Authors

Biomodification of collagen-containing raw materials to increase its digestibility in the diet of elderly people

DOI: 10.17586/1606-4313-2026-25-1-55-61
UDC 641.1

Biomodification of collagen-containing raw materials to increase its digestibility in the diet of elderly people

Saranchuk Pavel P., Zaporozhskiy Alexey A., Zaporozhskaya Svetlana P., Pogrebnyak Nikita O.

For citation: Saranchuk P.P., Zaporozhskiy A.A. Zaporozhskaya S.P., Pogrebnyak N.O. Biomodification of collagen-containing raw materials to increase its digestibility in the diet of elderly people. Journal of International Academy of Refrigeration. 2026. No 1. p. DOI: 10.17586/1606-4313-2026-25-1-55-61. (in Russian)

Abstract
In old age, a decrease in collagen synthesis caused by age-related changes in the digestive system and metabolism requires the development of specialized foods to compensate for the deficiency of this key structural protein. Collagen, rich in essential amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, plays a key role in maintaining connective tissue integrity, skin elasticity, joint and vascular health, and has detoxifying properties by binding oxidative stress products. In this work, cockscombs, a natural source of high-quality type I collagen, are considered as a promising collagen–containing raw material. Taking into account its rigid fibrillar structure which prevents its absorption, a technology for modifying raw materials is proposed, including a stage of preliminary softening under the action of organic acids followed by enzymatic hydrolysis with chicken pepsin. This approach allows to effectively destabilize the triple helix of collagen, ensuring a soft texture of the final product while preserving the biological value of the protein. The resulting functional product is recommended to be included in the diet of elderly people to optimize collagen absorption, stimulate regenerative processes and slow down age-related changes, which contributes to improving the quality of life and maintaining physiological efficiency in old age.

Keywords: gero-nutrition, fibrillar protein, collagen-containing raw materials, proteolytic enzyme, enzymatic modification.

All references

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