Oral composition

Abstract

To provide an oral composition that is highly safe, can be taken on a daily basis, and can maintain or improve joint or cartilage function. [Solution] An oral composition containing collagen peptide and maltobionic acid and / or a salt thereof, wherein the content of maltobionic acid is 0.3 parts by mass or more per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to an oral composition containing a collagen peptide and maltobionic acid and / or a salt thereof, wherein the content of maltobionic acids relative to 1 part by mass of the collagen peptide is 0.3 parts by mass or more. 【Background Art】 【0002】 With the progress of the aging society in recent years, the morbidity rate of locomotor disorders has been on the rise. The state in which the dysfunction of the locomotor organs has increased the need for care and the risk of needing care is called "locomotive syndrome". The locomotor organs generally include organs such as bones, joints, ligaments, the spine, spinal cord, muscles, tendons, and peripheral nerves, which have the role of supporting and moving the body. Representative diseases and dysfunctions found in these locomotor organs include osteoporosis, sarcopenia, osteoarthritis, and the like. 【0003】 Osteoarthritis is said to be found in 20-30% of men and women aged 50 or older, and it is the joint disease with the largest number of patients. In particular, in recent years, the number of its patients has been on the increase. The cause of this disease is considered to be the degeneration of joint components due to aging and genetic factors, or the load on joints due to obesity, labor, sports, etc. The cartilage that exists on the surface of the bone ends and bears the bone movement decreases, becomes deformed or disappears, and as a result, the joint cannot move smoothly, leading to the onset of the disease. Since cartilage does not have blood vessels or nerve cells, it is said that once it is damaged, it is difficult to naturally recover. Conventional treatment methods for osteoarthritis include physical therapy such as heat therapy and traction, relaxation therapy with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid, and artificial joint replacement by surgery. In recent years, a method of protecting cartilage and assisting its repair by ingesting active ingredients contained in foods has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a joint function improving composition that combines glucosamine with at least one amino acid selected from serine, histidine, and glutamic acid. However, glucosamine has a bitter or astringent taste, so many people do not like its taste. In addition, since glucosamine is manufactured using chitin, a substance found in large quantities in the shells of crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp, there is a problem that people with allergies to crabs and shrimp cannot consume it. For this reason, there has been a demand for the development of new foods that have a protective effect on cartilage and joints. 【0004】 Incidentally, a conventional screening method for finding materials that have an effect on joint function and cartilage function is to evaluate the effect of materials on chondrocytes through cell tests. For example, Non-Patent Literature 1 describes the results of evaluating the promotion of chondrocyte proliferation using collagen tripeptide (CTP), which is known to have cartilage-protective effects. Non-Patent Literature 2 also describes the results of evaluating the cell proliferation of normal human knee joint chondrocytes (NHAC-kn) as an evaluation of the effectiveness (cartilage regeneration) of decellularized human percutaneous extracellular matrix, which is thought to be effective in treating articular cartilage lesions. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents] 【0005】 [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-178487 [Non-patent literature] 【0006】 [Non-Patent Document 1] Toshiro Ohashi et al., "Activating effect of collagen tripeptide on chondrocytes," Applied Pharmacology, No. 98 (1 / 2): pp. 1-5, 2020. [Non-Patent Document 2] Gianluca Giavaresi et al. "Response of human chondrocytes and mesenchymal stromal cells to a decellularized human dermis" BMC Musculoskelet Disorders, 14(2013):p1-9, [online], [Retrieved April 14, 2025], Internet <URL:https: / / pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov / articles / PMC3547812 / [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve] 【0007】 The object of this invention is to provide an oral composition that is highly safe, can be taken on a daily basis, and produces desired effects. [Means for solving the problem] 【0008】 As a result of diligent research to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that the desired effect can be achieved by combining collagen peptide with maltobionic acid and / or its salt, and by setting the content of maltobionic acid to 0.3 parts by mass or more per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide, thereby completing the present invention. 【0009】 In other words, the present invention is as follows: [1] Contains collagen peptide and maltobionic acid and / or a salt thereof, An oral composition having a maltobionic acid content of 0.3 parts by mass or more per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide. [2] The oral composition according to [1], wherein the content of maltobionic acid per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide is 30 parts by mass or less. [3] Contains collagen peptides and maltobionic acid and / or salts thereof, An oral composition in which the mass ratio of maltobionic acid to collagen peptide is collagen peptide:maltobionic acid = 1:0.3 to 30. [4] Collagen peptide is used as the active ingredient, Furthermore, it contains maltobionic acid and / or its salts, An oral composition having a maltobionic acid content of 0.3 parts by mass or more per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide. [5] The oral composition according to any one of [1] to [4] further contains one or more selected from hyaluronic acid and quercetin. [6] The oral composition according to [5], wherein the quercetin is a quercetin glycoside. [7] The oral composition according to [6], wherein the quercetin glycoside is enzyme-treated rutin. [8] An oral composition according to any one of items [1] to [7], used for the purpose of maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function. [9] An oral composition according to any one of the items [1] to [8], which is indicated to be used for one or more purposes selected from maintaining or improving joint function and maintaining or improving cartilage function.

[10] It contains collagen peptides and maltobionic acid and / or salts thereof, An oral composition for maintaining or improving joint function, or for maintaining or improving cartilage function, wherein the content of maltobionic acid is 0.3 parts by mass or more per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide.

[11] An oral composition according to any one of items [1] to

[10] , which is a food or beverage.

