Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body comprising 90% of our connective tissue and 90% of organic bone matrix. By age 21, our body’s collagen supply begins to decline1, which overtime is the source of joint and bone degradation that lead to arthritis, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. Science has shown that oral supplementation with collagen can prevent and reverse the effects of this collagen loss by supporting the rebuilding of our bones and joints. Additionally, collagen has proven benefits in alleviating joint pain and injuries associated with exercise and high impact activities. Clinical trials have shown daily supplementation with collagen can reduce joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, improve mobility and flexibility, build bone matrix, and speed recovery from injury. Learn more about the uses of collagen for joint pain and collagen inflammation benefits below.
Collagen Benefits for Alleviating Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
Increasing collagen in your body through collagen supplementation can tackle the root cause of arthritis and osteoarthritis and may help alleviate its symptoms. The root cause of arthritis is inflammation, which triggers a more rapid breakdown of collagen in the extracellular matrix of joint cells. This rapid breakdown of collagen in the joints leads to joint pain, stiffness, and loss of flexibility. Supplementation with collagen has been clinically proven to reduce the painful symptoms of arthritis to help maintain quality of life as we age.
Reduces Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Inflammation
Supplement with collagen powder for joint health can really help! Many clinical studies have shown supplementation with collagen peptides leads to significant reductions in arthritis induced joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. In one trial, patients receiving 5-7 grams of collagen hydrolysate daily for 1-6 months demonstrated a 70% response rate for significant or noticeable improvement in joint pain2. In another study, collagen proved 25% more effective in reducing osteoarthritis pain and stiffness compared to other anti-inflammatories such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate3.
Improves Mobility and Flexibility
Another benefit of collagen powder for joints is in improving mobility and flexibility. Studies of arthritis patients supplementing with collagen found that mobility in movements such as knee extension, walking, sitting, and standing improved greatly. Specifically, when measured on a functional index, joint and body flexibility improved and subjects were able to exercise longer before experiencing joint pain4.
Collagen Benefits for Activity and Sports Induced Joint Pain and Injuries
Improves Activity – Induced Joint Pain
High impact activities (e.g. running, skiing, HIIT), high intensity sports (e.g. basketball, tennis, soccer), as well as repetitive exercises (e.g. weight lifting, yoga, cycling), all exert stress on joints and can lead to damaged tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. In a study among healthy subjects who experienced activity-related joint pain, supplementation with collagen for joint pain resulted in improved joint function and flexibility after 120 days while exercising and increased duration of exercise before pain was experienced5.
Reduces Injury Recovery Time
Research shows collagen synthesis – the body’s production of new collagen molecules – is key to healing connective tissue injuries. Collagen synthesis is heightened for the first three weeks following injury in order to regenerate protein fibers. Type III collagen synthesis reaches maximum rates during the first week after injury in order to regenerate flexibility and plasticity of connective tissue. Type 1 collagen synthesis rates then increase during the next few weeks to strengthen the tissue. Supplementation with collagen hydrolysate ensures the body has a proper supply of both types of collagen to quickly and effectively heal damaged connective tissue6.
Collagen Builds Stronger Bones and Teeth
Collagen Builds Bone Matrix
90% of the organic component of our bones is comprised of collagen. Collagen fibers form the protein matrix in our bones while calcium is embedded within this matrix to provide rigidity. Studies show that as we age, our bones can lose 50% of their strength and have a 35% loss in elasticity as a result of collagen loss1. Any breakdown of bone collagen directly causes a loss of bone strength. Clinical research has also shown that daily supplementation with collagen peptides can increase bone mineral density, especially in calcium-deficient or osteopenic subjects7. Bone mineral density is key to preventing bone fractures.
Collagen Strengthens Teeth
Type III collagen is the main protein component of teeth8. Collagen loss with age can cause increased tooth sensitivity and decreased tooth strength. Collagen supplementation can help with building stronger teeth.
Review of Collagen Benefits for Joint Pain and Stiffness and Collagen Inflammation Benefits
- Collagen supplementation can reduce the painful symptoms of arthritis caused by inflammation
- Collagen supplementation can be effective at reducing osteoarthritic pain and stiffness
- Collagen supplementation can improve joint and body flexibility and mobility
- Collagen supplementation can improves activity related joint pain
- Supplementing with collagen helps the body quickly heal damaged tissue and reduces recovery time
- Supplementing with collagen helps to increase bone mineral density which is key to preventing bone fractures
- Collagen supplementation can help to build stronger teeth
FAQs
What is collagen?
