The truth behind the joint & skin supplement everyone is talking about

Is there really any difference between the countless collagen supplements on the market? That depends on who you ask. With so much conflicting information from companies, social media and high profile personalities, it’s getting harder and harder to know what to believe. But Liquid BioCell collagen, exclusively from Modere, delivers surprising, science-backed results that even most industry experts aren’t familiar with.

Collagen: The Basics

Collagen is a protein that provides structure to cells. It can be found in nearly every part of the human body, especially in healthy skin, joints and connective tissue. Your body starts to decrease collagen production in your 20s. In fact, you may lose about 1% of your collagen every year. So, by age 50 you have nearly 30% less collagen than you did at age 20, and almost 50% less collagen by the time you’re 70. For females, menopause can drastically decrease collagen production at an even faster rate.

Chart showing how your collagen and hyaluronic acid production decrease as you age.

Collagen loss is a major factor that contributes to noticeable signs of aging. Once it begins to break down, the intracellular matrix loses its rigidity and structural support. This leads to the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles, and joint changes.

Collagen Ingredients Are Not Created Equal

Collagen as a nutritional ingredient can be classified into one of several groups depending on its type, source and manufacturing processes. The most popular varieties of collagen include:

TYPE I: Hydrolyzed — Derived from porcine skin, bovine hide, eggshell membrane or fish. This collagen type is commonly sold as bone broth or collagen powder.

TYPE II: Undenatured, unhydrolyzed collagen — Mostly derived from chickens.

TYPE III: Hydrolyzed — Often derived from bovine sources.

Vegan collagen: A pending scientific development using genetically modified yeast and bacteria.

NOTE: Supplements that are misleadingly labeled as vegan collagen may contain no collagen at all. Instead, they are formulated with common collagen-boosting ingredients such as vitamin C to capitalize on consumer demand.

If you’ve ever heard that ingestible collagen doesn’t provide any benefits, that’s partly true. In their natural state, collagen molecules are too large to be effectively absorbed by the body. They are simply digested as proteins in the digestive system.

Hydrolysis is a process that breaks down these large collagen molecules for improved efficacy, so most supplements use hydrolyzed collagen. However, the method of hydrolyzation and the type and source of collagen used can yield widely varying results in the quality and effectiveness of the finished product. What’s more, there’s also a very different kind of collagen that goes beyond the usual categories named above.

Liquid BioCell® Is a New Generation of Collagen

Liquid BioCell® is a unique type II collagen. It goes beyond the typical hydrolyzed bovine or marine collagen found in most formulas. This award-winning, single-source matrix is a naturally occurring combination of highly absorbable collagen with hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, in concentrations that mirror human articular cartilage composition.

Bar chart that illustrates the composition of Liquid BioCell Collagen Matrix
Bar chart that illustrates the natural human articular cartilage composition.

Backed by multi-patented Collagen/HA Matrix® Technology, this proprietary ingredient is naturally derived from chicken sternal cartilage. It is then hydrolyzed using a patented Bio-Optimized™ manufacturing process. This results in a micromolecule of the ideal molecular weight for optimal absorption. The result is naturally enhanced bioavailability. Bioavailability has a direct bearing on how beneficial a product is. It measures how efficiently a substance enters a body’s circulatory system. Ingesting a nutrient is not enough; it must be absorbed in order to derive any benefit, so the bioavailability of a supplement can be just as important as, if not more so than, what its nutrition label may claim.

Q. How is the chicken sternal cartilage sourced?

Liquid BioCell uses a highly bioavailable liquid form of a patented sternal cartilage that is a matrix of collagen, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate. It is derived from a byproduct of humanely treated chickens raised free of antibiotics and hormones on the world’s most reputable and regulated farms located in the US and Europe. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we use chicken byproduct from parts that the farms would otherwise discard after processing the chickens for their meat.

Q. Why are the HA and chondroitin sulfate in Liquid BioCell important?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural compound that exists throughout the body and is most found in the joints and skin. Its molecular structure gives it a unique ability to retain large amounts of water. This affects the body’s moisture content and directly impacts the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, dry skin and skin’s firmness. It is also a crucial component of synovial fluid for sufficient joint lubrication.*

Naturally found in connective tissue, chondroitin sulfate is one of the building blocks of cartilage. Its job is to help cushion joints and provide elasticity and resistance. Chondroitin sulfate supports joint, bone, ligament and tendon health for optimal mobility. It can play a key role in living a more active lifestyle as you age.*

In the simplest terms, Liquid BioCell consists of type II hydrolyzed collagen, a major component of healthy joints, youthful skin and connective tissue; hyaluronic acid (HA), essential to skin hydration, tissue maintenance and a youthful appearance; and chondroitin sulfate to support joint flexibility and lubrication.*

Q. How was Liquid BioCell discovered?

Liquid BioCell products were developed by collagen expert Asma Ishaq. They are a result of research on an ingredient called hyaluronic acid or HA. Emerging science supported the idea that HA could contribute to joint and skin health if molecules were small enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream. However, the natural molecular size of HA is too large for the body to absorb.

