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Gelatin is a mixture of proteins extracted from animal collagen
by a process known as hydrolysis. Usually gelatin comes from bovine
compounds, pig skin, ox skin and bones. Gelatin has a large number
of uses as both a food and health supplement. In food gelatin serves
only as a stabilizer, thickener, and texturizer and has no
nutritional value.
Recently, gelatin has entered the
nutritional supplement marketplace for use in bone and joint health.
The gelatin peptides are rich in the amino acids found in collagen,
including L-proline, L-hydroxyproline, and
glycine.
Health Benefits and
Indications
Gelatin may offer some benefit in
fighting degenerative joint disease (DJD). However, claims that
gelatin can fight arthritis and help maintain healthy joint
cartilage and bones are not substantiated by strong scientific
evidence.
Dosage
Gelatin
(hydrolysates) is available in powder form, usually in combination
with other supplements, such as vitamin C and calcium. Gelatin
hydrolysates are also available in capsules, usually in combination
with other supplements such as glucosamine, curcumin, chondroitin
sulfate, and willow bark. An average dose of a gelatin supplement is
10 grams daily.
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