Collagen beverage, manufacturing method, and method of use

Abstract

This specification provides a beverage composition comprising a specific collagen peptide. The beverage composition described herein can be ingested to improve the health of the skin, joints, and / or hair. In one aspect, a powdered beverage composition is provided comprising a first collagen peptide, a second collagen peptide, and astaxanthin, wherein the first collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 4 kDa, and the second collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 5 kDa.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 463,843, filed May 3, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field The present disclosure generally relates to collagen beverages and methods of making and using such collagen beverages.

Background Art

[0003] Background The skin is mainly composed of collagen protein, which gives the skin firmness and smoothness. However, the collagen content of the skin decreases with aging and with UV exposure; aging generally involves a progressive loss of function in the ability to produce proteins, and UV exposure increases free radicals, which damage existing skin proteins such as collagen, thereby reducing the firmness and moisture of the skin.

[0004] [[ID=2,6]]Joints correspond to the connecting parts between bones where joint connections occur. Cartilage made of collagen protein exists within joints and prevents bone wear. With aging, the cartilage wears away and the bones begin to contact each other, which causes pain, reduces physical ability, and threatens the quality of life.

[0005] Consumers are seeking products that maintain youthfulness, including skin and joint health. Therefore, products that improve skin and joint health are highly desired.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Summary Disclosed herein is a beverage composition comprising a specific collagen peptide. The beverage composition described herein can be ingested to improve the health of the skin, joints, and / or hair. [[ID=4,0]]

[0007] In one aspect, a powdered beverage composition is provided comprising a first collagen peptide, a second collagen peptide, and astaxanthin, wherein the first collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 4 kDa, and the second collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 5 kDa.

[0008] In another aspect, an aqueous beverage composition is provided comprising a first collagen peptide, a second collagen peptide, astaxanthin, and an aqueous carrier, wherein the first collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 4 kDa, and the second collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 5 kDa.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first collagen peptide is present in the composition in an amount of about 15% to about 30% by weight. In some embodiments, the second collagen peptide is present in the composition in an amount of about 35% to about 55% by weight. In some embodiments, astaxanthin is present in the composition in an amount of about 0.5% to about 2.5% by weight.

[0010] In some embodiments, the composition further comprises one or more vitamins. In some embodiments, one or more vitamins comprises vitamin A palmitate. In some embodiments, vitamin A palmitate is present in the composition in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight. In some embodiments, one or more vitamins comprises biotin. In some embodiments, one or more vitamins comprises ascorbic acid. In some embodiments, ascorbic acid is present in the composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, the aqueous carrier is water (e.g., flavored water).

[0011] In another embodiment, a method is provided for improving the health of the skin, joints, and / or hair. Such a method typically comprises the steps of solubilizing a powdered beverage composition described herein in an aqueous carrier; and ingesting an effective amount of the solubilized beverage composition, thereby improving the health of the skin, joints, and / or hair.

[0012] In yet another aspect, methods are provided for improving the health of the skin, joints, and / or hair. Such methods typically involve the step of ingesting an effective amount of the aqueous drinking composition described herein, thereby improving the health of the skin, joints, and / or hair.

[0013] In another aspect, a method for producing the beverage mix described herein is provided. Such a method typically includes the step of combining a first collagen peptide, a second collagen peptide, and astaxanthin. In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of adding an aqueous carrier.

[0014] In another aspect, a powdered beverage composition is provided comprising collagen peptide, astaxanthin, biotin, and at least one antioxidant, wherein the collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 5 kDa.

[0015] In another aspect, a powdered beverage composition is provided comprising a first collagen peptide, a second collagen peptide, and at least one antioxidant, wherein the first collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 4 kDa, and the second collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 5 kDa. In some embodiments, the at least one antioxidant is selected from vitamin A and vitamin C.

[0016] In yet another aspect, an aqueous beverage composition is provided comprising a first collagen peptide, a second collagen peptide, at least one antioxidant, and an aqueous carrier, wherein the first collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 4 kDa, and the second collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 5 kDa. In some embodiments, the at least one antioxidant is selected from vitamin A and vitamin C.

[0017] In one aspect, a powdered beverage composition is provided comprising a first collagen peptide, a second collagen peptide, and biotin, wherein the first collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 4 kDa, and the second collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 5 kDa.

[0018] In another aspect, an aqueous beverage composition is provided comprising a first collagen peptide, a second collagen peptide, biotin, and an aqueous carrier, wherein the first collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 4 kDa, and the second collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 5 kDa.

