BioCell Collagen Versus Other Collagen Supplements
What Is The Difference Between BioCell Collagen And Other Collagen Supplements?
Unlike other collagen supplements, Liquid BioCell™’s unique composition in terms of type II collagen and proteoglycans mirrors that of human articular cartilage and can support healthy joints by supplementing these molecules (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Comparison of composition of Liquid BioCell™ and human articular cartilage.
Secondly, unlike other collagen supplements and even unlike other hyaluronic acid supplements, Liquid BioCell™’s patented low-weight molecules have been shown to increase steady-state hyaluronic acid (HA) levels in the bloodstream as much as 6000% (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Increase in steady-state HA levels.
Thirdly, unlike other collagen supplements, Liquid BioCell deactivates hyaluronidase, an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of hyaluronic acid (HA). Therefore, Liquid BioCell prevents hyaluronidase from destroying HA in the body (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Dose-dependent inhibition of hyaluronidase 
Collagen is essential for the structure and function of many connective tissues which glue other tissues and organs together. As aging is closely associated with the loss of collagen and the deterioration of the connective tissue, supplementation of bioavailable hydrolyzed collagen helps to counteract the negative consequences. However, collagens are not created equal thanks to different sources and proprietary manufacturing processes. The following tables show science-based competitive advantages of BioCell Collagen clearly differentiating it from other collagen supplements.
BioCell Collagen is the only hydrolyzed collagen that provides collagen and also substantial amounts of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate, all in remarkably bioavailable forms. It is critical because both collagen and GAGs are required for healthy structure and function of connective tissues such as skin dermis.
Competitive advantages over undenatured (unhydrolyzed) collagen
| BioCell Collagen® (Hydrolyzed) | Undenatured | |
|---|---|---|
| Collagen type 1 | type II (hydrolyzed) | type II (unhydrolyzed) |
| Hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate 2 | yes | ? |
| Molecular weight of collagen 4 | 1.5 – 2.5 kDa | 200 – 300 kDa |
| Efficient absorption 5 | yes | ? |
| Clinical HA bioavailability | about 60-fold increase | ? |
| Chondrocyte stimulation 6 | yes | no |
| Inhibition of hyaluronidase 7 | yes | ? |
| Targeted tissues | joint and skin | joint |
| Efficacy in human studies | joint and skin | joint |
- Type II collagen is a predominant type of collagen in articular cartilage.
Hydrolyzed form is also effective in reducing UV damage in the skin (Tanaka et al, 2009, Biotechnol Biochem) - Essential components both for the joint and the skin. Chondroitin suflate has anti-inflammatory activity.
- Average molecular weight. Patented hydolysis for BioCell Collagen®.
- Oesser et al, 1999, J Nutr, 129:1891-1895.
- Oesser et al, 2003, Cell Tissue Res, 311:393-399. Only hydrolyzed collagen stimulates type II collagen biosynthesis.
- Hyaluronidase-specific.
BioCell Collagen advantages over native/undenatured/unhydrolyzed collagen
- BioCell Collagen provides a comprehensive support for the cartilage with collagen type II, HA, and chondroitin sulfate, all of which are essential for the cartilage.
Native/undenatured/unhydrolyzed collagen may provide collagen type II only, giving a partial solution without substantial GAG support. - BioCell Collagen supports the synovial joint with HA which is a major lubricating agent.
- The bioavailability of BioCell Collagen is proven in humans.
- Hydrolyzed collagen type II contained in BioCell Collagen stimulated the cartilage-making chondrocytes whereas undenatured collagen failed to do so.
- BioCell Collagen demonstrated its safety and efficacy in promoting both joint and skin health through multiple human clinical trials.
Competitive advantages over other hydrolyzed collagen
| BioCell Collagen® | Other Hydrolyzed Collagen | |
|---|---|---|
| Collagen type 1 | type II | type I |
| GAGs (HA, chondroitin sulfate) 2 | yes | ? |
| Daily dose of clinical efficacy | 1g (skin), 2g (joint) | 10g |
| Hydrolysis for higher bioavailability | yes | yes |
| Average Molecular Weight
|
1.5 kDa
yes |
3.5 kDa
? |
| Chondrocyte stimulation for collagen synthesis | yes | yes |
| Inhibition of hyaluronidase | yes | ? |
| Efficacy in human studies | joint and skin | joint and skin |
- Major type of collagen in the final products. Type II is the predominant type of articular cartilage.
- Essential components both for joint and skin. HA for hydration and chondroitin sulfate for resistance and cushion.
- Average molecular weight. Patented hydrolysis for BioCell Collagen ®
- HA bioavailability study in human subjects, Judy, W, SIBR research.
BioCell Collagen advantages over other hydrolyzed collagen
- Type II is specific for the articular cartilage
- BioCell Collagen, unlike other hydrolyzed collagen products, also contains bioavailable GAGs such as HA and chondroitin sulfate, providing a holistic support for joint and skin.
- Much smaller sizes potentially for better absorption
- Lower daily dose
- Inhibition of HA-degrading hyaluronidase, providing another layer of HA support.
Competitive advantages over eggshell or fish-derived collagen
| BioCell Collagen® (hydrolyzed) | Eggshell Membrane | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary collagen type | type II | type I |
| Hydrolyzed collagen for bioavailability | yes | ? |
| Content / collagen chondoitin sulfate hyaluronic acid |
>60% >20% >10% |
12 ~ 18% 0.2 ~ 0.5% 0.5 ~ 1.0% |
| Efficient absorption | yes | ? |
| Clinical HA bioavailability | about 60-fold increase | ? |
| Chondrocyte stimulation | yes | ? |
| Inhibition of hyaluronidase | yes | ? |
| Studies of joint discomfort Pain /stiffness Joint functions Total score |
yes yes yes |
yes no no |
BioCell Collagen advantages over collagen sourced from eggshell membrane or fish skin
- Type II collagen is a predominant type of collagen in the human articular cartilage. The collagen content of eggshell membrane is much smaller than BioCell Collagen and its collagen is type I.
- GAGs such as HA and chondroitin sulfate are essential for joint health and the skin beauty. Their content in eggshell membrane or in fish skin/scales is much lower than in BioCell Collagen.
- BioCell Collagen offers a comprehensive support for joint health and skin beauty via multiple mechanisms of action.
- A clinical trial on eggshell membrane collagen showed its limited effect in managing joint discomfort. BioCell Collagen demonstrated a full-range of clinical efficacy.
