Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Collagen?Types of CollagenHealth Benefits of Collagen for ArthritisPossible Side EffectsDoses and PreparationWhat to Look ForFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Collagen?
Types of Collagen
Health Benefits of Collagen for Arthritis
Possible Side Effects
Doses and Preparation
What to Look For
Frequently Asked Questions
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images
Collagen is known as the most abundant protein in the body. It is the main component of the body’sconnective tissuesand can be found in skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and teeth. Tough bundles of collagen, called collagen fibers, support most of the body’s tissues and can be found inside and outside cells.
The word “collagen” comes from the Greek word for glue because it acts as a glue between cells and provides structure to the body’s organs. For this reason, a drop in collagen levels in the body will cause the skin to lose its shape. Many people therefore take collagen supplements to preserve their skin health. Similarly, low collagen levels can loosen cartilage and tendons, making them more vulnerable to injuries.
What Is Cartilage?Cartilage is the tough, flexible tissue that covers the ends of your bones at a joint. It also gives shape and support to your ears, nose, and windpipe. Healthy cartilage allows your bones to glide over each other and prevents bones from rubbing against each other.
What Is Cartilage?
Cartilage is the tough, flexible tissue that covers the ends of your bones at a joint. It also gives shape and support to your ears, nose, and windpipe. Healthy cartilage allows your bones to glide over each other and prevents bones from rubbing against each other.
Natural Collagen
There are 16 types of collagen, with the most common types in the body being:
These three types of collagen make up 80% to 90% of the collagen in the body.
Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements also come in three types:
Gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen have been broken down from large proteins to smaller bits.When collagen is boiled for a long time, it turns into gelatin. Collagen can be further predigested into its basic amino acids and is called collagen hydrolysate, hydrolyzed gelatin, collagen peptides, or hydrolyzed collagen.
Why Your Collagen Depletes With Age
However, studies on supplementing with chondroitin and glucosamine have been mixed, and there is no convincing information on the efficacy of these two chemicals on OA.
Uses in Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is one of the most common forms ofarthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million adults.It occurs when the cartilage that protects the joints wears down over time. It is said that collagen supplements may help in rebuilding joints and reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis, but clinical evidence is mixed.
One study showed that when patients with knee osteoarthritis were given acetaminophen and collagen, significant improvements in their joint pain, function, and quality of life were reported.This was, however, a small study and included only 39 subjects.
A systematic review focusing on osteoarthritis and cartilage repair found that collagen hydrolysate and undenatured collagen showed some potential as an option for managing osteoarthritis, but further investigation is needed before any definite conclusion on their effectiveness can be made.
Uses in Rheumatoid Arthritis
A study that looked at both OA and RA noted that reports of positive results with oral collagen in RA remain controversial, particularly when compared with conventional therapies such asmethotrexate, a drug designed to slow down the progression of RA.Research into oral collagen for OA in the form of UC-II and partially denatured collagen has shown promise as a pain reliever for those suffering from OA.
However, there are still not enough large and long-term studies to verify the effectiveness of collagen in these conditions. Overall, oral collagen supplementation has achieved some positive results against RA in preclinical and clinical studies.
Why Does Collagen Make My Joints Hurt?
Side effects vary depending on which type of collagen supplement you take, but they are generally minor overall. Possible side effects include:
People with allergies to fish, shellfish, chicken, or egg should avoid taking collagen supplements since many of them contain these ingredients.
Collagen supplements haven’t been tested for safety, so people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using these products when possible.
The best dosage for collagen supplements has not yet been established, but studies have used daily doses of between 1 g and 10 g of collagen hydrolysate and 0.1 mg to 1 mg of chicken or bovine type II collagen.
UC-II should be taken in very small doses, usually 20 mg to 40 mg per day, while gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen should be taken in higher doses, 10 gm per day.
Collagen supplements come in powder, capsules, drink mixes, concentrated elixirs, gummies, and chewable tablets.
Unlike prescription and over-the-counter medications, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements like collagen for safety and ability to produce results. Organizations do exist that oversee nutritional supplements like collagen, however. Look for seals of approval from U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, or NSF International to be sure the products are manufactured properly.
The USP Dietary Supplement Verification Program gives a USP verified mark to products that met the program’s strict testing and evaluation criteria.
If you are looking for collagen that is easy to take, look for hydrolyzed collagen powder. It usually has no flavor or color, unless it is added, and dissolves easily in beverages, smoothies, soups, and sauces. Powdered collagen can be added to drinks or food. It mixes best with cold liquids but can be added to warm or hot liquids as well, although it will need more mixing if added to hot liquids.