[0019] In yet another aspect, a powdered beverage mix composition is provided in a bulk package containing a measuring scoop and the powdered beverage mix composition, the measuring scoop being sized to scoop a suitable amount of the powdered beverage mix composition for mixing with a liquid to form a beverage. Typically, the amount of the powdered beverage mix composition is 10 to 20 g and includes: (a) 15% to 30% by weight of a first collagen peptide having an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 4 kDa; (b) 35% to 55% by weight of a second collagen peptide having an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 5 kDa; and (c) 0.5% to 2.5% by weight of astaxanthin.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the field to which the subject methods and compositions belong. Similar or equivalent methods and materials may be used in carrying out or testing the subject methods and compositions, but preferred methods and materials are listed below. Furthermore, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative and not intended to be limiting. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references referenced herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Detailed explanation This disclosure describes a collagen-based beverage formulation that utilizes a bioactive collagen peptide that increases site-specific endogenous collagen production in the skin and joints. Furthermore, the composition also contains natural astaxanthin, which has antioxidant properties.

[0022] collagen The first component is a collagen peptide having an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 4 kDa, which has been shown to double the stimulation of collagen mRNA and fibroblasts compared to general collagen peptides. Generally, in the compositions described herein, about 1 g to about 10 g (e.g., about 2 g to about 7.5 g, about 2.5 g to about 5 g, about 3 g to about 4 g, about 1 g to about 5 g, about 1 g, about 3 g, about 5 g, about 10 g) of the first collagen peptide is used. The first collagen peptide can take several forms, for example, including a hydrolyzed powder. Those skilled in the art can produce collagen peptides having an average molecular weight in the range of about 1 kDa to about 4 kDa using known methods.

[0023] Similarly, the second component is also a collagen peptide, but has an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 5 kDa and has been shown to stimulate collagen production in chondrocytes at twice the rate of other collagen peptides. Generally, in the compositions described herein, about 2.5 g to about 20 g (e.g., about 3 g to about 15 g, about 5 g to about 10 g, about 6 g to about 8 g, about 3 g, about 5 g, about 10 g, about 15 g, about 20 g) of the second collagen peptide is used. As described above, the second collagen peptide can take several forms, for example, including hydrolyzed powder. Those skilled in the art can produce collagen peptides having an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 5 kDa using known methods.

[0024] While not bound by theory, both the first and second collagen peptides are thought to bind to integrins on the cell membrane and activate collagen production within target cells, regardless of the type of collagen from which they originate (I, II, III, V, or other). Existing collagen products primarily use collagen peptides produced from nonspecific enzymatic hydrolysis, but these have not been independently found to improve skin health and anti-aging. On the other hand, the first and second collagen peptides have been shown in human trials to reduce wrinkles, cellulite, and joint discomfort while increasing cartilage production in the joints. The first collagen peptide product (e.g., collagen peptide of approximately 2 kDa) has been shown to improve skin health and reduce cellulite with 2.5 g daily. While there are several supporting studies regarding 10 g of general collagen improving joint comfort, the same can be achieved with just 5 g of the second collagen peptide (e.g., collagen peptide of approximately 3 kDa), which has also been shown to increase cartilage regeneration with 10 g.

[0025] In some cases, a standard collagen peptide having an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 5 kDa can be used in the beverage composition described herein. Exemplary standard collagen peptides include, without limitation, Peptiplus® or Peptiplus XB aggl® (Gelita), and those skilled in the art can generate a standard collagen peptide having an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 5 kDa using known methods. The beverage composition described herein can use about 1 g to about 10 g (e.g., about 2.5 g to about 7.5 g, about 3 g to about 6 g, about 5 g, about 2.5 g) of the standard collagen peptide.

[0026] Astaxanthin Astaxanthin is an antioxidant with unique size, shape, and physical properties that enable it to be located beyond the cell membrane to protect cells from damage by inner and outer free radicals. Astaxanthin helps protect cells from photoaging and UV-induced oxidative stress. Any addition of astaxanthin in the compositions described herein reduces the matrix metalloproteinase content, which reduces the degradation of skin collagen and elastin, thereby enabling the skin to maintain better firmness and moisture through improved barrier function and reduced water loss. Astaxanthin has also been observed to reduce sensitivity to UV exposure, which reduces redness (relative to placebo) after exposure to light of a certain duration and intensity. Generally, in the compositions described herein, about 2 mg to about 12 mg (e.g., about 3 mg to about 8 mg, about 4 mg to about 9 mg, about 6 mg to about 8 mg, about 5 mg to about 10 mg, about 6 mg to about 12 mg) of astaxanthin can be used, and astaxanthin can be natural, synthetic, or a combination thereof as long as its functionality and effects remain unchanged. Products combining specific collagen and astaxanthin are rarely present in the market, and the present invention is the only one using effective doses of both. The collagen peptides and any astaxanthin described herein together increase collagen production and reduce collagen degradation respectively.

