Rotator cuff tears and collagen: insights from a clinical observation
Clinical observation on rotator cuff tears: 57% complete healing with Collagen Vital Power marine collagen versus 33%, assessed by MRI at 6 months.
The rotator cuff relies on fragile tendons whose healing after a tear is long and uncertain. A preliminary clinical observation carried out with Collagen Vital Power by Vita Recherche looked at the role of hydrolysed marine collagen supplementation in this repair process. Here is a factual recap of its results.
Understanding rotator cuff tears
The rotator cuff is a set of tendons essential to the proper functioning of the shoulder. It allows the arm to be raised and stabilised and makes countless everyday gestures possible.
With age, repeated strain or certain injuries, these tendons can weaken and sometimes tear. Healing of these lesions is often slow and depends on many factors:
- the initial quality of the tendon;
- the patient's age;
- the blood supply to the injured area;
- surgical management and rehabilitation.
Why is collagen relevant for tendons?
Collagen is the main protein that makes up tendons. It plays a central role in their strength and their capacity for repair.
The rationale behind supplementation with natural hydrolysed marine collagen dosed at 10 g per serving is to provide the body with specific "building blocks" (amino acids such as glycine, proline and hydroxyproline) that could support the natural synthesis of collagen and thus accompany tissue repair processes.
To understand why the form and dosage matter, you can read our article on the benefits of collagen for joints and tendons.
A clinical observation with Collagen Vital Power
An observation was carried out in patients followed for a rotator cuff tear. A first group received Collagen Vital Power supplementation for 3 months, at a rate of one sachet (one serving) per day; the second group received no supplementation.
At six months of follow-up, the assessment was carried out using an MRI and a standardised functional score. The results observed were as follows:
- 57% of supplemented patients showed complete healing;
- versus 33% of non-supplemented patients.
These figures reflect a trend in favour of the group that received marine collagen peptides. These are, however, preliminary results that need to be confirmed by larger clinical studies.
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Results observed beyond healing
In addition to the medical assessment, a self-evaluation questionnaire was given to the patients. According to these reports, 100% of supplemented patients reported improved mobility of the upper limb and reduced perceived pain.
Some patients also mentioned positive effects on the quality of their skin: improvement of seborrhoeic dermatitis for one, more supple and toned skin for others. These felt and visible effects were reported spontaneously and remain subjective.
Key takeaways from these preliminary results
Collagen is an essential component of tendons, and its intake in the form of supplementation could play a supporting role in repair processes.
This preliminary clinical observation suggests that supplementation with hydrolysed marine collagen dosed at 10 g could be a worthwhile support for recovery after a rotator cuff tear and in tendinopathies. These encouraging results pave the way for further clinical studies on the product, in order to better assess its functional peptides.
Educational information only. Collagen is a food supplement and is not a substitute for medical or surgical care or for rehabilitation.
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