Articles

Collagen as a supplement has been linked to providing healthy joints. In fact, many studies have been performed to determine if collagen hydrolysates help in the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Moskowitz1 reviewed the status of collagen hydrolysates in 2000 and Bello2 in 2006. Moskowitz concluded that, “Collagen hydrolysate is of interest as a therapeutic agent of potential utility in the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Its high level of safety makes it attractive as an agent for long-term use in these chronic disorders.” Bello concluded, “A growing body of evidence provides a rationale for the use of collagen hydrolysate for patients with OA.”

Laboratory tests indicate that the increased production of joint cartilage may be initiated by the ingestion of the hydrolyzed collagen while patient testing indicates that some of the peptide groups thought to be required to produce cartilage are absorbed by the blood3. It is not conclusive whether the cartilage growth is initiated by the presence of the hydrolyzed collagen or whether the hydrolyzed collagen provides the peptide chains for growth. It's possible that the increased production of joint cartilage is caused by one or both mechanisms.

1. Moskowitz R.W., Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease, Seminars Arthritis Rheum 2000: Oct; 30(2):87-99
2. Bello A.E., Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: a review of the literature, Current Medical Research Opinions 2006: Nov;22(11):2221-32
3. Ohara H, Comparison of quantity and structures of hydroxyproline-containing peptides in human blood after oral ingestion of gelatin hydrolysates from different sources, Journal Agric Food Chem, 2007 Feb 21;55(4):1532-5