Patent Description:
Collagen can be found in numerous different products including cosmetic creams and body lotions. Collagen is also found in various oral supplements. Collagen production in the body, for instance, tends to slow as a person ages. Thus, collagen supplements have been taken in the past in order to reduce the effects of aging by improving the health of skin and hair.

Collagen has also been found to effectively treat arthritis and other joint pain. For example, <CIT> discloses a method of reducing exercise-induced joint pain in mammals by administering to a mammal Type II collagen. This patent also discloses the mechanism of action through which this ingredient operates: oral tolerance. This putative mechanism entails the stimulation of T regulatory cells (Treg), located in gut associated lymphatic tissue, to specifically recognize antigenic determinants (epitopes) on the native collagen protein. Once induced, the Tregs exit the gut area and migrate to the joint space where they stimulate chondrocytes to lay down new Type II collagen thereby enhancing the structural integrity and flexibility of the articulating joint. One such example, for which clinical data has been published is the knee. The '<NUM> patent is incorporated herein by reference.

Various other supplements have been proposed containing bone material. For instance, <CIT> is directed to nutritional supplements containing demineralized bone matrix which are believed to act via various bone morphogenetic proteins and other factors that promote bone formation and homeostasis. In this case the principle mode of action is believed to occur via the stimulation of bone forming cells as indicated in the commercial literature for this nutritional ingredient, also known as Cyplexinol®. This supplement may further contain a vitamin and is used to maintain or improve the condition of bones and cartilage.

In addition to treating joint pain, collagen is also known to treat leaky gut syndrome, a condition where toxins are able to pass through a digestive tract. Collagen intake can also boost metabolism, muscle mass, and energy output as well as improve liver and cardiovascular health.

Although collagen can offer various advantages when administered to a human or animal, a need exists for a composition and method that can increase the effectiveness of collagen and/or work in conjunction with collagen to provide synergistic effects such improved efficacy or faster onset of action.

In general, the present disclosure is directed to a composition containing the combination of a collagen source and Vitamin A and a carotenoid. The composition of the present disclosure has numerous and diverse applications and uses. The present invention is directed to a nutritional supplement for taking orally comprising a Type II collagen source combined with Vitamin A and a carotenoid, wherein the Type II collagen source comprises an undenatured Type II collagen, wherein the nutritional supplement is in the form of individual dosage vessels, and wherein the individual dosage vessels contain the Type II collagen in an amount of from <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the carotenoid is lutein. According to the invention, the collagen source comprises an undenatured Type II collagen. The collagen can be obtained from various different sources, such as animal sources and can be supplied as animal parts or can be supplied as a pure protein or as active peptide fragments. The resulting composition can have many different health benefit effects when administered to a human, an animal or other mammal. For instance, the composition is well suited to treating or managing any sort of joint pain, discomfort, or limited performance, to improving eye health, to improving brain health and/or to improving immune health.

In addition to a nutritional supplement, the composition of the present disclosure can also be used as a medicinal composition in order to deliver various health benefits to a human or animal. The medicinal composition, for instance, can be administered orally.

As described above, the composition of the present disclosure generally comprises a collagen source combined with Vitamin A and carotenoid, which is lutein.

The Vitamin A, for instance, can comprise retinol, retinal, retinoic acid or a retinyl ester. For instance, the retinyl ester can comprise a fatty acid retinyl, such as retinyl palmitate. The carotenoid that is particularly well suited for use in the present disclosure is lutein.

When the composition contains undenatured Type II collagen, in combination with Vitamin A, the weight ratio between the collagen and Vitamin A can be from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM> for the lowest amounts of the Type II collagen source added, and about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM> for the highest amount of the Type II collagen source added. When the composition contains an undenatured collagen and a carotenoid, the weight ratio between the collagen material and the carotenoid can be from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>,<NUM> for the lowest amounts of the Type II collagen source added, and about <NUM>,<NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM> for the highest amount of the Type II collagen source added.