Collagen is a special structural protein that makes up 90% of our connective tissue and organic bone matrix. It is the most abundant protein in our body, and it helps to build and repair. As we age, our body’s natural collagen production declines, leading to joint and bone degradation. Supplementing with collagen has been shown to particularly benefit these areas.
How can collagen alleviate arthritis?
Supplementing with collagen can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis by going after the root cause. Arthritis comes mainly from inflammation that breaks down collagen rapidly. This rapid collagen breakdown is what leads to those joint pains and stiffness. Increasing your collagen intake can improve joint pain, reduce stiffness, and improve joint mobility and flexibility!
How can collagen help with pain and injury?
Sports and activities that are high in intensity or impact and even repetitive exercises exert stress on the joints and can lead to damage. Collagen supplementation can improve joint function and flexibility, which helps you perform with an increased duration of exercise before pain is to be experienced. Also, because collagen synthesis is key to healing connective tissue injuries, supplementing with collagen can also help then reduce injury recovery time and aid in healing damaged tissue.
How does collagen support our bones and teeth?
Collagen makes up 90% of our organic bone mass. Its fibers form the protein matrix in our bones, and as we age, our bones lose a lot of strength and elasticity due to collagen loss. Increasing collagen intake can increase bone mineral density, which is key to preventing bone fractures. Collagen is also the main component of teeth, and so daily supplementation can help with strengthening your teeth and preventing them from increasing in sensitivity!
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Citations:
1. “Age-related Changes in the Collagen Network and Toughness of Bone.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12110404>.
2. “Collagen Hydrolysate for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis and Other Joint Disorders: A Review of the Literature.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 10 Oct. 2006. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17076983>.
3. “Safety and Efficacy of Undenatured Type II Collagen in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Clinical Trial.” International Journal of Medical Sciences. Ivyspring International Publisher <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2764342/>.
4. “Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II®) for Joint Support: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study in Healthy Volunteers.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine,<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24153020>.
5. “24-Week Study on the Use of Collagen Hydrolysate as a Dietary Supplement in Athletes with Activity-related Joint Pain.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18416885>.
6. T, Hurme, Kalimo H, Sandberg M, Lehto M, and Vuorio E. Department of Pathology, Paavo Nurmi Center, University of Turku, Finland.Localization of Type I and III Collagen and Fibronectin Production in Injured Gastrocnemius Muscle.
7. “Osteoblast-related Gene Expression of Bone Marrow Cells during the Osteoblastic Differentiation Induced by Type I Collagen.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11134967>.
8. “Collagen Analysis in Human Tooth Germ Papillae.” Collagen Analysis in Human Tooth Germ Papillae. Brazilian Dental Journal <http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0103-64402006000300006>.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
We are 75 & 80 years old, what collagen would be most beneficial to us. Should collagen be taken mixed into coffee? That is how we were told to take it then I read that it should be taken in hot liquid. Help please.
Hi Jo: Thanks for the question. Collagen can definitely be mixed into coffee, however, some people just mix it into hot or cool water. You can also bake with collagen or just sprinkle it on any dish. You can learn more here https://www.furtherfood.com/collagen/
I am 70 years old, morbidly obese, have diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and poor digestion. Which collagen peptide should I take?
Hi Barbara: Thanks for the question. Our bovine collagen could be helpful. We recommend 1-2 scoops a day. You can learn more here https://shop.furtherfood.com/products/collagen-peptides-protein-powder
I had surgery on my c-5,6&7 also L-5,6&7. I am still having pain and muscle stiffness. Sometimes I still have difficulty walking. Will collagen help me. And does it help with nerve damage?
Thank you
Hi Margaret: Collagen supplementation can help with muscle and joint pain. Here is a great story by someone who found that collagen helped her in recovering from surgery. https://www.furtherfood.com/collagen-health/ Good luck and let us know if you have any questions.
Can one take to much collagen?
Hi Margaret: Thanks for the question! We recommend one to two servings a day of collagen for maximum efficiency and results! Good luck and let us know if you have any other questions.
How much Collagen shoul I take daily for arthritis?
We recommend one to two scoops of Further Food Collagen daily to help arthritis. Good luck!
hello
what is the time needed to rebuilt the cartilage of stiff spine joint when taking he collagen powder, does it take long time ? iam suffering from stiff neck and stiff shoulder on right side , i tried everything and the MRI of cervical spine doesn’t show any significant issue,,,,, please your advice ?
thanks
Thanks for the question. It can take up to 3 months for someone to feel the full benefits of collagen supplementation. However, lots of people report decreased joint pain within a days or weeks. Good luck!