[12] The oral composition according to

[11] , wherein the food or beverage is a functional food or a food for specified health uses. [Effects of the Invention] 【0010】 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an oral composition that is highly safe, can be taken on a daily basis, and can improve or maintain joint function or cartilage function. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0011】 Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below. 【0012】 (Collagen peptide) The oral composition of the present invention contains collagen peptide as an essential component. Collagen peptide refers to gelatin obtained by heating and denaturing collagen, a protein abundantly contained in animal bones and skins, which is further hydrolyzed with an acid, an alkali, an enzyme, or the like. Generally, collagen usually has a molecular weight of about 300,000, whereas the molecular weight of collagen peptide is about one thousand to several tens of thousands. Also, collagen is composed of three fibrous proteins having a molecular weight of about 100,000 that are tightly bound together and have a helical chain structure. In contrast, collagen peptide has a structure in which the helical structure of collagen molecules is unraveled and broken up during the hydrolysis process. Therefore, the physical properties and physiological activities of collagen and collagen peptide are clearly different. As the collagen used as a raw material for obtaining the collagen peptide of the present invention, the origin organism (such as pigs, cows, fish, etc.) is not particularly limited, and available collagen can be appropriately used as a raw material. For example, collagen derived from the bones and skins of animals such as cows, pigs, and chickens, and the skins and scales of fish such as salmon, tuna, tilapia, and cod can be used as a raw material. 【0013】 The collagen peptide used in the present invention may be derived from any of the above-mentioned animal bones and skins such as cows, pigs, and chickens, and fish skins and scales. However, from the viewpoint of better exerting the effects of the present invention, it is preferably a collagen peptide derived from one selected from pig, fish skin, and fish scales, and particularly preferably pig. 【0014】 The average molecular weight of the collagen peptide used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and collagen peptides with general molecular weights (about several thousand to several tens of thousands) can be used. However, from the perspective of better exerting the effects of the present invention, it is preferably 1,300 to 4,500 in terms of average molecular weight. By being within this range, it becomes easier to obtain the effects of reducing the discomfort in the knees and / or waist, improving and / or facilitating the movements of the knees and / or waist, and improving and / or suppressing the decline of the staircase ascending / descending function and / or walking function. More preferably, the average molecular weight of the collagen peptide is in the range of 1,400 to 3,900, still more preferably 1,600 to 3,500, and most preferably 1,800 to 2,900. In this specification, when referring to the "average molecular weight", it refers to the weight average molecular weight. The weight average molecular weight is measured by the following method. 【0015】 HPLC column TSKgel G2500PW XL , Φ7.8 mm×300 mm Buffer A mixed solution of water, acetonitrile and trifluoroacetic acid (55:45:0.1) Flow rate 0.5 ml / min Detection UV220nm Column temperature 40℃ Sample concentration 0.2% (0.45μm membrane filter) Used marker Cytochrome C Molecular weight 12,327 Aprotinin Molecular weight 6,512 Bacitracin Molecular weight 1,450 Angiotensin II Molecular weight 1,046 Gly-Gly-Tyr-Arg Molecular weight 451 Gly-Gly-Gly Molecular weight 189 【0016】 In the present invention, collagen peptides are preferably contained in the daily intake of the oral composition of the present invention at an amount of 300 mg to 5,000 mg, more preferably 500 mg to 4,000 mg, and even more preferably 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg, from the viewpoint of being particularly excellent in maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function, and from the viewpoint of efficiently exerting a high effect without excessively increasing the intake of collagen peptides. 【0017】 From the viewpoint of its high effectiveness in maintaining or improving joint or cartilage function, and of efficiently exerting a high effect without excessively increasing the intake of the composition, collagen peptide is preferably contained in an amount of 0.01 to 99.9% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 80% by mass, and even more preferably 1 to 70% by mass, in the solid content of the oral composition of the present invention. 【0018】 In this specification, "solids" refers to the amount contained in the oral composition if the oral composition is solid, and to the total amount of all components excluding the solvent in the oral composition if the oral composition is not solid. Here, solvents include water, oils and fats that are liquid at 25°C, ethanol, and other substances used in oral compositions. Examples of solid forms include powder, granules, granular form, and solid form. Non-solid substances are those that do not fall under the above-mentioned solid form, and include liquid, fluid, and paste forms, in which solid components are dispersed or dissolved in a solvent such as water. In this specification, when a composition is in the form of a capsule, the oral composition refers to the contents of the capsule, and the mass of the capsule itself is not included in the mass of the composition. 【0019】 (Maltobionic acid) The oral composition of the present invention may contain maltobionic acid and / or a salt thereof. Maltobionic acid is a compound in which glucose is linked to gluconic acid by an α-1,4 bond, and is also known as 4-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-D-gluconic acid. Salts of maltobionic acid may be salts that are acceptable as food or food additives, and may be, for example, alkaline earth metal salts, alkali metal salts, or ammonium salts. Examples of alkaline earth metal salts of maltobionic acid include calcium salts and magnesium salts. Examples of alkali metal salts of maltobionic acid include potassium salts and sodium salts. From the viewpoint of having a better effect in maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function, calcium salts are preferred as the salt of maltobionic acid. In this invention, the content of salts of maltobionic acid means the amount converted to maltobionic acid. Commercially available products can be used as maltobionic acid and / or its salts. Since maltobionic acid and / or its salts are both electrolytes, it is believed that the effects of the present invention are exerted in the state of ionized maltobionic acid ions. 