The Peptan™ story began in the early 2000s, when scientists at Rousselot discovered a specific blend of natural proteins (enzymes) that transform native collagen molecules into collagen peptides while preserving the neutral organoleptic properties (odor and taste) and white color of the collagen peptides powder.

Spurred by this realization, Rousselot began developing a full range of collagen peptides, to be marketed under the brand name Peptan™.

Peptan collagen peptides are made from bovine hide from stock farm-bred for human consumption. Rousselot collagens are produced from selected, high-quality raw materials subject to continuous rigorous checks on safety and origin.

Rousselot Research & Development teams called on scientific experts to verify the health benefits associated with collagen peptides. As the findings emerged, Rousselot teams became more and more convinced of the unique properties of Peptan collagen peptides. Several comprehensive studies were subsequently published in recognized scientific journals.

Peptide is derived from the Greek word πεπτός, which means “digested”. Peptides are fragment of proteins.

Peptan™ are type-I collagen peptides and have the same amino-acid content as that found in human bones and skin. Peptan™ is a high purity, natural bioactive ingredient containing more than 97% protein, with no fat or carbohydrates. Peptan™ is supplied in a form that is easy to use and digest, as shown by scientific analysis.

Rigorous research findings and unmatched quality make Peptan™ a truly differentiated ingredient. Numerous studies have been published and reviewed over the past decade endorsing its safety and efficacy.

When it comes to quality, safety and clinical evidence, the scientific qualities of Peptan™ remain unparalleled.

Caroline Nègre talks about Rousselot’s Peptan

Why did you develop Peptan?

Caroline Nègre: Rousselot is the world leader in manufacturing gelatine and hydrolysed collagen for the food and pharmaceutical industries. We’ve been offering the market our hydrolysed collagen products backed up by science since 2004 to meet the growing demand for nutraceuticals.

What are Peptan's main properties and benefits?

Nègre: Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, comprising around a third of our total protein matter. In structure, it’s long and fibrous, which makes its function quite different from that of globular proteins such as enzymes. Bundles of collagen pack together to form long, thin fibrils and these are a major component of the extra-cellular matrix that supports most tissues and gives cells structure.

Native collagen is naturally insoluble in water. It can be made soluble through a process involving partial hydrolysis and extraction to yield hydrolysed collagen. Peptan is a type 1 hydrolysed collagen. Type 1 indicates that it’s the same collagen as that found in skin.

Scientific literature indicates that hydrolysed collagen works on skin condition through a number of mechanisms. Postlethwaite et al (1978) suggest that when type 1 collagens are digested, the peptides which result are chemo-attractants for fibroblasts. Fibroblasts produce collagen and are the main cells of the dermis (the central layer of skin). It’s believed the collagen peptides then stimulate these fibroblast cells to trigger the synthesis and reorganisation of new collagen fibres.

Matsuda et al (2006) showed that hydrolysed collagen may improve the mechanical strength of the skin by increasing the ratio of decorins. These are proteins that interact with collagen and influence collagen fibrillogenesis, therefore regulating excessive bundle-like aggregation of collagen.

What were the main findings of the studies carried out on Peptan?

Nègre: Peptan Hydrolysed Collagen is clinically proven to enhance skin health. Positive findings from two scientific studies give it all-important credibility for the nascent nutri-cosmetic industry. Two new scientific studies in France and Japan, looking at the effects of taking Peptan on skin condition, have shown benefits across a range of indicators. Objective measurements showed that women taking Peptan for between eight and 12 weeks had improved skin moisture levels, suppleness and smoothness. It not only reduced the number of micro relief furrows, but also prevented the formation of deep wrinkles.

Does the ingredient appeal to consumers?

Nègre: Collagen is one of the world’s key ingredients for beauty-from-within products, and that’s why the results of the Peptan Hydrolysed Collagen clinical studies are so important. Valid scientific studies like these provide the proof consumers have been waiting for and place Peptan at the forefront for successful, new nutri-cosmetic product launches.

What beauty ingredient trends can you pinpoint for 2010/11?

Nègre: The increasing awareness of links between what we eat and our health and physical appearance means that the concept of nutri-cosmetics or beauty foods offers attractive opportunities to food, beverage and supplement producers.

With concrete scientific evidence that Peptan really does improve the moisture content of the epidermis and helps to prevent skin ageing, companies now have a springboard for successful, new product launches targeting beauty from within.

Peptan is a natural, high-purity bioactive ingredient. Its versatility and excellent organoleptic properties make it easy to use and to incorporate in many kinds of foods and dietary supplements. It’s highly soluble, clear and stable in solution.