Tendons are dense connective tissues, primarily composed of collagen and elastin. Between 60% and 85% of the dry weight of the tendon is collagen. This collagen is predominantly type I (~60%), arranged in tension-resistant fibers. Elastin fibers represent approximately 2% of the dry weight.
Various nutrients, such as collagen and vitamin C, can help maintain the elasticity and strength of tendons. A diet rich in these types of nutrients contributes to preserving tendon elasticity.
- Less flexible tendons may result in joint pain or osteoarthritis (OA), highlighting the critical importance of maintaining tendon health.
Interestingly, collagen synthesis rises around 100%in human tendon, after just one bout (60 min) of acute exercise.The elevated collagen synthesis is still present 3 days after exercise. Therefore, it is very important to do physical exercise to stimulate collagen synthesis in the tendons and, at the same time, have an oral consume of supplements that help to nourish the tissues. MKARE® is a potent alternativeas a nutritional supplementto support tendons.
MKARE®is a branded ingredient based on 100% natural eggshell membrane, this multi-functional ingredient naturally contains a complex source of key bioactive compounds that has more than one purpose.
The clinically proven MKARE® is abundant in collagen types I, V, and X, hyaluronic acid, elastin, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and more than 400 proteins. It stands as a distinctive solution, delivering a myriad of benefits in a single.
MKARE® enhances tendon strength
MKARE®contains the identical biomolecules found in the extracellular matrix of tendons (collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans), and it is also rich in lysyl oxidase, which is crucial for stabilizing collagen and elastin fibers. This composition provides essential nutrients to our cells, reinforcing the structure of tendons and the musculoskeletal system.
There is an example of a study that validates the protective effect on the tendon in a group of athletes treated with oral consumption of eggshell membrane. The research highlights the membrane’s ability to protect the tendon structure through oral consumption of egg membrane. This effect is attributed to the improvement in collagen quality and an increase in the tendon cross-section when consuming egg membrane.
The study involved administering egg membrane to 22 athletes with joint problems for a period of 50 days. The results underscore that the “linear stiffness” of the Achilles Tendon (AT)*, measured as a biomechanical parameter, maintains its values in the group treated with eggshell membrane (0.6 N/mm ± 0.3 to 0.6 N/mm ± 0.2). In contrast, the placebo group experiences a notable decrease (0.8 N/mm ± 0.3 to 0.5 N/mm ± 0.1) (37.5%), highlighting the membrane’s ability to protect athletes’ tendons.
- The linear stiffness test is a biomechanical assessment that directly measures tendon strengthening and evaluates the joint’s ability to absorb substantial impacts.
Reducing inflammatory issues in the joints enhances their flexibility. Thanks to various molecules with this effect contained in the membrane, such as ovotransferrin and ovocalyxin-36, have been proven to possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Even fragments of these molecules have demonstrated an enhanced anti-inflammatory effect. MKARE® has shown to reduce proinflammatory cytokines in a cellular model, thus demonstrating its mechanism of action.
References:
- Kjaer, Michael “Role of extracellular matrix in adaptation of tendon and skeletal muscle to mechanical loading.” Physiological reviews 84.2 (2004): 649-698.
- Praet S et al. “Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Combined with Calf-Strengthening Exercises Enhances Function and Reduces Pain in Achilles Tendinopathy Patients.” Nutrients. 2019;11(1):76.
- 6 DePhillipo N et al. “E”icacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress A#er Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review.” Orthop J Sports Med. 2018;6(10):2325967118804544.
- Maganaris CN, Paul JP (1999) In vivo human tendon mechanical properties. J Physiol 521: 307-313.
- Kjær, Michael et al. “Extracellular matrix adaptation of tendon and skeletal muscle to exercise.” Journal of anatomy 208.4 (2006): 445-450.
- Aguirre A, Quintana EG, Fenaux M, Erdozain S, Nuez ML (2017) Effects of 50 Days Eggshell Membrane Ovomet® Supplementation on Biomechanics Parameters and Subjective Pain Perception Among Crossfit Athletes. A Preliminary Study. J Trauma Treat 6: 371.
- Johnson GA, Tramaglini DM, Levine RE, Ohno K, Choi NY, et al. (1994) Tensile and viscoelastic properties of human patellar tendon. J Orthop Res 12: 796-803.
- Baratta R, Solomonow M (1991) The effect of tendon viscoelastic stiffness on the dynamic performance of isometric muscle. J Biomech 24: 109-116