Further research into this science led to the discovery of a unique natural source of HA, which also coexisted with collagen and chondroitin sulfate (as it does in the human body). By Bio-Optimizing this raw, single-source matrix of collagen, HA and chondroitin sulfate into micromolecules, it created a supplement that can be absorbed by the body and is tested to deliver remarkable joint and skin benefits. This multi-patented nutraceutical ingredient, called BioCell Collagen, is so effective, it has earned multiple awards.*

Q. How do I know Liquid BioCell is working?

Results show that the body readily recognizes and accepts Liquid BioCell in controlled clinical environments where researchers can compare collagen and hyaluronic acid levels in the skin and in the blood of participants at weekly intervals.

The data shows measured increases in collagen and hyaluronic acid among study participants. This indicates Liquid BioCell is formulated at a molecular weight that is effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. It isn’t broken down in the digestive system in the same way as typical collagen proteins.*

Q. What is the advantage of its liquid formula?

Liquid BioCell features an advanced liquid delivery system that is designed not only to be easy to use, but also tastes good. And people are more likely to take a product consistently if it is easy to use, which in turn improves efficacy and results.

Scientific Studies Provide Results You Can Trust

As the gold standard for supplemental collagen since its launch, Liquid BioCell has inspired groundbreaking trends that have since been attempted by other brands, like a collagen matrix ingredient. Even so, Liquid BioCell still stands alone in delivering all of these scientifically demonstrated benefits, backed by multiple studies, including double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled human studies, for results you can see and feel:

Liquid BioCell helps support healthy skin from the inside out*

  • Supports skin’s hydration, firmness and elasticity*
  • Helps increase skin’s collagen content*
  • Reduces the appearance of deep wrinkles and lines*
  • Helps improve skin’s microcirculation and skin tone*
  • May reduce hyaluronidase, an enzyme that contributes to skin aging*

In a human study, hyaluronic acid blood levels increased by 6000% over 28 days.*

Line chart that illustrates how hyaluronic acid levels increased over the space of 28 days.

In a human clinical trial, dryness and scaling skin were reduced by 76% at 12 weeks without the use of topical moisturizer.*

Bar chart that shows how dryness and skin scaling were reduced over 12 weeks.

What’s more, Liquid BioCell® is shown in-vitro to reduce hyaluronidase, an enzyme that can contribute to skin aging.*

Bar chart illustrating the inhibition of hyaluronidase by Liquid BioCell.

Liquid BioCell supports joints for a more active lifestyle*

  • Supports joint mobility and lubrication*
  • Supports joint comfort*
  • Promotes healthy cartilage and connective tissue*

Liquid BioCell revealed measurable improvement in joint comfort and physical activity after 8 weeks*.

A line chart illustrating the difference in blood HA levels between Liquid BioCell and a placebo over a span of 8 weeks.

In fact, the Bio-Optimized collagen in Liquid BioCell may even directly activate chondrocytes (cartilage cells) to stimulate the body to produce its own new collagen.*

Bar chart illustrating natural production of new type II collagen after taking collagen supplements.

Q. How many grams of collagen do I need daily to see results shown in these studies?

Thanks to its Bio-Optimized micromolecules, our unique matrix of collagen, HA and chondroitin sulfate is shown to be effective at just 1-2 grams in multiple human studies. This studied dosage is delivered via the recommended serving size of just two tablespoons (30mL) of Liquid BioCell per day.*

For comparison, the majority of hydrolyzed collagen supplements made from bovine, marine or pig sources typically require a large daily serving of 10-20 grams — often delivered in a hefty scoop of powder — yet are not backed by the same scientific studies.

Liquid BioCell Is Backed by Multiple Patents & Awards

Modere delivers premium collagen you can depend on for effective results backed by a commitment to clean label ingredients and packaging. The Liquid BioCell line includes several targeted formulas to deliver benefits for a wide range of ages and lifestyles, as well as two formulas specifically designed for pets.