According to the invention, the composition is a nutritional supplement in the form of individual dosage vessels. Each dosage vessel can be made from an orally acceptable composition. The dosage vessels, for instance, may comprise capsules, tablets, powders, or the like. Alternatively, the nutritional supplement may be in the form of a syrup or liquid suspension. Alternatively, the composition of the present embodiment can be administered in food or beverage form.

When in the form of individual dosage vessels, each dosage vessel can contain the undenatured Type II collagen in an amount from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. When Vitamin A is present, Vitamin A can be present in each dosage vessel in an amount generally from about <NUM> micrograms to about <NUM> micrograms. When the dosage vessel contains a carotenoid, on the other hand, each dosage vessel can contain the carotenoid in an amount from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

Disclosed are methods for treating or managing various ailments. For instance, disclosed is a method for treating or managing joint pain, joint discomfort, or limited joint flexibility in individuals who are not diseased ("healthy subjects"), and whose symptoms are due to participating in normal, daily activities including, but not limited to, strenuous exercise, walking, running, and so on. Further disclosed is a method for treating joint ailments, as described above, that are due to a disease (including arthritis) in humans and other mammals. The method includes administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of the composition or supplement as described above. In one embodiment, the composition contains undenatured Type II collagen in combination with Vitamin A and a carotenoid, which is lutein. The composition, which can be in the form of oral dosage vessels, can be administered to the mammals in an amount sufficient to reduce the joint pain.

Further disclosed is a method for improving eye health. The method includes the step of administering to a mammal the composition or supplement as described above containing the undenatured Type II collagen in combination with Vitamin A and a carotenoid, which is lutein. The composition is administered to the mammal in a therapeutically effective amount sufficient to improve the eye health of the mammal.

Further disclosed is a method for improving brain health. The method includes the step of administering to a mammal the composition or supplement as described above containing the undenatured Type II collagen in combination with Vitamin A and a carotenoid, which is lutein. The composition is administered to the mammal in a therapeutically effective amount sufficient to improve the brain health of the mammal. The brain/cognitive health benefits provided by the composition can vary depending upon the particular application and the desired results. For instance, the composition can improve memory, verbal fluency, and/or various other cognitive functions.

The term "therapeutically effective amount" as used herein, with respect to the composition described above, shall mean that dosage, or amount of composition, that provides the specific pharmacological or nutritional response for which the composition (containing the collagen source combined with Vitamin A, a carotenoid, or mixtures thereof), is administered or delivered to subjects in need of such treatment. It is emphasized that 'therapeutically effective amount,' administered to a particular subject in a particular instance will not always be effective in treating the ailments or otherwise improving health described herein, even though such dosage is deemed a "therapeutically effective amount" by those skilled in the art. Specific subjects may, in fact, be "refractory" to a "therapeutically effective amount". For example, a refractory subject may have a low bioavailability such that clinical efficacy is not obtainable. It is to be further understood that the composition, or supplement, in particular instances, can be measured as oral dosages, or with reference to ingredient levels that can be measured in blood. In other embodiments, dosages can be measured in amounts applied to the skin when the composition is contained with a topical formulation.

The term "delivering" or "administering" as used herein, refers to any route for providing the composition, or a nutraceutical, to a subject that is accepted as standard by the medical community and as regulated by law. For example, the present invention addresses routes of delivering or administering that include oral ingestion plus any other suitable route of delivery including, but not limited to, transdermal, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, topical or subcutaneous.

The term "encapsulate", "encapsulated", or "encapsulating" refers to any compound that is completely surrounded by a protective material. For example, a compound may become encapsulated by a population of nanoemulsion particle formation during microfluidization.

The term "nutraceutical" refers to any compound added to a dietary source (i.e., for example, a fortified food or a dietary supplement) that provides health or medical benefits in addition to its basic nutritional value.

