UCII® (Undenatured type II collagen)
There are several types of collagen. The main ones, however, are designated Type I, Type II and Type III. Type II collagen is found predominantly in articular cartilage and is sold in dietary supplements as Collagen-II (denatured or hydrolysed collagen type II protein) or as Undenatured Collagen type II (also known as native).
Description:
There are several types of collagen. The main ones, however, are designated Type I, Type II and Type III. Type II collagen is found predominantly in articular cartilage and is sold in dietary supplements as Collagen-II (denatured or hydrolysed collagen type II protein) or as Undenatured Collagen type II (also known as native). Oral administration of type II collagen is used to reduce clinical signs of osteoarthritis. Most of the type II chicken collagen found in dietary supplements is denatured or hydrolysed, which means that high heat and/or chemicals have been used to process it. These processes fundamentally alter the molecular structure of the protein, rendering the collagen ineffective as an immunomodulator. Undenatured (native) type II collagen is made using little or no heat and very limited processing - just enough to concentrate the collagen and make it soluble. The UC·II® (undenatured collagen type II) patented manufacturing process ensures that the collagen remains biologically active in its most native, triple helix form, with its privileged immunomodulating ability intact. It explains why for a 500 kg horse, only 320 mg/day is necessary.
Properties:
The consequences of UC II® for joint health have been demonstrated in equine clinical trials versus the “industry standard”, glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate (GAGs). UC II® contains specific structural regions called epitopes found on the intact triple helix which enable a privileged and natural interaction with the digestive tract and its closely associated immune system. The mechanism is called “oral tolerisation” or “selective immunosuppression” and consists in administering an antigen (UC II®) to alter the response of the immune system: it reverse the harmful effect of the immune system in the joints responsible for osteoarthritis (cartilage destruction, pain, inflammation).
Possible uses:
UC II® is recommended for athletic horses whose joints are heavily solicited. However, it also can play a major role when given to young, active athletes to ensure continued joint health. Given early on in a horse’s athletic career whilst its articulations are still healthy may reduce or eliminate the need for intervention with conventional medicines that may have negative side effects.