Nearly two decades in the making, Liquid BioCell bridges the gap between nutrition, beauty and healthy aging. A pioneer in the industry, it’s one of the most widely recognized collagen brands in the United States. It has earned global recognition and multiple awards.*

  • FINALIST, PRODUCT SPECIAL INNOVATION Pure Beauty Magazine, 2020
  • BEST HEALTH DRINK (awarded for Modere Logiq™) Beauty Shortlist Mama & Baby Awards, 2019
  • FINALIST, BEST NEW BODY CARE (awarded for Trim) Pure Beauty Magazine, 2019
  • BEST WEIGHT MANAGEMENT SUPPLEMENT (awarded for Trim) SupplySide West Editor’s Choice, 2018
  • FINALIST, PRODUCT INNOVATION AWARD (awarded for Trim) DSA Awards, 2018
  • #1 ANTI-AGING ESSENTIAL TasteForLife Supplement Essentials, 2015
  • BEST JOINT HEALTH SUPPLEMENT SupplySide West CPG Editor’s Choice, 2015
  • READER’S INGREDIENT OF THE YEAR Nutraingredients Awards Winner, 2015
  • EDITOR’S PICK Remedies Magazine, 2015
  • FINALIST, MOST INNOVATIVE DIETARY INGREDIENT Nutraceutical Business & Technology Award, 2012
  • BEST BONE & JOINT HEALTH INGREDIENT Frost & Sullivan Award Winner, 2011
  • EXEMPLARY US BRAND RECOGNITION Beauty From Within Conference, 2011

Beyond the awards, studies and third-party validation for Liquid BioCell, its Collagen/HA Matrix Technology is backed by multiple patents.

Q. Why do patents matter?

Patents help Modere protect our ingredients, processes and innovation. Collagen/HA Matrix Technology patents have been awarded based on the technology’s unique composition. It’s the first formula ever to feature Bio-Optimized collagen, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate in a matrix that mimics human articular cartilage composition. The formula’s usage and manufacturing process have also been patented. (modere.com/biocellpatents)

Summary

The innovations pioneered by Liquid BioCell® have set new precedents in the industry. While many companies have since followed our lead, none can match the unique combination of this single-source collagen, the Collagen/HA Matrix® Technology and Bio-Optimized™ micromolecule that makes Liquid BioCell so effective. Only Liquid BioCell offers all of the following:

  • Multiple industry awards
  • Multiple patents
  • Scientifically demonstrated benefits, backed by multiple studies, including double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled human clinical trials
  • Naturally sourced matrix (not a blend), consisting of hydrolyzed type II collagen (60%), hyaluronic acid (10%) and chondroitin sulfate (20%)
  • Patented Collagen/HA Matrix® that mirrors natural articular cartilage composition
  • Patented Bio-Optimized™ process that results in the ideal molecular weight for enhanced absorption
  • Liquid delivery system
  • Concentrated formula, requiring only 2 tablespoons per day
  • Multi-faceted benefits shown to support skin and joint health*

FAQs

Q. Is Liquid BioCell FDA approved in the U.S. or authorized for sale in Canada by Health Canada?

Dietary supplements are subject to strict FDA regulations in the United States. However, whereas drugs require FDA approval prior to sale, the FDA does not approve or reject dietary supplements.

In Canada, Liquid BioCell and products containing this ingredient are authorized for sale as Natural Health Products by Health Canada, the country’s regulatory equivalent of the FDA (NPN: 80108933, 80090542, 80108932, 80096623, 80097727).

Q. Where can I find more information about studies on Liquid BioCell?
More information about studies on Liquid BioCell can be found on modere.com/collagensciences and on individual Liquid BioCell product pages, where you’ll find our Science of Collagen brochure. Additionally, a list of scientific references can be found at the end of this document.

Every benefit claim we make is substantiated with scientific research. To avoid implied claims related to medical conditions or disease, we don’t publish specific studies in our printed materials.

Q. How do I know Modere studies are valid?
Our studies include independent research that is conducted via multiple double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled human studies and is third-party validated. These criteria are universally considered the highest standard in the scientific community.

Q. Can you see visible results?
These are pictures of what Liquid BioCell has done for real people who took the daily dose for 12 weeks†.

Before and after picture showcasing the results of Liquid BioCell for the skin after a span of 12 weeks.
Before and after picture showcasing the results of Liquid BioCell for the skin after a span of 12 weeks.

Q. Have any studies on Liquid BioCell been published in medical journals?
Although selected studies on our ingredient have been published in peer-reviewed journals, Modere opts to strictly limit the publication of studies on Liquid BioCell in scientific journals to protect proprietary data.

Q. Where can I find trustworthy information about collagen?
Collagen is a buzzword right now, not only among social media influencers and beauty bloggers, but in the scientific community as well. Unfortunately, many so-called “experts” are inadvertently spreading misinformation about collagen supplementation. While it is true that many collagen products are more hype than help, popular media figures and even physicians who make generalizations about unproven or false claims by manufacturers are often not educated on the latest research. The physicians who sit on the Modere Scientific Advisory Board have had many years of experience using Liquid BioCell successfully in their practices.