The present invention is directed to a nutritional supplement for taking orally comprising a Type II collagen source combined with Vitamin A and a carotenoid, wherein the Type II collagen source comprises an undenatured Type II collagen, wherein the nutritional supplement is in the form of individual dosage vessels, and wherein the individual dosage vessels contain the Type II collagen in an amount of from <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the carotenoid is lutein. Of particular advantage, the composition can be formulated so as to treat or improve the health of many different organ systems within the body. In fact, the composition of the present disclosure can provide multiple health benefits simultaneously.

For instance, the composition of the present disclosure is particularly formulated to improve joint health. For instance, the composition can be used to treat arthritis or non-arthritic joint pain, joint discomfort, or lack of joint flexibility. The composition of the present disclosure can also be used to improve eye health and treat various eye ailments. In addition, the composition of the present disclosure can improve immune health or brain health.

In general, the composition of the present disclosure contains undenatured Type II collagen in combination with another dietary or nutraceutical agent that, in one embodiment, can work synergistically with the collagen. For example, in one embodiment, the dietary or nutraceutical agent can increase the effectiveness of the collagen. In addition, or alternatively, the combination of collagen with the dietary or nutraceutical agent, or ingredient, can provide a platform for treating more than one aliment or otherwise improving the health of multiple organ systems within the body.

According to the invention, the undenatured Type II collagen is combined with both Vitamin A and a carotenoid, which is lutein. The nutritional supplement formulated in accordance with the present disclosure can be administered in an oral form. In one embodiment, the nutritional supplement is formed into a dosage vessel, such as a tablet or capsule that can be taken orally. In addition, the nutritional supplement can be incorporated into beverages, foods and dietary supplements. The nutritional supplement, for instance, can be manufactured in the form of capsules, tablets, gummy chewables, edible films, lozenges, powders, liquid suspensions, syrups, and the like. In one embodiment, the nutritional supplement is encapsulated by a protective material in forming a capsule or tablet.

The composition can be taken regularly (i.e. daily or weekly) or can be taken for a temporary period of time in order to treat or manage a particular condition. As indicated above, the composition contains an undenatured Type II collagen. Type II collagen for use in the present disclosure can be obtained from any suitable source. For instance, the collagen can be derived from a variety of mammalian sources, avian sources, or can be obtained from various fish species or a combination thereof. For instance, the collagen can be obtained from salmon, shark, poultry, porcine, egg shells, turkey cartilage, bovine cartilage, and the like. In one embodiment, for instance, the Type II collagen can be obtained as disclosed in <CIT>. For example, undenatured Type II collagen is available commercially as UC-II® from InterHealth Nutraceuticals. UC-II® is a natural ingredient that contains a glycosylated, undenatured Type II collagen. The collagen source can also comprise a pure protein or active peptide fragments. In one embodiment, the collagen source can be free of any bone or bone material. In other embodiments, the collagen source can be free of any transforming growth factors (TGFs), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), or both. In still another embodiment, the collagen source comprises Type II collagen and is completely free of any Type I collagen.

In preparing animal tissue for oral administration, in one embodiment, the Type II collagen containing tissue can be first dissected free of surrounding tissues and diced or otherwise comminuted into particles. The particulate, or milled, cartilage can be sterilized by means which do not affect or denature the structure of a major portion of the Type II collagen in the tissue and formed into doses containing therapeutically effective levels of undenatured Type II collagen, said levels being generally in the amount of at least about <NUM> gram and preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM> grams of animal tissue in a dose. Being a natural product some variation from sample to sample is to be expected. These variations can be minimized by blending after comminution. The blending can be aided by analytical techniques which allow the measurement of the amount of undenatured Type II collagen and other constituents.

