Efficacy and tolerability of undenatured type II collagen in managing knee arthritis symptoms

Lugo JP, Saiyed ZM, Lane NE, Nutr J. 2016 Jan 29;15(1):14. doi: 10.1186/s12937-016-0130-8

Background:

Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) is a dietary supplement derived from chicken sternum. The study aimed to evaluate its efficacy and tolerability in knee osteoarthritis (OA), including pain and symptoms, compared with placebo and glucosamine hydrochloride plus chondroitin sulfate (GC).

Methods:

191 volunteers were randomly assigned to three groups receiving a daily dose of 40 mg UC-II, 1500 mg glucosamine plus 1200 mg chondroitin, or placebo for 180 days. The primary endpoint was the change in WOMAC (an osteoarthritis assessment index) from baseline to day 180 in the UC-II group compared with placebo and GC.

Results:

At day 180, the UC-II group showed a significant reduction in total WOMAC score compared with the placebo and GC groups. UC-II also produced significant changes in pain, stiffness and physical function according to WOMAC. No differences in safety outcomes were found.

Conclusions:

UC-II showed benefits for the knee joint in patients with OA. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanism of action of the UC-II dietary supplement.