[0027] The effects of collagen peptides and astaxanthin can be enhanced by additional ingredients or delivery technologies.

[0028] Vitamin A palmitate (VAP) Vitamin A palmitate (VAP) is an ester of retinol and palmitic acid, and can be converted to retinol and ultimately to retinoic acid. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble polyunsaturated hydrocarbon vitamin that includes retinoids and carotenoids. Vitamin A obtained from plant sources is a carotenoid, which the human body can convert to retinol. Vitamin A from animal sources, on the other hand, is already in the form of retinol, which is readily absorbed by the body. Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid with 16 carbon atoms and is typically considered the most common saturated fatty acid found in animals, plants, and microorganisms. Vitamin A and VAP can be utilized for their antioxidant properties.

[0029] The decomposition of VAP in aqueous solutions is rapid, and oxygen, under the influence of light or chemically generated free radicals, promotes photocatalytic retinoid decomposition. Furthermore, due to the low polarity of retinoids, they have low solubility in aqueous solvents. Therefore, VAP needs to be transported in a form that protects it from chemical decomposition during storage. Dispersibility and stability can be improved by encapsulating VAP oil in powder microcapsules using appropriate barrier components. Various techniques can be used to encapsulate VAP; for example, spray drying of prepared emulsions or suspensions is a widely used technique for preparing microcapsules.

[0030] Regarding spray drying processes, carbohydrates, gums, semi-synthetic cellulose derivatives, and synthetic polymers are commonly used carriers. Maltodextrin is a hydrolyzed starch with numerous functions, including film-forming properties, binding ability, and reduced oxygen permeability, which are essential for barrier components. However, maltodextrin has a low glass transition temperature and poor emulsifying ability against aggregation or caking of fine powder particles. Therefore, combinations of barrier materials are often used to improve the efficiency of microencapsulation.

[0031] Vitamin A or VAP may be used in the compositions described herein in amounts of about 300 IU to about 6000 IU (for example, about 500 IU to about 5000 IU, about 1000 IU to about 3000 IU, about 1250 IU to about 1750 IU, or about 1500 IU).

[0032] Biotin Biotin is one of the B vitamins (i.e., vitamin B7). Biotin is involved in a wide range of metabolic processes in humans and other organisms, primarily related to the utilization of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. Biotin is water-soluble and classified as a heterocyclic compound with a sulfur-containing ring. Biotin is a coenzyme for carboxylase enzymes and is involved in fatty acid synthesis, amino acid and fatty acid breakdown, and gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, biotinylation of histone proteins in chromatin plays an important role in nucleic acid stability and gene expression.

[0033] Biotin may be used in the compositions described herein in amounts of about 0.01 mg to about 0.06 mg (for example, about 0.02 mg to about 0.05 mg, about 0.03 mg to about 0.04 mg, or about 0.03 mg).

[0034] Ascorbic acid Ascorbic acid (C6H8O6), a naturally occurring chemical known as vitamin C, can be used as an antioxidant additive in foods and beverages. Slowing down oxidation helps preserve color and freshness. The low pH of ascorbic acid helps prevent microbial growth, thereby preventing spoilage and maintaining freshness. For these reasons, ascorbic acid is widely used as a common natural preservative.

[0035] Ascorbic acid can be used in various forms, including salts and esters. In these forms, ascorbic acid is listed in the ingredient list under different names such as sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, potassium ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate, and ascorbyl stearate. Ascorbic acid can be used in the compositions described herein in amounts ranging from about 9 mg to about 450 mg (for example, about 18 mg to about 360 mg, about 25 mg to about 180 mg, about 40 mg to about 100 mg, about 45 mg, about 55 mg, and about 90 mg).

[0036] Additional ingredients In the compositions described herein, any number of additional components may be used, without limitation, for the purposes of emulsifiers, solubilizers, flavorings, colorings, stabilizers, sweeteners, and / or minerals. Typical components that may be included in the compositions described herein include, for example, salts (e.g., sodium chloride) and / or silicon dioxide.