These measurements will allow blending of batches to obtain uniformity and in some cases to modify potency by increasing certain antigenic epitopes via the mixing of cartilage from different sources. The optimum dosage may vary.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the undenatured Type II collagen is combined with Vitamin A and a carotenoid, which is lutein. Vitamin A refers to a group of organic compounds that include various retinoids. For instance, Vitamin A includes retinol, which is also known as Vitamin A<NUM>. Other Vitamin A compounds include all different forms of retinoic acid, such as tretinoin, which is also known as all-trans retinoic acid. Other Vitamin A compounds include retinal and retinyl esters. Retinyl esters include fatty acid esters of retinyl. For example, one example is retinyl palmitate. Another Vitamin A compound is retinyl acetate. Retinyl acetate and retinyl palmitate are typically referred to as provitamins of Vitamin A and are converted to retinol in the small intestine.

Vitamin A intake in animals and humans can improve immunity health, vision health, reproductive health, brain and cognitive health, and improve cellular communication. In improving immune health, it is believed that retinoic acid regulates dendritic cell differentiation, migration, and antigen presenting capacity, particularly in gut associated lymphatic tissue. Retinoic acid also maintains homeostasis by working with TGF-beta to promote Treg cell induction from naïve T cells. Retinoic acid can also be important in the maintenance of mucosal integrity.

Alternatively, or in addition to Vitamin A, the composition of the present disclosure may contain one or more carotenoids (that are separate from the Vitamin A species described above). Certain carotenoids are known to be effective antioxidant agents which can protect organisms from the adverse effects caused by active oxygen species, e.g., free radicals and the like. Carotenoid intake can also lower the chance of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and various cancers. It is believed that inclusion of a carotenoid in the nutritional supplement can improve the immune system of the human or animal. Certain carotenoids, such as lutein, can also provide brain and cognitive health benefits. For instance, the carotenoid can improve memory, improve verbal fluency, or otherwise have beneficial effects on cognitive functions. Of particular advantage, it is believed that a carotenoid can work effectively with the undenatured Type II collagen to increase the effectiveness of the overall composition.

Carotenoid compounds are a class of tetraterpenoids which contain long polyene chains. Carotenoids include xanthophylls such as lutein and zeaxanthin, and carotenes, such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, zeto-carotene, and lycopene and related molecules, including <NUM>-HO-<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydrolycopene, <NUM>, <NUM>'-(HO)<NUM>-gamma-carotene, <NUM>,<NUM>'-(HO)<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>',<NUM>'-tetradehydrolycopene, <NUM>, <NUM>'-(HO)<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-didehydrolycopene.

