PUTEAUX, France, December 16 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to consumer concerns regarding long-term bone health, Rousselot has carried out, for several years now, many studies to demonstrate that an oral intake of Peptan(TM) may have a positive impact on osteoporosis.

Bone is a living dynamic metabolic system that relies on a maintained balance between bone formation and bone resorption. Cells called osteoblasts make bone while cells called osteoclasts resorb it. An imbalance may lead to osteoporosis, a condition where the density and quality of bone is reduced.

Researchers conducted in vitro studies, and highlighted that Peptan(TM) in bone cell culture induced a better differentiation of osteoblasts. Those positive results have then been confirmed in vivo on ovariectomized mice, used to simulate a postmenopausal osteoporosis, which leads to a lower bone mineral density (BMD).

Animals were divided into three groups: a control group (non ovariectomized), a group of ovariectomized mice, both fed with a normal diet and a group of ovariectomized mice that received a diet containing Peptan(TM). After 12 weeks, the BMD of the group fed with Peptan(TM) is not significantly different from the BMD of control group. On the contrary the BMD of ovariectomized mice not fed with Peptan(TM) is lower.

Confirmation of Peptan(TM) benefits on bone health has been obtained by the measures of Carboxy Terminal Telopeptide (CTX), a usual marker of bone resorption. CTX is significantly lower in mice fed with Peptan(TM) indicating that bone resorption is reduced.

Researchers conclude that Peptan(TM) may restore bone density in simulated post-menopausal osteoporosis by stimulating osteoblast growth and differentiation. This demonstrates the interest of Peptan(TM) as a bioactive ingredient to help preventing bone loss during aging.

*Hydrolyzed collagen improves bone metabolism and biomechanical parameters in ovariectomized mice: an in vitro and in vivo study. Guillerminet et al. Bone 2009.

Rousselot, http://www.rousselot.com

Part of VION N.V. (N.L.), Rousselot(R) is the worldwide leader in gelatine and hydrolyzed collagen. VION N.V. is an internationally operating food group that produces high-quality foods and ingredients for humans and animals (Turnover: EUR 9.6 billion - 31,000 employees worldwide)

SOURCE: ROUSSELOT SAS

CONTACT: Caroline Brochard-Garnier, Communication, +33-1-46-67-87-27,caroline.brochard-garnier@rousselot.com