Collagen supplement improved symptoms of degenerative joint diseases in study

Photo © Shutterstock.com/Sebastian Kaulitzki

A collagen supplement containing collagen types I, II, V, and X improved symptoms of joint pain in a new study. The prospective single-center observational study of 20 subjects suffering from joint diseases found that use of the collagen supplement, TendoGuard from Certified Nutraceuticals (Pauma Valley, CA) improved their range of motion, general pain, and muscle strength¹.

Articular cartilage is primarily composed of collagen type II, with other collagens that include types III, VI, IX, X, XI and XIII more minor constituents. Researchers explain that while type V collagen is proportionally the smallest mass component in tissue, it plays a key role in tissue proliferation and repair processes. Collagen type X is cartilage-specific, found in hypertrophic cartilage, in the transition of bone and cartilage. Hence, researchers state it is reasonable to believe that a supplement of collagen type I, II, V, and X would activate collagen biosynthesis in chondrocytes of people, even those suffering from degenerative joint diseases.

Subjects took 750 mg/day for 60 days, and the purpose was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the supplement. Measurements for range of motion and muscle strength were taken using a goniometer and a properly calibrated sphygmomanometer, respectively, while pain was assessed using Borg pain scale. At the end of the study, 78% of the subject reported substantial improvement in their joint symptoms. No adverse side effects were reported.

References:

1. Lopes AP et al. “Prospective single-center observational study of a new dietary supplement containing collagens type I, II, V, and X.” HealthMED, vol. 11, no. 4 (2017): 155-159