Other carotenoid compounds include hydrocarbons, such as lycopersene (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>',<NUM>',<NUM>',<NUM>'-decahydro-γ,γ-carotene), phytofluene, hexahydrolycopene (<NUM>-cis-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-hexahydro-γ,γ-carotene), torulene (<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-β,γ-carotene) and α-zeacarotene (<NUM>',<NUM>'-dihydro-ε,γ-carotene); alcohols, such as alloxanthin, cynthiaxanthin, pectenoxanthin, cryptomonaxanthin, ((3r,<NUM>'r)-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetradehydro-β,β-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-diol), crustaxanthin (β,-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetrol), gazaniaxanthin ((3r)-<NUM>'-cis-β,γ-caroten-<NUM>-ol), oh-chlorobactene (<NUM>',<NUM>'-dihydro-f,γ-caroten-<NUM>'-ol), loroxanthin (β,ε-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>'-triol), lycoxanthin (γ,γ-caroten-<NUM>-ol), rhodopin (<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydro-γ,γ-caroten-<NUM>-ol), rhodopinol (aka warmingol; <NUM>-cis-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydro-γ,γ-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>-diol), saproxanthin (<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-<NUM>',<NUM>'-dihydro-β,γ-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-diol) and zeaxanthin; glycosides, such as oscillaxanthin (<NUM>,<NUM>'-bis(β-I-rhamnopyranosyloxy)-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetradehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetrahydro-γ,γ-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-diol), and phleixanthophyll (<NUM>'-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-<NUM>',<NUM>'-dihydro-β,γ-caroten-<NUM>'-ol); ethers, such as rhodovibrin (<NUM>'-methoxy-<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetrahydro-γ,γ-caroten-<NUM>-ol) and spheroidene (<NUM>-methoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-didehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetrahydro-γ,γ-carotene), epoxides, such as diadinoxanthin (<NUM>,<NUM>-epoxy-<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-<NUM>, <NUM>-dihydro-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>-diol), luteoxanthin (<NUM>,<NUM>: <NUM>',<NUM>'-diepoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetrahydro-β,β-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-diol), mutatoxanthin, citroxanthin, zeaxanthin (furanoxide <NUM>,<NUM>-epoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydro-β,β-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-diol), neochrome (<NUM>',<NUM>'-epoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-didehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetrahydro-β,β-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>'-triol), foliachrome, trollichrome, and vaucheriaxanthin (<NUM>',<NUM>'-epoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-didehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetrahydro-β,β-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>'-tetrol); aldehydes, such as rhodopinal, wamingone (<NUM>-cis-<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydro-γ,γ-caroten-<NUM>-al), torularhodinaldehyde (<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-β,γ-caroten-<NUM>'-al); acids and acid esters, such as torularhodin (<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-β,γ-caroten-<NUM>'-oic acid) and torularhodin methyl ester (methyl <NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-β,γ-caroten-<NUM>'-oate); ketones, such as astaxanthin, canthaxanthin (aka aphanicin), chlorellaxanthin (β,β-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dione), capsanthin ((3r,<NUM>'s,<NUM>'r)-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dihydroxy-β,κ-caroten-<NUM>'-one), capsorubin ((<NUM>,5r,<NUM>'s,<NUM>'r)-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dihydroxy-κ,κ-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dione), cryptocapsin ((<NUM>'r,<NUM>'r)-<NUM>'-hydroxy-β,κ-caroten-<NUM>'-one), <NUM>,<NUM>'-diketospirilloxanthin (<NUM>,<NUM>'-dimethoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetradehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetrahydro-γ,γ-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dione), flexixanthin (<NUM>,<NUM>'-dihydroxy-<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-<NUM>',<NUM>'-dihydro-β,γ-caroten-<NUM>-one), <NUM>-oh-canthaxanthin (aka adonirubin; aka phoenicoxanthin; <NUM>-hydroxy-β,β-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dione), hydroxyspheriodenone (<NUM>'-hydroxy-<NUM>-methoxy-<NUM>, <NUM>-didehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>',<NUM>',<NUM>'-hexahydro-γ,γ-caroten-<NUM>-one), okenone (<NUM>'-methoxy-<NUM>',<NUM>'-dihydro-c,γ-caroten-<NUM>'-one), pectenolone (<NUM>,<NUM>'-dihydroxy-<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-β,β-caroten-<NUM>-one), phoeniconone (aka dehydroadonirubin; <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-didehydro-β,β-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dione), phoenicopterone (β,ε-caroten-<NUM>-one), rubixanthone (<NUM>-hydroxy-β,γ-caroten-<NUM>'-one), siphonaxanthin (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>'-trihydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydro-β,ε-caroten-<NUM>-one); esters of alcohols, such as astacein (<NUM>,<NUM>'-bispalmitoyloxy-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetradehydro-β,β-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dione or <NUM>,<NUM>'-dihydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetradehydro-β,β-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dione