Are There Vegan Sources of Collagen?Most collagen supplements are made with animal tissues, but there are collagen supplements for vegans. There are collagen booster and collagen builder supplements and vegan hydroxyproline supplements on the market, but it is difficult to find clinical research proving the benefits of these products. Some ingredients of these supplements include vitamin C, minerals, and amino acids.
Are There Vegan Sources of Collagen?
Most collagen supplements are made with animal tissues, but there are collagen supplements for vegans. There are collagen booster and collagen builder supplements and vegan hydroxyproline supplements on the market, but it is difficult to find clinical research proving the benefits of these products. Some ingredients of these supplements include vitamin C, minerals, and amino acids.
A Word From Verywell
Even though collagen is considered a natural supplement, always tell your healthcare provider if you are taking collagen or any other dietary supplements. Collagen has been shown to be helpful for some people in reducing the symptoms of OA and RA. However, more research is needed for collagen to verify its effectiveness and ensure its safety in different people. That said, collagen supplements usually cause very mild effects. It’s still important to watch out for side effects and let your healthcare provider know if you experience any changes to your health while on collagen supplements.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFor most people it is safe. However, if you have a shellfish allergy, talk to your healthcare provider before taking glucosamine-chondroitin supplements since they are made with shells of shellfish and some people who are sensitive may have a reaction. The supplements may also interact with blood thinner medications.Learn MoreWhat You Should Know About Shellfish AllergiesGlucosamine may help with arthritis pain and joint structure, but there’s no strong evidence to support those claims. While some people see a benefit after taking the supplement, studies have not been able to show a definite correlation.Yes. Research has shown that oral collagen supplements may improve skin elasticity and could help with wound healing.Learn MoreWhat Is Skin Elasticity?
For most people it is safe. However, if you have a shellfish allergy, talk to your healthcare provider before taking glucosamine-chondroitin supplements since they are made with shells of shellfish and some people who are sensitive may have a reaction. The supplements may also interact with blood thinner medications.Learn MoreWhat You Should Know About Shellfish Allergies
For most people it is safe. However, if you have a shellfish allergy, talk to your healthcare provider before taking glucosamine-chondroitin supplements since they are made with shells of shellfish and some people who are sensitive may have a reaction. The supplements may also interact with blood thinner medications.
Learn MoreWhat You Should Know About Shellfish Allergies
Glucosamine may help with arthritis pain and joint structure, but there’s no strong evidence to support those claims. While some people see a benefit after taking the supplement, studies have not been able to show a definite correlation.
Yes. Research has shown that oral collagen supplements may improve skin elasticity and could help with wound healing.Learn MoreWhat Is Skin Elasticity?
Yes. Research has shown that oral collagen supplements may improve skin elasticity and could help with wound healing.
Learn MoreWhat Is Skin Elasticity?
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Penn Medicine.4 Head-To-Toe Ways That Collagen Can Improve Your Health.MedlinePlus.Cartilage Disorders.Arthritis Foundation.Are Collagen Supplements Helpful for Arthritis?Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL, et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edition. New York: W. H. Freeman; 2000. Section 22.3,Collagen: The Fibrous Proteins of the Matrix.Vasiliadis HS, Tsikopoulos K.Glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis.World J Orthop. 2017 Jan 18;8(1):1-11. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v8.i1.1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoarthritis.Bakilan F, Armagan O, Ozgen M, Tascioglu F, Bolluk O, Alatas O.Effects of Native Type II Collagen Treatment on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Eurasian J Med. 2016 Jun;48(2):95-101. doi: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2015.15030Honvo G, Lengelé L, Charles A, Reginster JY, Bruyère O.Role of Collagen Derivatives in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Repair: A Systematic Scoping Review With Evidence Mapping.Rheumatol Ther. 2020 Dec;7(4):703-740. doi: 10.1007/s40744-020-00240-5Woo T, Lau L, Cheng N, Chan P, Tan K, Gardner A.Efficacy of Oral Collagen in Joint Pain - Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.J Arthritis. 2017;6(2):233.Versus Arthritis.Collagen.USP.USP Verified Mark.Vegan Health.Collagen.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis: What You Need To Know.Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz MLW, Mesinkovsk NA.Oral collagen supplementation: a systematic review of dermatological applications.J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(1):9-16.