[0037] Salt is used in beverages to enhance sweetness and balance bitterness. For example, salt can enhance citrus flavors and add depth and mouthfeel to carbonated drinks.

[0038] Silicon dioxide is used in the food and beverage industry as an additive and flavoring intermediate. It helps in the flow and mixing of materials during manufacturing to protect important substances (e.g., pharmaceuticals) and can absorb moisture from raw materials and the air. Silicon dioxide is used as an anti-caking agent in powdered beverages such as powdered milk, fruit juice powder, powdered drinks, and seasoning powders. A key property of its anti-caking properties is that silicon dioxide absorbs water or binds very well with water. Silicon dioxide can absorb up to twice its own weight in water. This helps not only absorb moisture from the air surrounding food in packaging, but also from the surface of powdered food.

[0039] Representative components that can be included in the compositions described herein include, for example, calcium (e.g., calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium citrate, calcium gluconate, calcium amino acid polysaccharide complex); iron (e.g., iron amino acid polysaccharide complex); phosphorus (e.g., dicalcium phosphate); iodine (e.g., iodine amino acid polysaccharide complex); magnesium (e.g., magnesium oxide, magnesium lactate, magnesium citrate, magnesium amino acid polysaccharide complex); zinc (e.g., zinc amino acid polysaccharide complex); selenium (e.g., selenium amino acid polysaccharide complex); copper (e.g., copper amino acid polysaccharide complex); and manganese (e.g., manganese amino acid polysaccharide complex). Examples include chromium (e.g., as a chromium amino acid polysaccharide complex), molybdenum (e.g., as a molybdenum amino acid polysaccharide complex), boron (e.g., as a boron amino acid polysaccharide complex), vitamin D (e.g., as cholecalciferol), vitamin E (e.g., as d-alpha-tocopheryl succinate), vitamin K (e.g., as phytonadione), thiamine (e.g., as thiamine HCl), riboflavin, niacin (e.g., as niacinamide), vitamin B6 (e.g., as pyridoxine HCl), folic acid (e.g., as folic acid or methylfolate), vitamin B12 (e.g., as cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin), and combinations thereof.

[0040] Any additional components may be used in the compositions described herein in amounts ranging from trace amounts to a maximum of about 5 g (e.g., about 0.01 mg to about 1 g, about 1 mg to about 100 mg).

[0041] Method for producing a collagen drink composition The collagen-containing compositions described herein can be formulated for oral administration. In one embodiment, the collagen-containing compositions described herein can be formulated as a powdered beverage mix that can be mixed by the user with a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous carrier, or the collagen-containing compositions described herein can be formulated as a pre-mixed beverage.

[0042] Suitable aqueous carriers include, for example, water, alcohol, saline solution, and buffer solutions. Suitable aqueous carriers also include physiologically acceptable aqueous vehicles (e.g., saline solution) or other carriers suitable for oral administration.

[0043] In some cases, liquid formulations may contain pharmaceutically acceptable additives such as suspensions, emulsifiers, non-aqueous vehicles, preservatives, buffer salts, flavorings, colorants, sweeteners, appropriate excipients, fragrances, colorants, and other components. For oral administration, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or carriers such as binders, fillers, lubricants, disintegrants, and wetting agents may be used.

[0044] In some cases, the collagen peptides described herein can be mixed with an aqueous carrier (e.g., water) at room temperature, but in some cases, the collagen peptides described herein can be mixed with heat (approximately 22°C to approximately 82°C, approximately 22°C, approximately 27°C, approximately 32°C, approximately 37°C, approximately 42°C, approximately 47°C, approximately 47°C, approximately 52°C, approximately 57°C, approximately 62°C, approximately 67°C, approximately 72°C). The collagen peptide can be mixed with an aqueous carrier (e.g., water) in the presence of a temperature range of approximately 77°C, 82°C, 22°C to 27°C, 27°C to 32°C, 32°C to 37°C, 37°C to 42°C, 42°C to 47°C, 47°C to 52°C, 52°C to 57°C, or 57°C to 62°C, 62°C to 67°C, 67°C to 72°C, 72°C to 77°C, or 77°C to 82°C. If heating is required, the collagen peptide and water mixture can be heated for approximately 5 to 30 minutes (e.g., approximately 5 to 10 minutes, 10 to 15 minutes, 15 to 20 minutes, 20 to 25 minutes, or 25 to 30 minutes).