dipalmitate), fucoxanthin (<NUM>'-acetoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-epoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dihydroxy-<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-hexahydro-β,β-caroten-<NUM>-one), isofucoxanthin (<NUM>'-acetoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>'-trihydroxy-<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetrahydro-β,β-caroten-<NUM>-one), physalien, zeaxanthin dipalmitate ((3r,<NUM>'r)-<NUM>,<NUM>'-bispalmitoyloxy-β,β-carotene or (3r,<NUM>'r)-β,β-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-diol dipalmitate) and siphonein (<NUM>,<NUM>'-dihydroxy-<NUM>-lauroyloxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydro-β,ε-caroten-<NUM>-one or <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>'-trihydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydro-β,ε-caroten-<NUM>-one <NUM>-laurate); apo carotenoids, such as β-apo-<NUM>'-carotenal (<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-<NUM>'-apo-b-caroten-<NUM>'-al), apo-<NUM>-lycopenal, apo-<NUM>'-lycopenal (<NUM>'-apo-y-caroten-<NUM>'-al), azafrinaldehyde (<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydro-<NUM>'-apo-β-caroten-<NUM>'-al), bixin (<NUM>'-methyl hydrogen <NUM>'-cis-<NUM>,<NUM>'-diapocarotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dioate), citranaxanthin (<NUM>',<NUM>'-dihydro-<NUM>'-apo-β-caroten-<NUM>'-one or <NUM>',<NUM>'-dihydro-<NUM>'-apo-<NUM>'-nor-β-caroten-<NUM>'-one or <NUM>'-methyl-<NUM>'-apo-β-caroten-<NUM>'-one), crocetin (<NUM>,<NUM>'-diapo-<NUM>,<NUM>'-carotenedioic acid), crocetinsemialdehyde (<NUM>'-oxo-<NUM>,<NUM>'-diapo-<NUM>-carotenoic acid), crocin (digentiobiosyl <NUM>,<NUM>'-diapo-<NUM>,<NUM>'-carotenedioate), hopkinsiaxanthin (<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-didehydro-<NUM>',<NUM>'-dihydro-<NUM>'-apo-b-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dione or <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>'-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-didehydro-<NUM>'-apo-b-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dione), methyl apo-<NUM>'-lycopenoate (methyl <NUM>'-apo-y-caroten-<NUM>'-oate), paracentrone (<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-didehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetrahydro-<NUM>'-apo-b-caroten-<NUM>'-one or <NUM>,<NUM>-dihydroxy-<NUM>'-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-didehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydro-<NUM>'-apo-b-caroten-<NUM>'-one) and sintaxanthin (<NUM>',<NUM>'-dihydro-<NUM>'-apo-b-caroten-<NUM>'-one or <NUM>'-methyl-<NUM>'-apo-b-caroten-<NUM>'-one); nor and seco carotenoids, such as actinioerythrin (<NUM>,<NUM>'-bisacyloxy-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dinor-b,b-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dione), β-carotenone (<NUM>,<NUM>:<NUM>',<NUM>'-diseco-b,b-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetrone), peridinin (<NUM>'-acetoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-epoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dihydroxy-<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetrahydro-<NUM>',<NUM>',<NUM>'-trinor-b,b-caroten-<NUM>,<NUM>-olide), pyrrhoxanthininol (<NUM>,<NUM>-epoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dihydroxy-<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydro-<NUM>',<NUM>',<NUM>'-trinor-b,b-caroten-<NUM>,<NUM>-olide), semi-α-carotenone (<NUM>,<NUM>-seco-b,e-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>-dione), semi-β-carotenone (<NUM>,<NUM>-seco-b,b-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>-dione or <NUM>',<NUM>'-seco-b,b-carotene-<NUM>',<NUM>'-dione) and triphasiaxanthin (<NUM>-hydroxysemi-b-carotenone <NUM>'-hydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-seco-b,b-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>-dione or <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>',<NUM>'-seco-b,b-carotene-<NUM>',<NUM>'-dione); retro carotenoids and retro apo carotenoids, such as eschscholtzxanthin (<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>'-retro-b,b-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-diol), eschscholtzxanthone (<NUM>'-hydroxy-<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>'-retro-b,b-caroten-<NUM>-one), rhodoxanthin (<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>'-retro-b,b-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dione) and tangeraxanthin (<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>'-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>'-retro-<NUM>'-apo-b-caroten-<NUM>'-one or <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>'-retro-<NUM>'-apo-b-caroten-<NUM>'-one); and higher carotenoids, such as nonaprenoxanthin (<NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-butenyl)-<NUM>',<NUM>',<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetrahydro-e,y-carotene), decaprenoxanthin (<NUM>,<NUM>'-bis (<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-butenyl)-e,e-carotene), c. <NUM> (<NUM>-[<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-(hydroxymethyl)-<NUM>-butenyl]-<NUM>'-(<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-butenyl)-b,b-carotene), c. <NUM> (<NUM>'-(<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-butenyl)-<NUM>-(<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-butenyl)-<NUM>',<NUM>'-didehydro-<NUM>',<NUM>'-dihydro-b,y-caroten-<NUM>'-ol) and bacterioruberin (<NUM>,<NUM>'-bis(<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-methylbutyl)-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetradehydro-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>'-tetrahydro-y,y-carotene-<NUM>,<NUM>'-dio).

