Collagen Supplementation for Joint Ache and Arthritis: Does it Actually Work?
By Dr. Sean M.Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, Cert-DN
Just lately I used to be presenting on the annual convention of Athletic Trainers’ Affiliation of Florida (ATAF) and I used to be overwhelmed by one constant query: why did not you discuss collagen supplementation? My discuss was particularly on orthopedics for older adults and naturally I targeted on osteoarthritis (OA) and the way essential train and weight-reduction plan are for that situation. I did contact on some supplementation, however I left off collagen as a result of my final examination of this complement, utilizing considered one of my favourite web sites Look at.com, yielded mediocre outcomes. Nonetheless the contributors on the sports activities drugs convention piqued my curiosity and satisfied me that maybe I had missed one thing — nearly each single considered one of these contributors had some type of joint ache or stiffness and felt considerably higher after taking collagen each day. So, again to the literature, and asking a few of my purchasers, I went!
What’s Collagen?
Collagen is a protein discovered within the physique that gives construction and assist to numerous tissues, together with joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It might play a task in sustaining joint well being and will have potential advantages for people with joint ache. Just a few small-scale research have proven constructive leads to decreasing joint ache and bettering joint operate when people with osteoarthritis took collagen dietary supplements. These research typically used particular collagen formulations, equivalent to collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen, that are damaged down into smaller peptides for higher absorption by the physique. Nonetheless, it is essential to notice that the findings of those research usually are not but conclusive, and extra sturdy analysis is important.
The Analysis
It is price mentioning that joint ache can have varied causes, and collagen supplementation will not be efficient for everybody. Elements like age, underlying well being circumstances, general weight-reduction plan, and life-style habits can even affect joint well being. As an illustration, a meta-analysis on collagen supplementation for OA confirmed enhancements within the WOMAC, a useful rating for knee arthritis, nevertheless it did not yield vital outcomes for knee ache. In the meantime, one other evaluate article collagen supplementation for joint ache, muscle protein synthesis, and physique composition discovered that collagen did considerably scale back joint ache (it had impact on the opposite metrics). This is a pleasant desk listed within the article:

The joint ache included within the evaluate included knee ache and Achilles tendinopathy, all predominately in an athletic inhabitants. One other evident commentary is a number of of those research included bodily remedy and train prescriptions with the supplementation (Yay! Diet and Bodily Remedy), which might additionally alter the outcomes and results of collagen as nicely. It is essential to see the doses assorted within the research from 5, 10, to 40 grams per day; furthermore, the collagen can are available in various kind from peptides, hydrolyzed proteins, to denatured collagen. Having such variability in the kind of collagen additionally possible explains the variability in responses and knowledge.
Dosing
So, roughly how a lot and what kind of collagen ought to a consumer take? Properly, many research have used dosages starting from 8 to 12 grams of collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen per day for joint-related advantages. Analysis means that kind II collagen supplementation might assist scale back joint ache and enhance joint operate in people with arthritis, notably osteoarthritis. It’s believed to work by serving to to revive and assist cartilage well being, probably decreasing irritation and selling joint mobility. It is essential to notice that collagen dietary supplements can be found in varied kinds, equivalent to powders, capsules, and liquids, and their focus of collagen can differ. Due to this fact, it is essential to observe the producer’s directions and seek the advice of with a healthcare skilled to find out the suitable dosage on your particular wants.
It is also price mentioning that collagen dietary supplements are sometimes mixed with different components, equivalent to nutritional vitamins, minerals, or natural extracts, which can affect their effectiveness. If you happen to determine to strive collagen supplementation for joint ache, it is a good suggestion to decide on a good model and search for merchandise which were examined for high quality and security. I recommend utilizing Labdoor.com that will help you or your consumer discover a high-quality collagen complement, if and when applicable.
Abstract
Ultimately, maybe the contributors on the ATAF convention had been proper — there is one thing to say about collagen and joint ache. Not each research is precise and extra analysis must be carried out on what dose, what age, what situation, and what workouts must be carried out with the collagen — however that is why we apply bodily remedy! Love to listen to your ideas and possibly a few of your purchasers’ responses to collagen.
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