Type II collagen is more effective than glucosamine and chondroitin in knee osteoarthritis

Safety and efficacy of undenatured type II collagen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a clinical trial Int J Med Sci 2009; 6(6):312-321. 

A study published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences in 2009 examined the effect of type II collagen on knee osteoarthritis compared with glucosamine and chondroitin.

It built on a study showing positive effects of type II collagen on rheumatoid arthritis in humans.

The randomized comparative study, conducted at two centres in London and Canada, included 52 people with knee osteoarthritis.

Participants were divided into two groups: group A received 40 mg type II collagen daily, and group B received 1500 mg glucosamine plus 1200 mg chondroitin daily for 90 days.

Study results:

Both groups improved on the study measures.

On WOMAC, which assesses pain, stiffness and movement, the collagen group improved by 33%, versus only 14% in the glucosamine group.

On VAS, which assesses pain, the collagen group improved by 40%, versus 15.4% in the glucosamine group.

On Lequesne’s functional index, which assesses function and movement, the collagen group improved by 20%, versus 6% in the glucosamine group.

Study conclusion:

The type II collagen group showed significant improvement in every measure compared with the glucosamine and chondroitin group.

* A newer, larger study published in 2016 and presented in the April 2016 newsletter reinforces these conclusions and demonstrates a stronger and faster effect of type II collagen than glucosamine plus chondroitin or placebo in knee cartilage wear.