Carotenoid compounds for use as described herein may be natural i.e. obtained from a natural source, for example, extracted from a plant, such as a tomato, melon, or marigold, etc. A range of methods for extracting, concentrating and/or purifying carotenoids from plants are known in the art. For example, solvent extraction using ethanol, DMSO, ethyl acetate, hexane, acetone, soya or other vegetable oil, or non-vegetable oils may be employed. A carotenoid compound may be isolated free, or substantially free, of other molecules found in its natural source or environment. The use of such extraction and purification methods are known to individuals appropriately skilled in the art.

Carotenoid compounds for use as described herein may be synthetic i.e. produced by artificial means, for example, by chemical synthesis or fermentation. A range of methods for chemical synthesis of carotenoids are known in the art.

The carotenoid contained in the composition is a carotenoid with antioxidant activities, which is lutein. The above carotenoids, especially lutein, have been found to be well matched with a Type II collagen. For instance, Type II collagen can affect T-reg cells to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines that convert chondrocyte physiology from matrix proteins break down to the creation and deposition of matrix proteins. Various carotenoids, on the other hand, such as lutein are powerful antioxidants. Lutein may activate the Nrf2 pathway providing cytoprotective activity and reduced inflammation. In the case of lutein, it has been shown that it can reduce monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) induced oxidative stress in primary chondrocytes, as well as mitigate the symptoms of OA induced by MIA in rats. In this manner, the carotenoid can synergistically operate with the Type II collagen in the nutritional supplement to provide overall better efficacy. For example, in one embodiment, it is believed that the combination of a Type II collagen and a carotenoid with antioxidant activity can provide an overall better composition for treating joint pain resulting from participation in normal, everyday activities or from arthritis.

Carotenoids described herein can also include carotenoid precursors that release carotenoids in the body due to metabolic processes or the like. For instance, the carotenoid may comprise a precursor or compound that results in the synthesis of any of the above described carotenoids, such as the carotenoids with antioxidant activities. The carotenoid described herein can comprise a precursor that converts into lycopene once ingested or otherwise incorporated into the body of a patient.

The amount of undenatured Type II collagen and the amount of Vitamin A and lutein in a dose consumed at any given time will vary with the purpose of the consumption, the severity of symptoms, as well as the condition, age, weight, medical history and general physical characteristics of the subject (human or animal) to be treated. Consequently, the dosages, the frequency and time period over which the dosages are administered can vary widely. The nutritional supplement of the present disclosure can be combined with other digestible ingredients such as in the form of aqueous dispersions, such as milk, or in combination with other protein-rich substances, sugars and starches. In one embodiment, the nutritional supplement may be administered directly as a comminuted solid as in an encapsulated comminuted solid, such as a compression and formed pill, as well as a slurry with or without other digestible compositions such as, for example, foodstuffs.

In one embodiment, when the nutritional supplement contains undenatured Type II collagen combined with Vitamin A, the weight ratio between the Type II collagen and the Vitamin A can generally be from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>. For instance, the weight ratio between the collagen and the Vitamin A can be from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, such as from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>.

When the undenatured Type II collagen is combined with a carotenoid, which is lutein, on the other hand, the weight ratio between the collagen and the carotenoid can be from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, such as from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>. In one embodiment, the weight ratio between the collagen and said carotenoid can be from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>.

