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Collagen for joints - When it can also help with osteoarthritis
May 10, 2024
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for about 30% of the total protein mass. It is also present in many other animal organisms and is one of the fundamental components of the structure of connective tissue. In its different types, collagen performs several crucial functions:
Type I collagen helps maintain the structure and elasticity of the skin, support and strengthen tendons and ligaments, and help form bones and teeth;
Collagen type II is crucial for the health of cartilage, while
Collagen type III is found in blood vessels and muscle tissue.
How to effectively maintain collagen levels in the body?
The solution that brings the greatest benefits is oral intake through specific food supplements enriched with collagen of animal origin and, where appropriate, other components optimized to improve the health of connective tissue in joints, skin and bones.
Although the body can produce collagen naturally, production declines with age, which can lead to health problems such as loss of skin elasticity, bone fragility, and weakening of connective tissue. Supplementing with collagen through supplements promotes joint health, improves joint structure, reduces pain and inflammation, supports tissue regeneration, and prevents age- and exercise-related degeneration.
The two main types of collagen used today are bovine collagen and, mainly due to its greater effectiveness, hydrolyzed marine collagen.
What role does collagen play in the joints?
The health and functionality of the musculoskeletal system are closely linked to the fundamental role of collagen for bones and joints. The importance of this component derives from its role as one of the main responsible for the structure of connective tissue and the harmful effects that can be due to its deficiency.
In fact, for the proper functioning of the joints, three fundamental components must be taken into account: ligaments, synovial fluid and cartilage, and their common denominator is precisely the presence of collagen. More specifically:
Collagen makes up a significant part of the cartilage structure, providing resistance, elasticity and support to the joint surface. A lack of collagen can compromise structural integrity and increase the risk of damage and wear;
Collagen helps maintain hydration and lubrication of joints by facilitating smooth movement and reducing friction between joint surfaces during physical activity. A collagen deficiency can lead to impaired joint lubrication and increase the risk of friction and injury;
The presence of collagen in cartilage enables it to absorb shock and pressure during joint movements and protect joints from wear and tear and breakage. A lack of collagen can impair this ability and increase the risk of joint damage and injury;
Collagen provides structural support to joints and helps maintain their shape and stability. A collagen deficiency can weaken joint structures and increase the risk of instability and injury;
Collagen is involved in the process of regeneration and repair of damaged joint cells and tissues. A collagen deficiency can impair the body's ability to repair and regenerate damaged cartilage, which can slow the healing process in joint injuries.
What studies are there to support the integration of collagen for the joints?
Collagen supplements for joints are the subject of numerous studies aimed at understanding the actual health benefits for tissue and bone structure.
Scientific research conducted on samples from people with knee osteoarthritis and carried out by the University of Western Ontario McMaster (WOMAC) has shown that oral treatment with animal collagen actually leads to an improvement in patient conditions: tests carried out on a sample divided into two groups, one group treated with collagen supplements and the other with a placebo, showed a reduction in pain and increased mobility in the participants of the first group.
A second study, conducted by Penn State University in Pennsylvania, was carried out on a sample of athletes without obvious osteoarthritic diseases. Here too, the participants were divided into groups, one receiving a placebo and the other an oral hydrolysate collagen preparation.
The 24-week treatment monitored the evolution of six parameters related to joint pain (pain at rest, when walking, when standing, when carrying objects, etc.). The result showed a significant reduction in pain in the people who took collagen: these benefits for the joint condition also led to an improvement in performance during competition.
There are also studies at European level that have produced very interesting results on the use of collagen for bones and joints. For example, a study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture investigated the effects of supplementation with undenatured collagen type II in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
The results showed that collagen supplementation resulted in significant reduction in pain and joint stiffness and improved overall joint functionality in patients.
A study at the University of Kiel in Germany examined the effects of supplementing with collagen type I and type III on the elasticity and strength of cartilage. The results showed a significant improvement, contributing to both its health and overall functionality.
Another study at the University of Oxford investigated the effects of supplementing with type II collagen on reducing pain and inflammation in the joints. The results showed that collagen supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in joint pain and inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
It can therefore be said that the use of collagen preparations can now lead to objectively important results.
Dietary supplements for joints with hyaluronic acid and collagen: which one to choose?
A further improvement in the effectiveness of supporting joint functions is achieved by using supplements containing hyaluronic acid and collagen. They allow the positive effects of collagen to be combined with the properties of hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in our body, especially in the articular cartilage and skin. Hyaluronic acid is important due to its abilities:
to bind large amounts of water, which contributes to the hydration and elasticity of the tissue;
to act as a lubricant and shock absorber in the joints by reducing friction between the articular surfaces and facilitating movement without pain.
The potential benefits of joint supplements containing hyaluronic acid and collagen lie in the numerous specific properties of the two ingredients:
Collagen, as a structural protein of the body's connective tissue, promotes the regeneration of tendons, ligaments, cartilage and skin by maintaining their elasticity, strength, flexibility and functionality.
Hyaluronic acid, naturally present in the body in the articular cartilage and skin, contributes to the hydration and elasticity of the tissues thanks to its ability to bind large amounts of water. In the joints, on the other hand, it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, reducing friction between the articular surfaces and facilitating movement without pain.
When collagen and hyaluronic acid are combined in a joint supplement, they work synergistically to promote joint health in several ways:
they reduce wear and inflammation of the joints;
they improve the flexibility and mobility of the joints;
they promote the regeneration and repair of damaged tissue;
They maintain the hydration and elasticity of the cartilage.
But how to choose the right supplement that will actually bring visible benefits? When choosing a joint supplement with hyaluronic acid and collagen, it is important to consider several factors: check the quality of the ingredients, control the dosage of the active ingredients, evaluate the complete formulation and the reputation of the brand through customer reviews.
Finally, supplements alone may not be enough to completely solve joint problems, especially in cases of serious conditions such as osteoarthritis. Therefore, it is recommended to always consult your trusted doctor to discuss the benefits and modalities of taking a collagen and hyaluronic acid supplement, as well as to evaluate the duration and intensity of the treatment.