Evidence supporting the use of: Collagen
For the health condition: Cartilage Damage

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Collagen is increasingly used to support or treat cartilage damage, and there is a growing body of scientific evidence supporting its use, though the strength of the evidence is moderate rather than definitive. Cartilage is primarily made up of type II collagen, which provides structural integrity and resilience. Oral collagen supplements, particularly hydrolyzed collagen peptides, are believed to stimulate the body’s own production of collagen and extracellular matrix components, potentially aiding cartilage repair and reducing symptoms of joint disorders.

Several randomized controlled trials have examined the effects of collagen supplementation on joint health, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis (OA), which often involves cartilage degradation. A 2016 meta-analysis (Curr Med Res Opin, 2016) found that collagen hydrolysate supplementation resulted in statistically significant improvements in joint pain and function in people with OA. Other studies have demonstrated that collagen peptides may increase the synthesis of cartilage matrix molecules, such as aggrecan and type II collagen itself, in cultured chondrocytes and animal models.

However, the clinical effect sizes are generally modest, and not all studies show benefit. Most research focuses on symptom relief (pain, function) rather than direct cartilage regeneration, and long-term data are limited. Overall, while more robust trials are needed for conclusive recommendations, current evidence supports the use of collagen as a reasonable adjunct for supporting joint health and potentially aiding in cartilage repair, particularly in the context of degenerative joint disease.

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