【0020】 In this invention, the inventors consider maltobionic acid and / or its salt to be auxiliary components that enhance the effects of collagen peptides. In order for both components to exert their effects, the mass ratio of collagen peptide to maltobionic acid in the composition of this invention must be collagen peptide:maltobionic acid = 1:0.3 or higher. As shown in the examples described later, in this invention, the function of collagen peptides can be effectively enhanced by combining maltobionic acid with collagen peptides. Furthermore, in this invention, by having a mass ratio of collagen peptide to maltobionic acid within a specific range, specifically collagen peptide:maltobionic acid = 1:0.3 or higher, the function related to maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function can be effectively enhanced compared to cases where collagen peptide and maltobionic acid are contained in a mass ratio outside that range. 【0021】 From the viewpoint of its high effectiveness in maintaining or improving joint or cartilage function, and of efficiently exerting a high effect without excessively increasing the intake of the composition, maltobionic acid is preferably contained in an amount of 0.01 to 99.9% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 80% by mass, and even more preferably 1 to 70% by mass, in the solid content of the oral composition of the present invention. 【0022】 Furthermore, in the oral composition of the present invention, the content of maltobionic acid per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide is not particularly limited as long as it is 0.3 parts by mass or more. However, from the viewpoint of effectively exhibiting the effect of maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function, the upper limit is preferably 30 parts by mass or less, more preferably 20 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 10 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 5 parts by mass or less, particularly preferably 3 parts by mass or less, and especially preferably 2 parts by mass or less. Furthermore, while there is no particular lower limit to the content of maltobionic acid per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide in the oral composition of the present invention, as long as it is 0.3 parts by mass or more, it is preferably 0.35 parts by mass or more, and more preferably 0.4 parts by mass or more, from the viewpoint of effectively exhibiting the effect of maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function. 【0023】 (Hyaluronic acid) The oral composition of the present invention may contain hyaluronic acid. In the present invention, the inventors consider hyaluronic acid to be an auxiliary component that enhances the effects of collagen peptides. Hyaluronic acid is a type of mucopolysaccharide found in the skin, joints, and vitreous humor of the eyes of humans and vertebrates, and is also known as hyaluronan. The hyaluronic acid used in this invention is not particularly limited, but it can be derived from chicken combs, microorganisms, synthetic products, or hydrolyzed using enzymes. In this invention, hyaluronic acid is a concept that includes salts of hyaluronic acid such as sodium hyaluronate and potassium hyaluronate, as well as decomposition products of hyaluronic acid with reduced molecular weight, such as hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid. In this invention, sodium hyaluronate is particularly preferred to enhance the effects of the invention. Furthermore, the molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid used in this invention varies depending on the number and type of repeating units and is not limited. Hyaluronic acid with a weight-average molecular weight of several hundred to several million may be used, or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid with an average molecular weight of 10,000 or less may be used. For hyaluronic acid, commercially available products can be used. 【0024】 From the viewpoint of its high effectiveness in maintaining or improving joint or cartilage function, and of efficiently exerting a high effect without excessively increasing the intake of the composition, it is preferable that at least one hyaluronic acid selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid and its salts be contained in the solid content of the oral composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.01 to 99.9% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 80% by mass, and even more preferably 1 to 70% by mass, in terms of hyaluronic acid. 【0025】 From the viewpoint of effectively exhibiting the effect of maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function, the upper limit of the hyaluronic acid content per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 10 parts by mass or less, more preferably 5 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 2 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 1 part by mass or less. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of effectively exhibiting the effect of maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function, the lower limit of the hyaluronic acid content per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.01 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.05 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 0.1 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.2 parts by mass or less. 【0026】 (Quercetin) The oral composition of the present invention may contain quercetin. In the present invention, quercetin is a concept that encompasses quercetin and quercetin glycosides. In the present invention, the inventors consider quercetin to be an auxiliary component that enhances the effects of collagen peptides. In this invention, the term "quercetin glycoside" refers to a glycoside of quercetin (also called quercetin), a type of flavonoid. Examples include rutin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, morin, myricitrin, hesperidin, naringin, and tangeridine, and also includes enzymatically treated products of these quercetin glycosides. 【0027】 In the present invention, there are no particular restrictions on the quercetin used, as long as it is quercetin or a quercetin glycoside. However, from the viewpoint of better exhibiting the effects of the present invention, quercetin glycosides are preferred, and rutin or its analogues (collectively referred to as "rutins") are particularly preferred. Rutins are a type of flavonoid and are considered vitamin-like substances because they have vitamin-like functions. Generally, they can be obtained not only from plants of the Rutaceae family but also from plants of the Fabaceae family such as Sophora japonica and buckwheat of the Polygonaceae family. 【0028】 The aforementioned quercetin has no particular restrictions regarding its origin or manufacturing method. For example, quercetin or quercetin glycosides purified from plants rich in quercetin may be used, or extracts or pulverized materials of such plants may be used. Furthermore, quercetin glycosides obtained by processing quercetin obtained from these plants may also be used. Of the quercetins mentioned above, those derived from Sophora japonica are particularly preferred in terms of stability. 