Collagen to relieve joint pain?

Naturally synthesized by the body, collagen is particularly found in joints and bones where it ensures cohesion, elasticity, and tissue regeneration. Collagen fibers act as a cushion to reduce shocks between bones and pressures. Additionally, collagen aids in the healing of tissues in case of damaged joints. This protein constitutes approximately 67% of the dry weight of cartilage. However, the efficiency of collagen production decreases over time. Certain sports or professional activities can also contribute to the premature wear of joint collagen, which can increase the risks of osteoarthritis or, more generally, joint pain.

To prevent or mitigate them, some people embark on a collagen regimen. Most dietary supplements available on the market are based on collagen type II native or hydrolyzed collagen. Several studies have been conducted on the effects of such supplementation. The majority have reported positive results in terms of pain relief and improvement in joint function. Moreover, changes in cartilage degradation have been detected. The results of a few studies are presented in the table below.

However, there is a significant heterogeneity in the design and implementation of studies, often with very small participant samples. Furthermore, the effects of collagen treatment are rarely compared to those of a placebo or, when they are, the effects of placebos are not always considered. Additionally, studies do not indicate whether the effects of supplementation have lasted over time and/or if the treatment was continued or discontinued.

Finally, one might question the effectiveness of thebody's absorption of collagen, criticized by some researchers due to the significant molecular weight of collagen (300 kDa). Indeed, once ingested, it is broken down into amino acids in order to cross the intestinal barrier. These amino acids can then be used by the body to rebuild proteins, but it is not guaranteed that they will specifically form collagen. This also applies to collagen hydrolysate, which corresponds to collagen peptides. As a reminder, peptides are short chains of amino acids, not performing exactly the same functions as native proteins.

It is prudent to be cautious about the potential effects of collagen treatments on the joints.

• ALBERT A. & et al. 24-Week study on the utilization of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes experiencing activity-related joint pain. Current medical research and opinion (2008).

• FLECHSENHAR K. & al. Detection of changes in knee osteoarthritis cartilage using delayed gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging after treatment with collagen hydrolysate: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (2011).

• BERNARDO M. & al. A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Oral Collagen Treatment on the Medial Knee Joint Space and Functional Outcome among Veterans Memorial Medical Center Patients Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis of the Knee. PARM Procurement (2012).

• SHAMIE A. & al. Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II®) for Joint Support: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Volunteers. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2013).

• VENKATESWARATHIRUKUMARA S. & others. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical study on the effectiveness of collagen peptide on osteoarthritis. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (2014).

• SAKAI Y. & others. Absorption and Urinary Excretion of Peptides following Collagen Tripeptide Consumption in Humans. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin (2016).

• ATLAS O. & others. Effects of Native Type II Collagen Treatment on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Eurasian Journal of Medicine (2016).

• LANE N. & al. Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutrition Journal (2016).

• BOFF D. & al. Strengthening Exercises Associated with Undenatured Type II Oral Collagen (UC-II). A Randomized Study in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. Muscles, Ligaments & Tendons Journal (2020).

• HOPMAN M. & al. Efficacy of Collagen Supplementation on Pain Scores in Healthy Subjects with Self-Reported Knee Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism (2020).

• JUTURU V. & al. UC-II Undenatured Type II Collagen for Knee Joint Flexibility: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine (2022).