According to the invention, the composition or nutritional supplement of the present disclosure is formed into individual dosage vessels that are intended to be taken orally by a human or animal. The dosage vessel, for instance, may comprise a tablet, capsule or other delivery vehicle. According to the invention, the undenatured Type II collagen can be present in each dosage vessel generally in an amount from <NUM> milligram to <NUM> milligrams. For instance, the Type II collagen can be present in each dosage vessel in an amount greater than <NUM> milligrams, such as in an amount greater than about <NUM> milligrams, such as in an amount greater than about <NUM> milligrams. The amount of Type II collagen present in each dosage vessel can generally be less than <NUM> milligrams, such as less than about <NUM> milligrams, such as less than about <NUM> milligrams, such as less than about <NUM> milligrams.

When the Type II collagen is combined with Vitamin A, such as retinol or its esterified form, the Vitamin A can be present in each dosage vessel in an amount greater than about <NUM> micrograms, such as greater than about <NUM> micrograms, such as greater than about <NUM> micrograms, such as greater than about <NUM> micrograms, such as greater than about <NUM> micrograms, such as greater than about <NUM> micrograms, such as greater than about <NUM> micrograms. The Vitamin A can be present in each dosage vessel in an amount less than about <NUM> micrograms, such as less than about <NUM> micrograms, such as less than about <NUM> micrograms, such as less than about <NUM> micrograms, such as less than about <NUM> micrograms.

When the Type II collagen is combined with a carotenoid, the carotenoid can be present in the dosage vessel in an amount generally greater than about <NUM> milligrams, such as greater than about <NUM> milligram, such as greater than about <NUM> milligrams, such as greater than about <NUM> milligrams, such as greater than about <NUM> milligrams, such as greater than about <NUM> milligrams, such as greater than about <NUM> milligrams, such as greater than about <NUM> milligrams, such as greater than about <NUM> milligrams, such as greater than about <NUM> milligrams, such as greater than about <NUM> milligrams, such as greater than about <NUM> milligrams. The carotenoid is generally present in an amount less than about <NUM> milligrams, such as less than about <NUM> milligrams, such as less than about <NUM> milligrams, such as less than about <NUM> milligrams, such as less than about <NUM> milligrams, such as less than about <NUM> milligrams, such as less than about <NUM> milligrams, such as less than about <NUM> milligrams, such as less than about <NUM> milligrams, such as less than about <NUM> milligrams, such as less than about <NUM> milligrams, such as less than about <NUM> milligrams. According to the invention, the carotenoid is lutein and can be present in each individual dosage vessel in an amount from about <NUM> milligram to about <NUM> milligrams, such as from about <NUM> milligrams to about <NUM> milligrams.

The above dosage vessels can be taken regularly over a substantial period of time. For instance, the dosage vessels can be taken daily, can be taken every two to five days, can be taken weekly, or can be taken every two weeks.

As described above, according to the invention, the composition of the present disclosure can be formulated as a nutritional supplement that is taken orally. It should be understood, however, that the composition of the present disclosure can be administered to a human or animal using any suitable method.

The nutritional supplement as defined above can be used for administering the nutritional supplement to a human or animal. For example, it is useful for treating joint pain including arthritis. The nutritional supplement is administered to the mammal in a therapeutically effective amount so as to reduce joint pain or to otherwise treat join pain. For instance, the reduction in joint pain is evidenced by improvements in joint (e.g., knee, elbow, etc.) range motion, an increase in levels of activity, or any activity that depends on having functional joints.

Claim 1:
A nutritional supplement for taking orally comprising:
a Type II collagen source combined with Vitamin A and a carotenoid, wherein the Type II collagen source comprises an undenatured Type II collagen, wherein the nutritional supplement is in the form of individual dosage vessels, and wherein the individual dosage vessels contain the Type II collagen in an amount of from <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the carotenoid is lutein.