【0029】 In one embodiment of the present invention, an enzyme-treated rutin product (hereinafter referred to as enzyme-treated rutin) is used as the quercetin glycoside. Enzyme-treated rutin, also called enzyme-treated isoquercitrin or glycosyl rutin, refers to a product mainly composed of α-glycosylisoquercitrin, which is obtained by enzyme treatment of rutin and / or its analogs to transfer sugars. Generally, rutin has limited uses due to its poor solubility in water, but enzyme-treated rutin is preferable because its water solubility can be increased by transferring sugars. Enzyme-treated rutin can be obtained, for example, by treating an extract of Sophora japonica, buckwheat, etc., with a glycosyltransferase. In detail, it can be obtained by the method described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-10898. 【0030】 From the viewpoint of its high effectiveness in maintaining or improving joint or cartilage function, and of efficiently exerting a high effect without excessively increasing the intake of the composition, quercetin is preferably contained in the solid content of the oral composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.01 to 99.9% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 80% by mass, and even more preferably 1 to 70% by mass. In this invention, when quercetin glycosides are used as quercetin, the quercetin content refers to the content of quercetin glycosides including the sugar portion, not just the quercetin portion. Furthermore, when both quercetin and quercetin glycosides are included, the quercetin content refers to the total amount of quercetin and quercetin glycosides. 【0031】 From the viewpoint of effectively exhibiting the effect of maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function, the upper limit of the quercetin content per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 10 parts by mass or less, more preferably 5 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 2 parts by mass or less, and still more preferably 1 part by mass or less. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of effectively exhibiting the effect of maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function, the lower limit of the quercetin content per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.01 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.05 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.2 parts by mass or more. 【0032】 (Oral composition) The oral composition of the present invention is characterized by containing collagen peptide and maltobionic acid and / or a salt thereof, wherein the content of maltobionic acid is 0.3 parts by mass or more per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide. The oral composition of the present invention preferably further contains hyaluronic acid and / or quercetin. 【0033】 The oral composition of the present invention contains collagen peptide and maltobionic acid and / or its salt, and by ensuring that the content of maltobionic acid is 0.3 parts by mass or more per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide, it can exhibit excellent effects in improving or maintaining joint function or cartilage function. Furthermore, by containing hyaluronic acid and / or quercetin, the oral composition of the present invention can exhibit even better effects in improving or maintaining joint function or cartilage function. 【0034】 Furthermore, the oral composition of the present invention contains collagen peptide and maltobionic acid and / or a salt thereof, and by ensuring that the content of maltobionic acid is 0.3 parts by mass or more per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide, the odor of the collagen peptide can be improved. In this specification, "improving the odor of collagen peptide" means reducing the unique unpleasant odor of collagen peptide. 【0035】 The oral composition of the present invention may contain other components besides collagen peptides, maltobionic acid and / or its salts, hyaluronic acid, and quercetin, to the extent that they do not inhibit the effects of the present invention. Examples of such other components include sugars, vitamins, minerals, proteins, dietary fiber such as insoluble dietary fiber, plants or plant products, and yeast. Furthermore, it may contain, if necessary, sweeteners, acidulants, colorants, thickeners, glazing agents, lubricants, excipients, anticaking agents, nutritional supplements, binders, lubricants, stabilizers, diluents, bulking agents, emulsifiers, food additives, seasonings, etc., which are commonly used in the food industry. 【0036】 Examples of the oral composition of the present invention include tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, granules, rods, plates, blocks, solids, rounds, pastes, creams, caplets, gels, chewables, and sticks. Among these forms, tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids are preferred from the viewpoint of ease of administration. In the present invention, powder encompasses granular forms. Furthermore, since the oral composition of the present invention has the characteristic of suppressing the odor of collagen peptides and being easy to ingest, it is particularly preferable that it be in a form in which the odor of collagen peptides is easily perceived, specifically in the form of a beverage or powdered beverage (a powdered processed food that is suspended in a liquid and ingested). 【0037】 Furthermore, when the oral composition of the present invention is in powder form, by containing collagen peptide and maltobionic acid and / or its salt, and by ensuring that the content of maltobionic acid is 0.3 parts by mass or more per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide, the effect of improving the powder dispersion of the oral composition can be achieved. In this specification, "improving powder dispersion" means suppressing the scattering of the oral composition of the present invention into the air. 【0038】 The oral composition of the present invention can take the form of a pharmaceutical product (including quasi-drugs) or a food or beverage. Among these, a food or beverage is particularly preferred from the viewpoint of being easily consumed in daily life. 【0039】 Examples of foods and beverages of the present invention include general foods, foods with nutritional function claims, foods for specified health uses whose efficacy claims have been approved by designated institutions, and so-called health foods such as foods with functional claims. Foods that display efficacy claims are sometimes collectively referred to as "health functional foods" or "functional foods." From the viewpoint of making it easier to display the effects of the present invention, it is particularly preferable that the product be a food with functional claims or a food for specified health uses. 【0040】 The present invention does not particularly limit the food and beverages, but examples include: milk and dairy products; beverages such as soft drinks, fruit juices, milk beverages, alcoholic beverages, sports drinks, and nutritional drinks; seasonings; alcoholic beverages; processed agricultural and forestry products; confectionery and bread; flour and noodles; processed marine products; processed livestock products; oils and fats; frozen prepared foods; retort foods; instant foods; food ingredients; and supplements. Examples of supplement forms include tablets, capsules, powders, granules, and liquids. 