The Link Between Marine Collagen And Arthritis
While there is not enough evidence to say for certain that every arthritis patient would find benefit from marine collagen supplements, there has been a strong link between the two. Taking marine collagen will definitely not be harmful to your joint pain or arthritis. It’s recommended you take between 20-40mg of marine collagen per day. Whether this is a tablet-based supplement or as a powder form that you blend into a drink, the choice is yours.
Can Collagen Cure Knee Pain
- The Collagen Co
Your knees have been emitting clear signals that something’s up for the past few weeks they ache in the morning, right after workouts, and even before you get under the sheets. Trying to remember the last time you were pain-free feels like the experience of recounting childhood memories: fuzzy and out of reach. But then, you come across collagen supplements and their promise to alleviate joint pain. You’re intrigued.
But you’re also sceptical. Can mixing a scoop of collagen powder into your morning oats truly serve as a cure for knee pain? Lets find out.
What Is Collagen And Where Is It Found
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body.
Collagen is the protein that glues our body together the word collagen even comes from the Greek word for glue, kólla.
Collagen gives strength, structure and elasticity to our skin, bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage and blood vessels.
Its found in most of the bodies tissues, including tendons, ligaments, cartilage, connective tissues and bones.
Collagen is made up of long chains of tightly bound amino acids. The collagen structure looks like a dense rope of fibres.
Its this fibrous structure that makes it strong enough to support hard tissues like bone, and elastic tissues such as cartilage, ligaments and tendons.1
The body can make its own collagen from nutrients including protein, vitamin C and copper.
- You can find collagen in meat, bone broth and gelatine.
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What Happens To The Joints In Arthritis
Osteoarthritis: In osteoarthritis, the immune system generates an attack on the joints to induce inflammation, swelling, and pain. This inflammatory attack is mediated and/or exacerbated by exposed microscopic collagen fibers. The immune system mistakes these collagen fibers as being akin to pathogenic cellular invaders, ultimately signaling for killer T-cells to attack the joints with these collagen fibers.
When the killer T-cells reach the joints, proinflammatory cytokines are released in attempt to eviscerate collagen mistaken as a pathogenic cellular invader. After the proinflammatory cytokines are released, even more killer T-cells are sent to the joints and a vicious circle of joint degradation is set in motion and maintained. Ultimately, a cell-destroying protein cluster known as the membrane attack complex is released and binds to cartilage-generating cells.
Binding of membrane attack complexes to cartilage-generating cells facilitates the secretion of complement-component proteins, inflammatory biomarkers, and enzymes. The combination of these proteins, inflammatory biomarkers, and enzymes continue degrading cartilage matrixes in the joints. Thereafter, as cartilage matrixes are attacked and destroyed by the immune system, they secrete byproducts in the process such as: fibromodulin.
May Promote Heart Health
Researchers have theorized that collagen supplements may help reduce the risk of heart conditions.
Collagen provides structure to your arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Without enough collagen, arteries may become less flexible and elastic .
This may lead to atherosclerosis, a disease characterized by the narrowing of your arteries. This condition may lead to heart attack and stroke .
In a 6-month study, 31 healthy adults took 16 grams of collagen daily. They had experienced a significant reduction in measures of artery stiffness from the studys beginning to its end .
Additionally, their levels of HDL cholesterol rose by an average of 6%. HDL is an important factor in the risk of heart conditions, including atherosclerosis (
Nevertheless, more studies on collagen supplements and heart health are needed.
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How Does Collagen Support Our Bones And Teeth
Collagen makes up 90% of our organic bone mass. Its fibers form the protein matrix in our bones, and as we age, our bones lose a lot of strength and elasticity due to collagen loss. Increasing collagen intake can increase bone mineral density, which is key to preventing bone fractures. Collagen is also the main component of teeth, and so daily supplementation can help with strengthening your teeth and preventing them from increasing in sensitivity!
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After working in integrative and functional medicine as a chiropractor and nutritionist for over 15 years, Dr. Chris Oswald joined Further Food as Chief Science Officer in charge of new product development. On top of his list of new products to creatâ¦
Collagen For Back Or Shoulder Pain
Knees may be the most common area for joint pain, but its not the only body part that can be affected. Many people also experience joint dysfunction and discomfort in the lower back or shoulders. Collagen has been shown to provide significant support in these areas as well. In a six-month double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 200 patients with joint pain in the shoulder or spine, more than 51 percent of those taking a hydrolyzed collagen supplement experienced relief compared to just 36.5 percent of the patients taking a placebo.
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What Are The Other Options
For most of us, thereâs also a much cheaper way to keep our skin, bones and joints healthy and thatâs exercise.
âExercise is by far the most powerful medicine available to us,â says Professor Beck.
âThe bones that you have will be at their absolutely strongest, the more you exercise, and itâs same for tendons and ligaments.â
Professor Beck says resistance exercise is the best thing you can do for keeping bones, muscles and connective tissue strong and healthy. That includes working out at the gym or lifting weights at home, walking up stairs or doing hill sprints.
