Collagen Ingredient Tests Positive for Joint Health Support
Lee Swanson Research Update
A patented collagen ingredient may be twice as effective as glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for joint health, according to the results of a randomized, double-blind study.
The undenatured type II collagen known as UC-II might reduce pain, stiffness and immobility associated with osteoarthritis, according to findings published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences.
The new study compared a daily dose of UC-II (40 mg) with a combination of glucosamine (1,500 mg of glucosamine HCl, USP Grade) and chondroitin (1,300 mg, USP Grade).
Looking at markers of joint health in 52 volunteers experiencing joint pain and stiffness in the knees from osteoarthritis, researchers led by Siba Raychaudhurl, MD, from the University of California Davis report that the effects were superior to those recorded in previous clinical investigations for glucosamine and chondroitin.
"The clinical benefits we saw in osteoarthritic patients taking UC-II, showing significant overall improvement in conventional osteoarthritis efficacy measures, are positive clinical indicators that UC-II is highly effective at supporting joint health," said Raychaudhurl. "While the overall benefits were impressive, it is important to note that reduction in pain and stiffness were seen as early as 30 days after taking UC-II."
The researchers assessed the physical function, stiffness and pain in the knees of 52 volunteers with an average age of 58.8 following 90 days of supplementation.
Compared to the established ingredients in the joint health market, the UC-II product was found to reduce pain during exercise by 20%, compared to eight percent for glucosamine and chondroitin.
Using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index as a measure of arthritis symptoms, the WOMAC score was found to have decreased by 33% and 14% in the UC-II and glucosamine plus chondroitin groups, respectively.
"Similar results were observed for visual analog scale (VAS) scores," added Raychaudhurl and co-workers. "Although both [UC-II and glucosamine plus chondroitin] reduced the VAS score, UC-II was found to be more effective with a 40% decrease after 90 days as compared to 15.4% in glucosamine plus chondroitin groups," they added.
International Journal of Medical Sciences 6(6):312-321, 2009