【0041】 The oral composition of the present invention is preferably designed so that the daily intake of collagen peptides is the above intake amount. The above intake amount may be taken in one go, or it may be taken in multiple doses. That is, for example, it can be contained in one container, or divided into two to four containers, to represent one day's supply. 【0042】 The oral composition of the present invention is preferably applied to mammals such as humans, and is particularly preferably applied to humans. When applied to humans, it is expected to provide an effective and safe oral composition that can maintain or improve human joint or cartilage function. In particular, the oral composition of the present invention is expected to be effective when taken by individuals aged 40 or older. 【0043】 The oral composition of the present invention is preferably taken several times a week, once every two days, once a day, or more frequently, more preferably twice a day or more, and even more preferably three times a day, preferably in the morning, noon, and evening, specifically after each meal (after breakfast, after lunch, and after dinner). 【0044】 The oral composition of the present invention is preferably taken over a long period or continuously, for example, for 4 weeks or more, preferably 8 weeks or more, more preferably 12 weeks or more, even more preferably 16 weeks or more, and particularly preferably 24 weeks or more. 【0045】 (An oral composition used for maintaining or improving joint or cartilage function) The oral composition of the present invention can be used for the purpose of maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function, in which case it becomes a composition for maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function. 【0046】 The oral composition of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it contains the components of the present invention and is used for the function of maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function, and can be distinguished from other products as a product. For example, any product in which the function of maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function is displayed on the product itself, packaging, instructions, or promotional materials (advertising media) is included in the scope of the present invention. The oral composition of the present invention may display collagen peptide as the active ingredient, but is not limited to products in which collagen peptide is displayed as the active ingredient on the product packaging, etc. For example, it may not specify the active ingredient. Furthermore, even general foods are included in the scope of the present invention if they are manufactured and sold with indications of their use. For example, foods that are sold with statements on websites, etc., that mention improved cognitive function or improved vitality as personal testimonials from people who have consumed them are also included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, functional foods that use papers etc. demonstrating improved cognitive function or improved vitality as the scientific basis for their functionality, and which contain collagen peptide as the functionally active ingredient, and whose functionality is notified as improving cognitive function or improving vitality, are also included in the scope of the present invention. As stated above, in the present invention, components other than collagen peptides are auxiliary components for enhancing the effects of collagen peptides, and therefore are not usually listed as active ingredients in functional foods or foods for specified health uses that display functions related to maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function. However, oral compositions used for any of the functions related to maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function in the present invention do not exclude those that display collagen peptides, maltobionic acid and / or its salts, hyaluronic acid, and auxiliary components such as quercetin as active ingredients, and functional foods that display collagen peptides, maltobionic acid and / or its salts, hyaluronic acid, and quercetin glycosides as active ingredients are also included in the oral compositions. 【0047】 (Foods and beverages that are labeled as having the function of maintaining or improving joint function or cartilage function) In the present invention, when used as a food or beverage, it is also preferable that the product contains collagen peptide as an active ingredient, and further contains maltobionic acid and / or a salt thereof, and is labeled as being used for one or more purposes selected from maintaining or improving joint function and maintaining or improving cartilage function. 【0048】 The method of display described above is preferably one of the following (1) or (2). 【0049】 (1) A label indicating that a food or beverage is a functional food, which has been registered with the Consumer Affairs Agency by the business operator, based on scientific evidence, to maintain or improve joint function or cartilage function. (2) A statement that the food or beverage is a Food for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU) which is permitted by the Consumer Affairs Agency to display on the product packaging, based on scientific evidence, that it maintains or improves joint function or cartilage function. 【0050】 For example, examples of the expressions in (1) and (2) above include: "improves joint function," "reported to have the function of improving joint function," "helps protect joints," "supports joint function," "assists joint function," "suitable for people concerned about their joints," "relieves joint discomfort," "reduces joint discomfort," "reduces joint discomfort," "alleviates joint discomfort," "suppresses joint discomfort," "regulates joint condition," "improves cartilage function," "reported to have the function of improving cartilage function," "helps protect cartilage," "supports cartilage function," "helps protect cartilage function," and "maintains articular cartilage." 【0051】 Furthermore, examples of the indications in (1) and (2) above include indications related to the maintenance or improvement of joint function or cartilage function, such as reducing discomfort when bending or straightening the knee, such as "reduces discomfort when bending or straightening the knee," "supports knee movement," "supports bending and straightening the knee," "supports bending and straightening the knee joint," "supports knee joint movement," "supports smooth knee joint movement," "assists bending and straightening the knee joint," "reduces discomfort that occurs when bending and straightening the knee in daily life," "reduces discomfort that occurs when bending and straightening the knee joint," "improves bending and straightening the knee," and "makes bending and straightening the knee smoother." 