âBe patient, start slow and build up gradually,â she says.
Meanwhile, if you want to protect your skin, Dr Beckett suggests avoiding things that accelerate collagen breakdown, such as sun and cigarettes, and eating a healthy diet.
âAll those things we know are healthy already, like a good diet, not smoking and staying out of the sun would help, but you canât put that in a bottle,â says Dr Beckett.
What Type Of Collagen Is Best For Knee Pain
The most common type II collagen protein is found in the cartilage. Consuming collagen hydrolysate has been shown to increase the production of joint collagen, which can help relieve osteoarthritis symptoms.
The human body contains the most protein of any organ in its tissues. There are three types of collagen: I, II, and III. There are several types of collagen that provide benefits. In addition to treating joint symptoms, hydrolyzed collagen type II may be beneficial in the treatment of eczema. Collagen Type II is the primary protein found in the cartilage. Grass-fed cows produce Collagen Type III in a comparable quantity to marine collagen. This type of collagen aids in skin health and elasticity.
Flexcin is a natural solution for reducing swelling and rebuilding damaged tissues that has been manufactured in the USA. Furthermore, the product is available for a 90-day trial without any risk. If youre not satisfied with your results after taking Flexcin for three months, simply return the empty bottles and well give you a full refund less shipping and handling.
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Replacing Lost Collagen With Marine Collagen Uk
With inadequate levels of collagen, your cartilage can no longer function as it is supposed to. This can lead to an increased risk of joint-based conditions like osteoarthritis. In fact, there is evidence from studies that age-related collagen decline is directly linked with a higher risk of degenerative joint disorders. But if you replenish some of that lost collagen by supplementing with marine collagen UK, you could fight back against that risk. And if you are already experiencing joint pain, it could be soothed by restoring strength and structure to your cartilage.
There have been various studies that show collagen consumption can improve the condition of cartilage, as well as tendons and ligaments. Many participants in these studies reported a significant reduction in joint pain. In one randomised controlled study from 2008, athletes were given 10 grams of collagen per day for 6 months and they experienced a substantial reduction in joint pain both at rest and while walking. Another study from 2012 found that, in adults taking just 2 grams per day for a period of 70 days, similar results were observed. Many of the participants also found that they were able to become more physically active than they had been previously.
Aloe Vera Regulates Immune Responses In Psoriasis
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Aloe vera modulates the immune system in several ways.
The active ingredients of aloe vera inhibit the release of free radicals from immune cells thereby preventing inflammation2.
Anthraquinones and chromone are the therapeutic agents which possess strong anti-inflammatory effects.
It inhibits the influx of calcium in an immune cell hence, inhibiting the release of inflammation inducing agents.
What does this mean? Aloe vera modifies immune system in psoriatic arthritis patients. This helps in treating this disorder by rectifying the activity of immune system.
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Brief Historical Recap: How Undenatured Type 2 Collagen Was Discovered To Be Therapeutic For Arthritis
Researchers have long known that, among persons with arthritis and joint disorders, the immune system reacts to and attacks exposed collagen. For this reason, scientists began conducting experiments to determine how they could inhibit or interfere with immune reactivity to collagen. It would eventually be discovered that a component within chicken soup facilitated anti-inflammatory effects such that, after consumption, sites of inflammation were shielded from immune attacks.
After further investigation, researchers determined that type 2 chicken collagen favorably modulated immune function and induced tolerance to exposed collagen. Chicken collagen was first investigated as an intervention for rheumatoid arthritis, however, when normally processed , type 2 collagen failed to induce oral tolerance. Later, it was realized that in order to induce oral tolerance, the type 2 collagen must remain undenatured to retain bioactivity within the human body .
The Truth About Joint Pain And Marine Collagen Uk
The hype around the marine collagen UK suppliers sell is palpable right now. Its in supplement aisles, all over online health and beauty forums, mixed into drinks and even in your favourite skincare products. The buzz is that its a nutrient that can reverse the early signs of ageing, strengthening your skin, hair and nails while easing joint pain and promoting healthy bone growth.
There is good reason behind the growing popularity of marine collagen in the UK. It is a fundamental protein that our bodies need one of the key building blocks for many of the connective tissues in our anatomy. This is good news for inflamed, painful joints. With collagen supplements, you could repair the tissues of the joints to help them move more smoothly and with less discomfort.
If youve been considering collagen for joints, heres the truth about what it might do.
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What Is Undenatured Type 2 Collagen
Undenatured type 2 collagen sold as UC-II is a patented form of undenatured type 2 collagen derived specifically from chicken sternum cartilage along with other inactive ingredients. Undenatured type 2 collagen is different from hydrolyzed/denatured collagen in that it contains active ingredients that modulate the immune system. The immunomodulators contained within undenatured type 2 collagen decrease the secretion of enzymes that metabolize endogenous type 2 collagen, which attenuates part of the inflammatory response commonly observed in arthritis and joint disorders.