[0045] "Dose" or "total dose" refers to the amount of an ingredient administered over a specified period. For example, "daily dose" should be understood as the amount of an ingredient administered over 24 hours in an appropriate volume. The total daily dose may be prepared for administration in the form of one or more dose units (e.g., two, three, or four beverages). In some cases, one or more dose units may be administered in one or more doses over 24 hours (e.g., one dose, two doses, or three doses), where the total amount of the ingredient in one or more doses does not exceed the total daily dose.

[0046] In some cases, one serving may be at least 8 g of powdered beverage mix. In some cases, one serving of beverage mix composition may be about 8 g to about 20 g, about 10 g to about 18 g, about 12 g to about 16 g, about 12 g to about 14 g, or about 10 g to about 14 g in powder form. In some cases, one serving of beverage mix composition may be about 10 g to about 14 g in powder form. In some cases, one serving of beverage mix composition may be about 12 g in powder form.

[0047] In some cases, a single serving of powdered beverage mix composition can be dissolved in at least 8 fluid ounces of liquid (e.g., water or any other suitable beverage). In some cases, a single serving of powdered beverage mix composition can be dissolved in about 8 to 24 fluid ounces of liquid, about 10 to 20 fluid ounces of liquid, about 12 to 20 fluid ounces of liquid, about 14 to 20 fluid ounces of liquid, about 14 to 18 fluid ounces of liquid, or about 15 to 17 fluid ounces of liquid. In some cases, a single serving of powdered beverage mix composition can be dissolved in about 8 to 20 fluid ounces of liquid. In some cases, a single serving of powdered beverage mix composition can be dissolved in about 16 fluid ounces of liquid.

[0048] In some cases, the container or package containing the dry powder beverage mix composition provided in the present invention may include a measuring scoop or spoon of a size suitable for measuring out one serving of the dry powder beverage mix composition provided in the present invention. For example, a package (e.g., a bottle, pouch, or any other suitable container) may contain multiple servings of the dry powder beverage mix composition provided in the present invention and may be provided to a target in combination with a measuring spoon, scoop, or any other device suitable for measuring out one serving of the dry powder beverage mix composition provided in the present invention. In some cases, one serving of the dry powder beverage mix composition provided in the present invention may be packaged in a single-serving packet, pouch, or any other suitable container that can dispense a fixed amount of the dry powder beverage mix composition into a fluid (e.g., water or another beverage) before consumption. In some cases, multiple such single-serving containers may be packaged together (e.g., in a box or a larger pouch).

[0049] Ways to improve the health of your skin, joints, and / or hair In some cases, the methods and compositions provided herein can be used to improve the health of the skin, joints, and / or hair in mammals (e.g., humans). The method may include the step of administering an effective amount of the composition provided herein to a mammal, wherein the composition comprises the collagen peptide described herein. The effective amount of the composition may be, for example, a beneficial daily dose as shown herein.

[0050] Skin health can be assessed using several criteria. For example, the absence of blemishes (e.g., pimples, acne, dark spots), elasticity, firmness, smooth texture, and / or even color can be used to evaluate skin health.

[0051] Hair health can be assessed using several criteria. For example, hair health can be evaluated based on factors such as hair growth rate, thickness, shine, luster, amount of breakage, and / or moisture content.

[0052] In some embodiments, the health of the skin, joints, and / or hair can be assessed before ingesting the compositions described herein, and again after ingesting the compositions for a certain period of time (e.g., 2 weeks, 1 month, 6 months).

[0053] In accordance with the present invention, biological, microbiological, and biochemical techniques of the art can be used. Such techniques are well described in the literature. The present invention is further described in the following examples, which do not limit the scope of the subject matter methods and compositions described in the appended claims. [Examples]

[0054] Please understand that certain ingredients in the following formulations, including sodium chloride in particular, are optional (i.e., they can be removed from any of the formulations listed below).

[0055] The suppliers and / or trademarked materials described herein are subject to change; the examples shown in the following tables are typical only.

[0056] Example 1 - First exemplary collagen drink mix Table 1 shows typical formulations of collagen beverage mixes described herein.

[0057] (Table 1) First exemplary collagen drink mix TIFF2026514605000001.tif46128

[0058] Example 2 - Second and third exemplary collagen drink mixes Tables 2 and 3 show additional representative formulations of the collagen beverage mixes described herein.

[0059] (Table 2) Second exemplary collagen drink mix TIFF2026514605000002.tif40136

[0060] (Table 3) Third exemplary collagen drink mix TIFF2026514605000003.tif45128

[0061] Example 3 - Fourth exemplary collagen drink mix Table 4 shows the typical detailed formulations of the collagen beverage mixes described herein.

