Collagen for slimming and rejuvenation: the Pure-Col test

Have you heard of COLLAGEN?

You’ve probably heard of this skin-firming, wrinkle-eliminating protein, but did you know that today there are collagen-based supplements that claim to help you lose weight?

Faced with this new trend, we wanted to find out more, and today we’re testing Pure-Col, a product that claims to reduce our excess weight, as well as making us look younger.

Pure-Col Collagen presentation and promises

Pure-Col comes in the form of 100% hydrolyzed collagen tablets “managed by a unique enzymatic process and remodeled by “AminoLock” Sequential Technology, acting overnight.

With Pure-Col, collagen is ingested orally, in 3 capsules with a full glass of water, to be taken at least 2 hours after a meal and a little before bedtime.

For optimum results, the manufacturer recommends a minimum 3-month course of treatment.

It is also advisable to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day with these capsules.

According to the official website, this oral intake of collagen has the advantage of working on the whole body, not just the skin.

In addition to this more global action, Pure-Col promises other benefits:

• Is a pure collagen-based supplement;
• Softens wrinkles;
• Makes skin more elastic;
• Improves joint mobility;
• Reduces cellulite;
• Promotes inch loss;
• Strengthens hair and nails.

In this article, we’ll focus on the slimming effects of collagen, and more specifically those of Pure-Col.

The Pure-Col collagen manufacturer

The company behind Pure-Col is Herbal Direct SL. The company is based in Spain, in the city of Vigo to be precise, and was founded in 2005.

Please note that the name Herbal Direct, without the SL, refers to a British company, which is in no way associated with Pure-Col!

Further research into Herbal Direct SL reveals the company’s Terms & Conditions on the web, but no official website.

We would have liked more transparency from the manufacturer and more information on its status and vacation.

Collagen, Pure-Col’s unique ingredient

Pure-Col is a supplement containing 100% pure hydrolyzed collagen.

Collagen is one of the proteins that make up a large part of our bodies.

It’s a gelatin, which plays an essential role in the formation of ligaments, cartilage, tendons and bones in particular.

It has a dual function:

• It is responsible for the cohesion of tissues and organs;
• It provides essential hydration, strength and flexibility for these same tissues and organs.

  This substance acts as a kind of glue, holding our body together by performing various functions of filling, support, attachment, insulation and protection.

Of all the proteins present in the body, each has a different amino acid sequence.

The collagen used in Pure-Col capsules contains the following amino acids: glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, glutamic acid, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid…etc.

Pure-Col offers hydrolyzed collagen, i.e. collagen whose molecular breakdown has already been initiated, to make the substance more easily assimilated by the body.

The hydrolyzed collagen used in food supplements is of animal origin. It can come from chickens, cows, pigs or sheep.

It is manufactured by removing the fat from bones, which are then pulverized and soaked in hydrochloric acid, then in sodium hydroxide, before being dehydrated.

What is AminoLock Sequential Technology?

It’s a process designed to optimize collagen results, by extracting and concentrating the essential amino acids and proteins present in the substance.

Although Pure-Col claims to have exclusive rights to this technological process, we note that this is not the case, as the technology originates from a Canadian laboratory known as Genacol.

What about weight loss with collagen?

Some manufacturers of weight-loss and wellness supplements claim that collagen has the ability to increase the sensation of satiety, and therefore has appetite-suppressant effects that promote weight loss.

It is also said to reduce body fat.

Scientific studies on Collagen

Several studies have been carried out on the slimming properties of collagen.

A recent study was carried out by Essentially Yours Industries Corporation Office of Product Research, on a hydrolyzed collagen product such as Pure-Col.

The results showed weight loss in 50 overweight subjects, with a daily intake of 1 tablespoon of hydrolyzed collagen.

Weight loss averaged 5 kg over a 3-month treatment period.

It should be noted that this study was carried out by a manufacturer of supplements based on this ingredient, and its reliability may therefore be questioned.

Another independent study, carried out in 2008, compared different types of breakfast and their effects on satiety.

The breakfasts compared contained the following substances:

• Casein-based breakfast ;
• Soy protein-based breakfast;
• Whey-based breakfast;
• Whey-based breakfast without glycomacropeptide;
• Alpha-actalbumin-based breakfast;
• Gelatin-based breakfast (containing collagen);
• Gelatin + tryptophan (TRP) breakfast.

The tests involved 24 individuals and showed that breakfasts based on alpha actalbumin and gelatin, have a 40% higher satiating power than the others, and induce a reduction in calories ingested of 20% on average.

(Source: Clinical Nutrition. April 2009, volume 28, issue 2, Pages 147-155. Margriet A.B.Veldhorst, Arie G. Nieuwenhuizen, Ananda Hochstenbach-Waelen, Klaas R. Westerterp, Marielle P.K.J. Engelen, Robert-Jan M. Brummer, Nicolaas E.P. Deutz, Margriet S. Westerterp-Plantenga. doi : 10.1016/j.clnu.2008.12.003).

These results are encouraging, but need to be confirmed by further studies.

Collagen side effects

Collagen very rarely causes side effects.

Very rare cases of mild gastrointestinal disorders have been reported, as well as allergic reactions in people allergic to bovine proteins.

People suffering from kidney failure are advised to consult a doctor before taking any product containing this ingredient, and as a precautionary measure, this product is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Testimonials from Collagen users

To the best of our knowledge, there are no consumer testimonials on the use of Pure-Col capsules.

On the other hand, we have found many people reporting the results obtained following a collagen-based treatment in capsules. This type of product seems to be effective on a number of levels. It improves recovery after exercise, and increases strength.

As far as weight loss is concerned, it would appear that collagen capsules are an interesting aid to losing a few kilos, preferably after long-term use.

Pure-Col Collagen price and guarantee

Pure-Col collagen capsules are available in different packs:

• 1 box of 90 capsules, i.e. 1 month’s treatment – 45€
• 2 boxes, 2 months’ treatment – 80€
• 3 boxes + 1 free box, 4 months’ treatment – €80 135€
• 5 cans + 2 free, 7 months’ treatment – €135 215€
• 8 cans + 4 free, 1 year’s treatment – €275 360€

Delivery is free, but the manufacturer does not offer a money-back guarantee.

Our opinion on Pure-Col Collagen

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