New Collagen Treatment For Arthritis Younger Skin
Collagen is well-known for its effect on improving the skin, hair and nails, but there has been considerable research recently on its role in repairing cartilage, and so helping improve pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis.
Collagen is actually the most common protein in the body. It is in all connective tissues, and is crucial for the stability, strength and elasticity of all the tissues and organs. The body contains at least 28 types of collagen, which are especially needed for cartilage, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, skin, and bones.
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What Collagen Do I Recommend If You Have Arthritis
Below are links to specific types of collagen Id recommend for persons with arthritis. These are products that I would personally utilize if I had any type of arthritis. .
Undenatured type 2 collagen
This is the type of collagen that is most supported by evidence for the treatment of arthritis and joint pain. Always ensure that the collagen is undenatured, type 2 collagen, and derived from chicken . As Ive already mentioned, type 2 collagen derived from bovine was less effective than a placebo chickens are the answer. You can find many quality brands of UC-II on Amazon Ive linked to a product that I personally use.
Hydrolyzed collagen
As Ive mentioned, theres little evidence to substantiate the effectiveness of hydrolyzed collagen for the treatment of arthritis and/or joint conditions. Still, because evidence indicates that hydrolyzed collagen is generally safe for human consumption, some may wish to utilize it as a supplement for its speculative therapeutic potential. There are many quality brands of hydrolyzed collagen that you can purchase on Amazon and/or use with your other collagen.
Do Collagen And Glucosamine Help Arthritis
You should know, there are options available other than prescription medications or surgery to address the physical function of your joints.
For example, two natural supplements that have been shown in studies to help alleviate joint discomfort are glucosamine and collagen.
Which sets up the question, how to choose between collagen vs. glucosamine?Glucosamine has been used by many to address their arthritic pain. However, collagen has exploded onto the health and wellness scene especially for its ability to improve joint health.
Pro Tip: Adding collagen peptides to your daily routine can offer other benefits such as thicker hair, fewer deep wrinkles on your face, wrinkles around lips, support sagging skin, better gut health, stronger arteries, bigger muscles and weight loss.
Since both supplements can be helpful supplements for joint health, how do you decide between collagen vs. glucosamine?
Letâs find outâ¦
Make sure you also check our guide to the best infrared heating pads for further help with joint pain reduction.
Osteoarthritis Explained
See the graphic from the Arthritis National Research Foundation below to see what cartilage looks like when your joint is healthyThe lack of cartilage in joints results in a condition called arthritis. There are over 100 different types of arthritis or conditions of arthritis.
In this article, weâre focusing on osteoarthritis.
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Collagens Role In Joint Health And Disease
Having good levels of collagen in your body is critical for healthy joints, as
- It adds strength and structure to tendons and ligaments, which stabilise joints
- It is a key component of joint cartilage
Cartilage contains special cells called chondrocytes that produce collagen and other substances needed for healthy joints. Normally, the deterioration of cartilage in a joint is matched by the production of new cartilage by the chondrocytes. However, if the output of the chondrocytes falls, the cartilage will deteriorate and osteoarthritis will develop, causing pain and stiffness in the joint.
If poor cartilage production is combined with mechanical stress in the joint , this causes the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals which further breaks down the joint cartilage.
Typically, osteoarthritis gets worse over time. Medications for OA are limited to pain-killers and anti-inflammatory drugs, which do not reduce the rate of progression or help with the restoration of the cartilage. Natural sources of collagen and nutritional cofactors have been shown to not only reduce joint pain, inflammation and stiffness, but to assist with the regeneration of the joint tissues.
Arthritis pain improvement chart
Drawbacks And Research Limitations
Very little solid research has shown positive results on collagen’s effectiveness for RA.
Many of the existing studies had one or more of the following flaws:
- They werent well-designed.
- They werent conducted in humans.
- They didnt compare collagen to a placebo or standard treatment.
- They led to inconclusive results.
- They were conducted by companies that had a financial interest in the product being studied.
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What Does Collagen Do For Knee Pain
There is some evidence that collagen may help reduce knee pain. One study found that taking a collagen supplement for 12 weeks reduced pain and improved function in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. Another study found that a collagen supplement reduced joint pain and stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Fortigel bioactive collagen peptides, which are five grams in dosage form, had a positive impact on knee joint pain during activity. A pilot study discovered that the amount of proteoglycan, an essential component of cartilage, in the human knee joint was increasing. The Fortigel group had a significant reduction in exercise-induced knee pain when compared to the placebo group. According to the team of researchers, only the effects measured in the study, as well as the specific Bioactive Collagen Peptide used, could be used.
In some cases, collagen supplementation has been shown to improve joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The evidence is lacking, and there are potential side effects to consider before taking collagen supplements. It is critical to consult with your doctor before taking any medication in order to determine what is the best course of action for you.