Attempts to discredit collagen supplements do not take into account our studies, which show that the unique Collagen/HA Matrix Technology in Liquid BioCell works very differently than typical hydrolyzed collagen. When shopping for a collagen supplement, look for one that is backed by scientific research, including references to the specific ingredient you’re considering.

Q. Is it safe to take multiple collagen products at the same time?
While we can’t speak for other collagen brands, Liquid BioCell is demonstrated to be well-tolerated at doses of up to 30 times the recommended daily dosage of two tablespoons (30 mL) per day, according to toxicology studies. The recommended serving size is based on the dose determined to deliver the studied benefits.

Several Modere products contain Liquid BioCell. In addition to individual bottles of Liquid BioCell, our Collagen/HA Matrix Technology is found in Trim and Logiq™ products, as well as in individually wrapped Liquid BioCell® Collagen/HA Chews. For a full daily serving, you may mix and match based on the following recommended serving sizes:

Recommended Serving SizeTotal Daily Dose Equivalent
1 Tbsp Liquid BioCell® (all formulas)= 1/2 daily dose
1 Tbsp Trim (all flavors)= 1/2 daily dose
1 Packet Modere Logiq™ with TetraBlend™ Coffee= 1/4 daily dose
1 Scoop Modere Logiq™ Creamer= 1/4 daily dose
1 Liquid BioCell® Collagen/HA Chew= 1/4 daily dose

As with any supplement, it is always recommended that you speak with your physician before starting a new regimen and disclose any other supplements you may be taking.

Q. Does Liquid BioCell interfere with medications?
Liquid BioCell is not a drug; it is a dietary health supplement. Liquid BioCell is not expected to interact with medications. However, if you’re on medication, we recommend that you speak with your physician before starting any new natural health supplement.

Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you have a serious medical condition or are taking prescription medications, if symptoms worsen, or for use beyond 3 months.

Q. Is it harmful to take collagen while pregnant?
No studies have been done on Liquid BioCell during pregnancy. Do not use this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Used & Recommended by Medical Professionals

Lisa Derosimo, MD, MS§ Diplomate of American Board of Obesity Medicine
“Liquid BioCell can provide a way to age active and healthy. It is a naturally occurring matrix in a highly absorbable form. It is manufactured exclusively in the United States in an NSF, NSF Sport, cGMP registered facility. I use Liquid BioCell. My whole family uses it and I recommend it in my practice.” *

Jon M. Grazer, MA, PD, FACSS§ Board-certified Plastic Surgeon
“Higher levels of HA and collagen equal younger-looking skin. Liquid BioCell has been helping some of my most high profile patients look their best.” *

Kelly O’Malley Mattone, MD§ Cosmetic Physician
“From a scientific standpoint, Liquid BioCell® has undergone multiple randomized, controlled, double-blind studies. The results have been published in peer-reviewed journals. And as a physician, there’s no greater validation for a product. This is the top of the line, gold standard for a nutritional supplement.”

John A. Giannone, DVM§ Medical Director & Practicing Veterinarian
“I believe if we supplement Liquid BioCell Pet in our pets’ diets and keep collagen and HA at a healthy level, then we would be giving their tendons and ligaments some form of protection.”

References Supporting Liquid BioCell Collagen (A partial list.)

Effects of oral administration of type II collagen on …. Trentham et al. 1993, Science, 261: 1727-1730.

Hyaluronic acid in cutaneous intrinsic aging. Ghersetich et al. 1994, Int J Dermatol, 33(2): 119-122.

A randomized double-blind clinical pilot trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of hydrolyzed collagen type II (BioCell Collagen II®) in adults …. Sheldon et al. 2003, Miami Research Associates.

Stimulation of type II collagen biosynthesis and secretion in bovine chondrocytes cultured with degraded collagen. Oesser et al. 2003, Cell Tissue Res, 311: 393-399.

Acute and subchronic oral toxicity studies in rats of a hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage preparation. Schauss et al. 2007, Food Chem Toxicol, 45: 315-321.

Effect of the novel low molecular weight hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract, BioCell Collagen, on improving … : a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Schauss et al. 2012, J Agric Food Chem, 60: 4096-4101.

Ingestion of BioCell Collagen(®), a novel hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract; enhanced blood microcirculation and reduced facial aging signs. Schwartz et al. 2012, Clin Interv Aging, 7: 267-273.

Evaluation of the effects of BioCell Collagen, a novel cartilage extract, on connective tissue support and functional recovery from exercise. Lopez et al. 2015, Integr Med (Encinitas), 14: 30-38.

Novel hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract improves facial epidermis and connective tissue in healthy adult females: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Schwartz et al. 2019, Altern Ther Health Med, 25(5): 12-29.

§Modere Scientific Advisory Board Member

† Actual results from a Modere Independent Representative. Individual results may vary.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.