by Contributing Author
You might be aware of the recent hype about collagen powder or supplements. Due to its impressive benefits, collagen powder is being used widely.
Collagen is a protein that is found in a number of parts of our body. The cartilage between the bones is one of those parts. It is basically made up of amino acids.
It is found that over time with aging, our body reduces the production of collagen, and as a result, we start experiencing several health conditions, including joint pain. It is believed that collagen supplements can help in joint pain.
Here, in this article, we will talk about that only. Before getting into the main topic, let’s get the basic knowledge about what collagen is.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is referred to as the most abundant protein in the body. Our body consists of a number of connective tissues, and collagen is the main component of that. Apart from that, it is also found in teeth, tendons, cartilage, bones, and skin.
Collagen also comes in tough bundles, and they are named collagen fibers, which support most of the tissues of the body and also can be found both outside and inside cells.
Benefits Of Collagen In Relieve Joint Pain And Arthritis
Now, we know what collagen is and what it actually does. Now, we will discuss how collagen powder can relieve joint pain.
Type II collagen is mostly used for treating pain in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Usually, this particular type of collagen is taken from chickens. It encourages the body to produce substances that fight inflammation.
Although there is no clinical evidence available till now, the chicken collagen mostly contains chemicals, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, that might help in rebuilding cartilage.
Use In Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is most popularly known as degenerative joint disease. It belongs the most common form of arthritis, which affects over 32.5 million adults.
The cartilage, which is responsible for protecting the joints, wears down over time, and this condition is medically termed Osteoarthritis. Although clinical evidence is mixed, it is believed that collagen supplements might assist in rebuilding joints along with reducing inflammation in the case of Osteoarthritis.
A study had shown that when patients who were suffering from knee osteoarthritis were given collagen and acetaminophen, a significant improvement was witnessed in their joint pain, quality of life, and overall joint functioning.
A systematic review on cartilage repair and Osteoarthritis found that undenatured collagen and collagen hydrolysate has some potential for managing Osteoarthritis. Still, further investigation and clinical proof are needed before reaching any conclusion about their effectiveness.
Use In Rheumatoid Arthritis
When the immune system of the body by mistake attacks healthy cells and causes painful swelling, mainly in the knee joints, wrist, and hand, the condition is clinically termed rheumatoid arthritis or RA.
In this health condition, the lining of the joints becomes inflamed by damaging the tissues of the joints. As per the research, collagen supplements have shown mixed results in the case of RA.
A study was conducted among both RA and OA patients. As per the study, the patients get positive results with oral collagen intake. However, the result is a bit controversial in the case of RA when it is compared with the traditional therapies, like methotrexate, which is a drug designed for slowing down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
In the case of osteoarthritis, the use of oral collagen in the form of partially denatured collagen and UC II has shown an effective pain relief for those individuals who were suffering from osteoarthritis.
Still, we need to say that there are not enough long-term or large studies in order to verify collagen’s effectiveness in all these conditions of joints. However, in clinical and preclinical studies, oral collagen has shown some positive overall results against rheumatoid arthritis.
To Conclude
It is believed that collagen powder supplements can effectively reduce joint pain. Although there is not enough clinical evidence to prove it, taking collagen supplements can potentially help you relieve joint pain.
In case you are suffering from joint pain or arthritis, you can try and take a tailored collagen supplement powder for joints and get some relief. You will also be able to find out whether it is working for you or not.