【0052】 Furthermore, examples of the displays in (1) and (2) above include those related to the improvement of stair climbing and / or walking function based on the maintenance or improvement of joint function or cartilage function, such as displays such as "improvement of stair climbing ability," "improvement of walking ability," "making it easier to go up and down stairs," "helps improve knee movement in daily life," "improvement of knee problems when going up and down stairs or walking," "improvement of knee movement when going up and down stairs or walking," "supports knee movement in daily life," "reduces knee discomfort in daily life such as going up and down stairs," "alleviates / reduces knee discomfort when going up and down stairs," "helps improve knee movement in daily life," "helps improve walking," "supports knee movement in daily life," "supports walking in daily life," "reduces knee discomfort in daily life such as walking," "alleviates knee discomfort when walking," and "reduces knee discomfort when walking." 【0053】 Furthermore, examples of the expressions in (1) and (2) above include, regarding the reduction of knee discomfort when standing up and / or picking up objects, based on the maintenance or improvement of joint function or cartilage function, "reduces knee discomfort when standing up or picking up objects," "reduces knee discomfort when standing up from a seated position," "reduces knee discomfort when picking up objects that have fallen on the floor," "helps improve knee movement in daily life," "helps improve knee movement in daily life," "supports knee movement in daily life," "reduces knee discomfort in daily life," "improves knee problems in daily life," "helps improve movement when standing up from a seated position," "when standing up from a seated position Benefits include: "Supporting movement," "Reducing knee discomfort in daily life, such as when standing up from a seated position," "Alleviating knee discomfort when standing up from a seated position," "Reducing knee discomfort when standing up from a seated position," "Helping to improve knee movement in daily life (when standing up)," "Helping to improve knee movement in daily life (when picking up something that has fallen on the floor)," "Helping to improve knee movement when picking up something that has fallen on the floor," "Supporting knee movement in daily life," "Supporting knee movement when picking up something that has fallen on the floor," "Reducing knee discomfort in daily life, such as when picking up something that has fallen on the floor," and "Alleviating knee discomfort when picking up something that has fallen on the floor." 【0054】 Furthermore, examples of the displays in (1) and (2) above include, when reducing discomfort in the lower back that occurs when lifting heavy objects from the floor, based on the maintenance or improvement of joint function or cartilage function, displays such as "reduces temporary lower back discomfort," "reduces lower back discomfort that occurs in daily life," "reduces temporary lower back discomfort that occurs in daily activities," "reduces lower back discomfort that occurs in daily life," "alleviates lower back discomfort that occurs in daily life," "alleviates lower back discomfort that occurs in daily life," and "alleviates / reduces lower back discomfort / discomfort that occurs in daily life." Examples of daily life include, for example, "getting up in the morning and starting to move," "sitting in a chair," "standing up," "squatting down," "standing," "bending forward," "arching the back," "turning over in bed," "going up and down stairs," "twisting," and "walking." 【0055】 The present invention includes a packaging body and one or more food and beverage packaging bodies containing the aforementioned invention for maintaining or improving joint function and maintaining or improving cartilage function. The packaging can contain the food or beverage used for the purpose of maintaining or improving joint or cartilage function, and can be printed with ingredient information, etc., and its form and material are not particularly limited. Examples of the form of the packaging include a box or a bag. Examples of the material of the packaging include paper, plastic, woven fabric, metal, etc. The packaging clearly displays various information, such as the amount of the active ingredient contained in the food or beverage. The method of presenting this information in the packaging is not particularly limited; for example, 1) it may be printed on the outside or inside of the packaging, 2) it may be printed on a printing medium such as printing paper enclosed inside the packaging along with the food or beverage, or 3) an internet URL may be written on the packaging or the printing medium enclosed therein, and the information may be presented by accessing that URL. 【0056】 As will be clear from the examples described later, the composition of the present invention, when used in combination with the components of the present invention, can activate chondrocytes, such as by promoting chondrocyte proliferation. The proliferation rate of chondrocytes is evaluated as one of the indicators of the possibility of differentiation of cartilage function and cartilage regeneration, for example, in Non-Patent Literature 2. From these, it is thought that the composition of the present invention, as shown in the examples described later, can effectively activate chondrocytes and promote chondrocyte proliferation, thereby promoting cartilage differentiation and regeneration. Chondrocytes are known to form cartilage tissue by creating an extracellular matrix (a matrix that makes up cartilage, such as collagen and aggrecan) and embedding themselves within it. This extracellular matrix plays a role like a cushion that reduces friction in joints and absorbs shock (https: / / www.natureasia.com / ja-jp / ndigest / v11 / n2 / %E7%9A%AE%E8%86%9A%E7%B4%B0%E8%83%9E%E3%82%92%E3%80%81iPS%E7%B4% (B0%E8%83%9E%E3%82%92%E7%B5%8C%E3%81%9A%E3%81%AB%E8%BB%9F%E9%AA%A8%E7%B5%84%E7%B9%94%E3%81%AB%E4%BD%9C%E3%82%8A%E5%A4%89%E3%81%88%E3%82%8B / 51103, accessed April 16, 2025). From this, it is expected that activating chondrocytes will promote the production of extracellular matrix and improve cartilage function. Furthermore, it is known that in cartilage tissue affected by osteoarthritis, the tissue is covered with Vannus-like tissue, and the destruction of cartilage tissue progresses due to cytokines and proteolytic enzymes. It is also known that chondrocytes in this tissue produce chemokines, and these chemokines promote cartilage catabolism, leading to the progression of osteoarthritis (https: / / kaken.nii.ac.jp / ja / grant / KAKENHI-PROJECT-13671547 / ?utm_source=chatgpt.com, accessed April 16, 2025). Therefore, it is expected that if chondrocytes are activated and normalized, the production of chemokines will be suppressed, and the secretion of cytokines and proteolytic enzymes will be suppressed, thereby inhibiting the progression of cartilage tissue destruction. For these reasons, it is believed that compositions that activate cartilage cells can maintain or improve cartilage function, thereby maintaining or improving joint function, including cartilage. 