of collagen peptides per day. Moderate effects were already observed with a 25-gram dose. Additional parameters, such as willingness to move and improved general mobility, were clearly noted by 2/3 of horse owners.
In another observational study (Taylor & Hillyer), nine horses suffering from chronic arthritis were studied for 12 weeks. The horses varied in age, weight, and breed, and the studied horses were divided into two groups, one receiving 25 g and the other 50 g of Petagile®. The horses were evaluated for degree of lameness, flexion test, turning pain, and—based on owner assessments—vitality, mobility, lameness, turning, sensitivity to touch, and treatment success.
Lameness decreased significantly, by over 70% in 12 weeks. The study did not show a significant difference between the 25 g and 50 g dosages. After 10 weeks, some horses were found to be pain-free. All horses’ vitality and mobility improved, and the success of the treatment was generally assessed as good.
Support for mobility and quality of life
Based on the information presented, it can be concluded that feeding bioactive collagen peptides has positive effects on osteoarthritis in horses, mobility, and maintaining quality of life, and that collagen peptides can be used to address osteoarthritis with a novel approach. The recommended dosage is 25–50 grams daily.
For older horses, Petagile® can provide increased activity, restore mobility and flexibility, and improve overall wellbeing. For horses in active work, it helps support and maintain mobility and flexibility, optimal function, and performance capacity.
A large proportion of lameness in horses is caused by osteoarthritis
A large proportion of lameness and mobility difficulties in horses are caused by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a disease in which joint cartilage is gradually destroyed. This appears as lameness, pain, and various functional impairments.
There is not yet a cure for osteoarthritis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., Metacam) reduce pain by inhibiting certain enzymes that reduce the body’s swelling and the production of inflammatory molecules that cause pain (Löscher et al 1999). Bioactive collagen peptides are a new approach focusing on the cause-and-effect relationships of osteoarthritis. A key factor in joint wellbeing is articular cartilage, which is composed of water and various proteins. In addition to cartilage proteins, articular cartilage contains collagen produced by cartilage cells, which increases the durability of joint cartilage. The body needs vitamin C to form collagen.
Petagile® collagen peptides stimulate the metabolism of cartilage tissue, slow down destructive processes, and accelerate connective tissue growth. Petagile® helps increase the body’s own collagen production and has a positive impact on problem areas such as joints and cartilage.
Chia de Gracia’s collagen product is CdG Collagen+, which contains Petagile® collagen, rosehip, MSM, and hyaluronic acid.
Read also: How to choose the right collagen for the right purpose?