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Penn Medicine.4 Head-To-Toe Ways That Collagen Can Improve Your Health.MedlinePlus.Cartilage Disorders.Arthritis Foundation.Are Collagen Supplements Helpful for Arthritis?Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL, et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edition. New York: W. H. Freeman; 2000. Section 22.3,Collagen: The Fibrous Proteins of the Matrix.Vasiliadis HS, Tsikopoulos K.Glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis.World J Orthop. 2017 Jan 18;8(1):1-11. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v8.i1.1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoarthritis.Bakilan F, Armagan O, Ozgen M, Tascioglu F, Bolluk O, Alatas O.Effects of Native Type II Collagen Treatment on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Eurasian J Med. 2016 Jun;48(2):95-101. doi: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2015.15030Honvo G, Lengelé L, Charles A, Reginster JY, Bruyère O.Role of Collagen Derivatives in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Repair: A Systematic Scoping Review With Evidence Mapping.Rheumatol Ther. 2020 Dec;7(4):703-740. doi: 10.1007/s40744-020-00240-5Woo T, Lau L, Cheng N, Chan P, Tan K, Gardner A.Efficacy of Oral Collagen in Joint Pain - Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.J Arthritis. 2017;6(2):233.Versus Arthritis.Collagen.USP.USP Verified Mark.Vegan Health.Collagen.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis: What You Need To Know.Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz MLW, Mesinkovsk NA.Oral collagen supplementation: a systematic review of dermatological applications.J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(1):9-16.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Penn Medicine.4 Head-To-Toe Ways That Collagen Can Improve Your Health.MedlinePlus.Cartilage Disorders.Arthritis Foundation.Are Collagen Supplements Helpful for Arthritis?Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL, et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edition. New York: W. H. Freeman; 2000. Section 22.3,Collagen: The Fibrous Proteins of the Matrix.Vasiliadis HS, Tsikopoulos K.Glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis.World J Orthop. 2017 Jan 18;8(1):1-11. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v8.i1.1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoarthritis.Bakilan F, Armagan O, Ozgen M, Tascioglu F, Bolluk O, Alatas O.Effects of Native Type II Collagen Treatment on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Eurasian J Med. 2016 Jun;48(2):95-101. doi: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2015.15030Honvo G, Lengelé L, Charles A, Reginster JY, Bruyère O.Role of Collagen Derivatives in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Repair: A Systematic Scoping Review With Evidence Mapping.Rheumatol Ther. 2020 Dec;7(4):703-740. doi: 10.1007/s40744-020-00240-5Woo T, Lau L, Cheng N, Chan P, Tan K, Gardner A.Efficacy of Oral Collagen in Joint Pain - Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.J Arthritis. 2017;6(2):233.Versus Arthritis.Collagen.USP.USP Verified Mark.Vegan Health.Collagen.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis: What You Need To Know.Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz MLW, Mesinkovsk NA.Oral collagen supplementation: a systematic review of dermatological applications.J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(1):9-16.
Penn Medicine.4 Head-To-Toe Ways That Collagen Can Improve Your Health.
MedlinePlus.Cartilage Disorders.
Arthritis Foundation.Are Collagen Supplements Helpful for Arthritis?
Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL, et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edition. New York: W. H. Freeman; 2000. Section 22.3,Collagen: The Fibrous Proteins of the Matrix.
Vasiliadis HS, Tsikopoulos K.Glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis.World J Orthop. 2017 Jan 18;8(1):1-11. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v8.i1.1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoarthritis.
Bakilan F, Armagan O, Ozgen M, Tascioglu F, Bolluk O, Alatas O.Effects of Native Type II Collagen Treatment on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Eurasian J Med. 2016 Jun;48(2):95-101. doi: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2015.15030
Honvo G, Lengelé L, Charles A, Reginster JY, Bruyère O.Role of Collagen Derivatives in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Repair: A Systematic Scoping Review With Evidence Mapping.Rheumatol Ther. 2020 Dec;7(4):703-740. doi: 10.1007/s40744-020-00240-5
Woo T, Lau L, Cheng N, Chan P, Tan K, Gardner A.Efficacy of Oral Collagen in Joint Pain - Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.J Arthritis. 2017;6(2):233.
Versus Arthritis.Collagen.
USP.USP Verified Mark.
Vegan Health.Collagen.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis: What You Need To Know.
Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz MLW, Mesinkovsk NA.Oral collagen supplementation: a systematic review of dermatological applications.J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(1):9-16.
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