[0062] (Table 4) Details of the fourth exemplary collagen drink mix TIFF2026514605000004.tif73153

[0063] Example 4 - Results of collagen drink mix intake The dry mix is ​​relatively tasteless when mixed with flavored beverage products. Consumers who regularly consume collagen beverages as described herein (e.g., daily for at least several weeks (e.g., one month)) have reported improved mobility and pain that is the same as or less than before starting the collagen beverage regimen. Consumers who regularly consume collagen beverages as described herein have also reported less joint pain and thicker, fuller hair compared to before starting the collagen beverage regimen. In some cases, consumers have reported reduced hair loss.

[0064] While this specification has described the subject method and composition in conjunction with several different aspects, it should be understood that the above descriptions of various aspects are intended to illustrate, not limit, the scope of the subject method and composition. Further aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0065] Methods and compositions are disclosed that may be used in, combined with, or prepared by, or are products thereof. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc., of these methods and compositions are disclosed. That is, specific references to various individual and collective combinations and substitutions of these compositions and methods may not be explicitly disclosed, but each is specifically considered and described herein. For example, if a particular subject composition or method is disclosed and described, and several compositions or methods are described, then, unless otherwise indicated, all combinations and substitutions of such compositions and methods are specifically intended. Similarly, any subsets or combinations of these are also specifically intended and disclosed.

Claims

1. A powdered beverage composition comprising a first collagen peptide, a second collagen peptide, and astaxanthin, wherein the first collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 4 kDa, and the second collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 5 kDa.

2. The powdered beverage composition according to claim 1, wherein the first collagen peptide is present in the composition in an amount of about 15% to about 30% by weight.

3. The powdered beverage composition according to claim 1, wherein the second collagen peptide is present in the composition in an amount of about 35% to about 55% by weight.

4. The powdered beverage composition according to claim 1, wherein the astaxanthin is present in the composition in an amount of about 0.5% to about 2.5% by weight.

5. The powdered beverage composition according to any one of the claims, further comprising one or more types of vitamins.

6. The powdered beverage composition according to claim 5, wherein the one or more of the aforementioned vitamins include vitamin A palmitate.

7. The powdered beverage composition according to claim 6, wherein the vitamin A palmitate is present in the composition in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight.

8. The powdered beverage composition according to claim 5, wherein the one or more vitamins include biotin.

9. The powdered beverage composition according to claim 5, wherein the one or more of the aforementioned vitamins include ascorbic acid.

10. The powdered beverage composition according to claim 9, wherein the ascorbic acid is present in the composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight.

11. The powdered beverage composition according to any one of the claims, wherein the aqueous carrier is water.

12. The powdered beverage composition according to any one of the claims, wherein the aqueous carrier is flavored water.

13. A powdered beverage composition comprising collagen peptide, astaxanthin, biotin, and at least one antioxidant, wherein the collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 5 kDa.

14. A powdered beverage composition comprising a first collagen peptide, a second collagen peptide, and at least one antioxidant, wherein the first collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 4 kDa, and the second collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 5 kDa.

15. The powdered beverage composition according to claim 14, wherein at least one antioxidant is selected from vitamin A and vitamin C.

16. A powdered beverage composition comprising a first collagen peptide, a second collagen peptide, and biotin, wherein the first collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 1 kDa to about 4 kDa, and the second collagen peptide has an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 5 kDa.

17. A powdered beverage mix composition contained in a bulk package, wherein the bulk package contains a measuring scoop and the powdered beverage mix composition, the measuring scoop is sized to scoop a suitable amount of the powdered beverage mix composition for mixing with a liquid to form a beverage, and the amount of the powdered beverage mix composition is 10 to 20 g, (a) 15% to 30% by weight of a primary collagen peptide having an average molecular weight of approximately 1 kDa to approximately 4 kDa; (b) 35% to 55% by weight of a second collagen peptide having an average molecular weight of approximately 2 kDa to approximately 5 kDa; and (c) 0.5% to 2.5% by weight of astaxanthin The powdered beverage mix composition comprising the above.

18. A method for improving the health of the skin, joints, and / or hair, A step of solubilizing the powdered beverage composition according to claim 1 in an aqueous carrier; and A step of ingesting an effective amount of the solubilized beverage composition. The method comprising, thereby improving the health of the skin, joints, and / or hair.

19. A method for producing the beverage mix described in claim 1, The process of combining the first collagen peptide, the second collagen peptide, and astaxanthin. The method, including the method described above.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of adding an aqueous carrier.

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