The Right Type of Collagen Comforts Aching Joints
While many people may consider collagen as a supplemental nutrient to help restore youthful skin, there are actually different types of collagen with specific roles in the body. For helping preserve cushioning joint structure, it is type II collagen. In fact, native type II collagen makes up to 90 percent of the articular cartilage in the joints. It is critical for fighting the damage and pain of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other joint disorders. And these disorders are widespread: according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), arthritis and other joint disorders are the most common cause of disability among American adults and have been for the past 15 years.
With that problem mind, researchers enrolled adults in a clinical study who were experiencing joint discomfort, but not currently taking medications. They were divided into groups that took either a type II collagen supplement or a placebo for 8 weeks.
Even halfway through the study, the differences were clear: those in the collagen group saw a 36 percent reduction in pain according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), a commonly used survey to evaluate pain. The placebo group noted only a 14 percent reduction in pain.
By helping preserve the cushioning structures between joints, collagen provides a much-needed alternative to standard medications, which only block pain. Combined with partner nutrients, including hyaluronic acid, Boswellia serrata, chondroitin, and glucosamine, it could prove to be the best route for the millions of individuals suffering from joint damage and disorders.
Abstract:
Mohammed A, He S. A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of a Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen Type II Supplement in Alleviating Joint Discomfort. Nutrients. 2021; 13(7):2454. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072454
Joint pain and disease affects more than one in four adults in the United States. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of a hydrolyzed chicken collagen type II (HCII) supplement in reducing joint-related discomfort such as pain and stiffness, and in improving mobility. We enrolled adults aged 40–65 (65.5% were women) who had joint discomfort, but had no co-morbidities, and who were not taking pain medications. The participants were randomized to receive either the HCII supplement (n = 47) or a placebo (n = 43) for eight weeks. At the baseline, and at week 4 and week 8, we administered the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) survey with three additional wrist-related questions and the Visual Analog Scale for assessments of joint-related symptoms. In the WOMAC stiffness and physical activity domains and in the overall WOMAC score, the HCII group had a significant reduction in joint-related discomforts compared with the placebo group. For example, at week 4, the HCII group had a 36.9% reduction in the overall WOMAC score, compared with a 14.3% reduction in the placebo group (p = 0.027). This HCII product is effective in reducing joint pain and stiffness and in improving joint function among otherwise healthy adults.