【0057】 The functions expected from the composition of the present invention include: a function to promote the proliferation of chondrocytes; a function to suppress the calcification of chondrocytes; a function to regenerate deformed, lost, or damaged cartilage; a function to protect deformed, lost, or damaged cartilage; a function to prevent or improve various joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, especially osteoarthritis of the knee; a function to reduce discomfort in the joints; and a function to maintain or improve movement using the joints. 【0058】 Although the present invention has been described above based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to what is described above. [Examples] 【0059】 The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, "%" represents mass%, and "parts" represents parts by mass. 【0060】 Test 1. Evaluation of chondrocyte-activating activity 1 The chondrocyte-activating activity was evaluated using the method described below. 【0061】 <Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-8, Examples 1-1 to 1-11> The following components were used as test substances. • Collagen peptide: Commercially available collagen peptide (average molecular weight: 2000, derived from pigs) was used. • Maltobionic acid: A reagent was used. • Collagen: Commercially available acid-treated gelatin derived from pork was used. • Enzyme-treated rutin: Commercially available enzyme-treated rutin (derived from Sophora japonica) was used. • Hyaluronic acid: Commercially available hyaluronic acid (dried powder, average molecular weight 1.2 million) was used. • Glucosamine hydrochloride: Reagent-grade glucosamine hydrochloride (dried powder, D-isomer) was used. 【0062】 <Chordron cell activity measurement test> (Pretreatment) The culture media containing each test substance were prepared as follows. All test substances were prepared to 1 μg / mL and mixed in the ratios shown in Tables 1 and 2. Maltobionic acid was dissolved in DMSO and then diluted with chondrocyte growth medium (Lonza) to a DMSO concentration of 0.5% by volume. All test substances other than maltobionic acid were dissolved and diluted in chondrocyte growth medium containing 0.5% by volume DMSO. All test substances were sterilized by filter. (1) 75 cm in a 37°C, 5 volt %CO2 incubator 2 Normal human knee joint chondrocytes (Lonza, NHAC-kn) were cultured in chondrocyte proliferation medium (Lonza) using flasks. (2) Place 1 × 10 cells, suspended by trypsin treatment, into each well of a 96-well clear plate. 4 Cells were seeded at a cell density of cells / well and pre-cultured for 24 hours in a 37°C, 5V %CO2 incubator. (3) After removing the culture medium from each well, 100 μL / well of culture medium containing the test substance was added and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C in a 5 vol. %CO2 incubator. (4) After 24 hours of incubation, the culture medium was removed, and each well was washed with 200 μL of PBS. Then, 150 μL of Cell Counting Kit-8 (manufactured by Dojin Chemical Co., Ltd.), diluted 30-fold with serum-free DMEM, was added to each well. (6) After being left to stand in a 37°C, 5-volume %CO2 incubator to allow it to develop color appropriately, the absorbance at 450 nm was measured. (7) Based on the obtained data, the percentage of control was calculated. % of control = (Data sample - Data blank) / (Data control - Data blank) × 100 Data sample: Absorbance of wells in which culture medium containing the test substance was added to cells. Data control: Absorbance of wells in which culture medium without the test substance was added to the cells. Data blank: Absorbance of wells without cells (8) The relative value was calculated when the % of control value of Comparative Example 1-1 was set to 100, and this was defined as the cell-activating activity. The cell-activating activity was evaluated according to the following criteria. The evaluation results of cell activation activity are shown in Tables 1 and 2. 【0063】 [Table 1] 【0064】 [Table 2] 【0065】 A comparison of Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-2 and Examples 1-1 to 1-7 shows that using collagen peptide and maltobionic acid together as test substances improves cell activation activity compared to using collagen peptide or maltobionic acid alone. 【0066】 Furthermore, Comparative Examples 1-7 and 1-8 show that using glucosamine hydrochloride instead of maltobionic acid, or using collagen instead of collagen peptide, does not improve cell activation activity. 【0067】 Examples 1-1 to 1-8 show that using collagen peptides and maltobionic acid in optimal proportions yields even greater effects. 【0068】 A comparison of Comparative Examples 1-9 to 1-10 and Example 1-7 reveals that unless the maltobionic acid content is 0.3 parts by mass or more per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide, the effect of improving cell activation activity cannot be obtained. 【0069】 A comparison of Examples 1-1 to 1-7 with Examples 1-8 to 1-10 shows that adding enzyme-hydrolyzed rutin or hyaluronic acid further improves cell activation activity compared to using only collagen peptide and maltobionic acid. 【0070】 Test 2. Evaluation of chondrocyte-activating activity 2 Chondrocyte-activating activity was evaluated using the same method as in Test Example 1. The same test substance used was the same as in Test Example 1. The evaluation results for cell activation activity are shown in Table 3. 【0071】 [Table 3] 【0072】 Examples 2-1 to 2-3, which used collagen peptide and maltobionic acid in optimal proportions and further incorporated enzymatically hydrolyzed rutin and / or hyaluronic acid, showed significantly superior cell-activating activity compared to Comparative Example 2-1. 【0073】 Test 3. Sensory Evaluation 3 Sensory evaluation was conducted using the method described below. 【0074】 The test substance and water were mixed according to the compositions listed in Table 4 to obtain test samples for Control Example 1, Comparative Examples 3-1 to 3-2, and Examples 2-1 to 2-8. The following components were used as the test substance. • Collagen peptide: Commercially available collagen peptide (average molecular weight: 2000, derived from pigs) was used. • Calcium maltobionate: Reagent was used. • Disodium fumarate: Commercially available disodium fumarate was used. • Collagen: Commercially available acid-treated gelatin derived from pork was used. • Enzyme-treated rutin: Commercially available enzyme-treated rutin (derived from Sophora japonica) was used. • Hyaluronic acid: Commercially available hyaluronic acid (dried powder, average molecular weight 1.2 million) was used. 【0075】 Five healthy adults with extensive experience in sensory evaluation were selected as subjects. These five subjects completed a questionnaire regarding the odor of the samples and performed a sensory evaluation. Specifically, control sample 1 was used as the baseline (0 points), and the other samples were compared to it. Each sample was assigned a score from 0 to 3 based on the following criteria. The average scores of the subjects are shown in Table 4. 3 points: The odor of the collagen peptide has been significantly improved compared to control example 1. Points 2: The odor of the collagen peptide has been significantly improved compared to control example 1. 1 point: The odor of the collagen peptide is slightly improved compared to control example 1. 0 points: The odor of the collagen peptide has not improved compared to control example 1. 【0076】 [Table 4] 【0077】 Furthermore, the test substance and water were mixed according to the composition shown in Table 5 to obtain control example 2 and test samples for comparative examples 3-3 to 3-4. The same test substance used in Test 1 was used. 【0078】 The same five subjects as described above were given a questionnaire about the odor of the samples and performed a sensory evaluation. Specifically, control example 2 was used as the baseline (0 points), and the other samples were compared to it, with scores ranging from 0 to 3 assigned based on the following criteria. The average scores of the subjects are shown in Table 5. 3 points: Compared to control example 1, the odor of collagen has been significantly improved. Points 2: The collagen odor is significantly improved compared to control example 1. 1 point: The collagen odor is slightly improved compared to control example 1. 0 points: The collagen odor has not improved compared to control example 1. 【0079】 [Table 5] 【0080】 In Comparative Example 3-1, which used monosodium fumarate, known to have a thiamine odor masking effect, the odor of the collagen peptide was not improved. In Comparative Example 3-2, where 0.14 parts by mass of calcium maltobionate was used per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide, the odor of the collagen peptide was not improved. In Examples 3-1 to 3-6, where 0.3 parts by mass or more of calcium maltobionate was used per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide, the odor of the collagen peptide was improved. In particular, it was shown that the odor improvement effect of the collagen peptide was enhanced when 0.4 to 2 parts by mass of calcium maltobionate was used per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide (Examples 3-2 to 3-5). Furthermore, it was shown that the odor improvement effect of the collagen peptide was further enhanced when enzyme-hydrolyzed rutin or hyaluronic acid was used in combination with calcium maltobionate (Examples 3-7 to 3-8). 【0081】 As shown in Table 5, the odor of collagen was not improved even when using monosodium fumarate or calcium maltobionate. This revealed the surprising effect that calcium maltobionate does not improve the odor of collagen, but does improve the odor of collagen peptides. 【0082】 Test 4. Sensory Evaluation 2 Sensory evaluation was performed using the same method as in Test Example 3. The same test substance used was the same as in Test Example 1. The results of the sensory evaluation are shown in Table 6. 【0083】 [Table 6] 【0084】 In Examples 4-1 to 4-3, where 0.4 parts by mass of calcium maltobionate was used per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide, and enzymatically hydrolyzed rutin and / or hyaluronic acid was also used, the odor of the collagen peptide was significantly improved. 【0085】 Study 5. Evaluation of maintenance or improvement of joint or cartilage function in humans. Powder compositions were prepared by mixing each component listed in Tables 7-9 to the composition shown in the same tables and filling them into aluminum pouches. Each sachet of the powder composition contains a mixture of the components listed in Tables 7-9. The following components were used as test substances. • Collagen peptides: Commercially available collagen peptides were used (average molecular weight: 2000, derived from pigs), (average molecular weight: 4000, derived from pigs), (average molecular weight: 2000, derived from cattle), (average molecular weight: 4000, derived from cattle), (average molecular weight: 2000, derived from fish), and (average molecular weight: 4000, derived from fish). • Maltobionic acid: A reagent was used. • Collagen: Commercially available acid-treated gelatin derived from pork was used. • Quercetin: A reagent was used. • Rutin: A reagent was used. • Quercitrin: A reagent was used. • Isoquercitrin: A reagent was used. • Enzyme-treated rutin: Commercially available enzyme-treated rutin (derived from Sophora japonica) was used. • Enzyme-treated isoquercitrin: Commercially available enzyme-treated isoquercitrin (derived from Sophora japonica) was used. • Hyaluronic acid: Commercially available hyaluronic acid (dried powder, average molecular weight 1.2 million) was used. 【0086】 Next, each powder composition was added to 200 mL of water and thoroughly stirred to prepare a beverage. Each of these beverages demonstrated excellent improvements in joint and cartilage function when consumed by subjects at a rate of one bottle per day for two weeks. 【0087】 [Table 7] 【0088】 [Table 8] 【0089】 [Table 9] 【0090】 [Table 10] 【0091】 Test 6. Evaluation of powder dispersion A powdered oral composition was prepared by mixing the test substances listed in Table 11 to the composition shown in the table and filling it into an aluminum pouch. The same test substances as in Test 1 were used. 【0092】 Next, the aluminum pouches filled with the powder compositions were opened, and the amount of powder scattered when each powder composition was poured into a cup was evaluated according to the following criteria. Five healthy adults with extensive experience in sensory evaluation were selected as subjects. These five subjects were given a questionnaire regarding powder dispersion and subjected to sensory evaluation. Specifically, control example 4 was used as the baseline (0 points), and the other samples were compared to it. Each sample was assigned a score from 0 to 2 based on the following criteria. The average scores of the subjects are shown in Table 11. 【0093】 [Evaluation Criteria] Points 2: Compared to control example 4, the amount of dust scattering has been significantly improved. 1 point: Compared to control example 4, the amount of dust scattering has improved. 0 points: The amount of dust scattering has not improved compared to control example 4. 【0094】 [Table 11] 【0095】 In Comparative Examples 6-1 to 6-2, where 0.14 parts by mass or 0.25 parts by mass of calcium maltobionate were used per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide, the dust dispersion was not improved. In Example 6-1, where 0.4 parts by mass or more of calcium maltobionate was used per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide, the amount of dust scattering was improved. [Industrial applicability] 【0096】 The oral composition of the present invention is highly safe, can be taken on a daily basis, can maintain or improve joint or cartilage function, and has high potential for industrial application.

Claims

[Claim 1] Collagen peptides, and, An oral composition containing maltobionic acid and / or a salt thereof, wherein the content of maltobionic acid is 0.3 parts by mass or more per 1 part by mass of collagen peptide.

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