Meta-analysis: collagen could be beneficial in the case of osteoarthritis of the knee

Understanding gonarthrosis and the role of collagen

Osteoarthritis of the knee, or gonarthrosis, is a progressive degenerative condition resulting from wear and thinning of the cartilage responsible for protecting the joint (1). It manifests itself as pain or stiffness, often intensifying after prolonged periods of inactivity, a sensation of rubbing or cracking during movement, or even slight swelling in inflammatory flare-ups.

Over time, it can lead to a loss of flexibility and mobility, to the point where simple everyday activities (such as climbing stairs, getting up from a chair, squatting, etc.) can be impeded and overall quality of life can be impaired.

Against this backdrop, research is focusing increasingly on nutritional approaches and food supplements to better understand the biological mechanisms involved. One of the substances currently being studied is collagen. Naturally synthesised by the body, it is the main structural protein in joint cartilage and connective tissue (2).

It is also found in certain foods of animal origin, such as bone broth, poultry or fish skin, or gelatine. To maximise your intake even further, you can also take oral collagen supplements, but make sure you choose forms that are truly bioavailable (3).

Discover Marine Collagen, a highly assimilable hydrolysed marine collagen supplement, combined with vitamin C, which contributes to the normal formation of collagen for the normal functioning of skin and cartilage.

A meta-analysis assesses the effects of oral collagen on osteoarthritis of the knee

Published in August 2024, this systematic review and meta-analysis compiles 11 randomised controlled trials of oral collagen administration and its impact on the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. More specifically, it includes data from 870 participants suffering from gonarthrosis, 451 of whom were assigned to the "collagen supplementation" group and 419 to the "placebo" group (4).

In conclusion, the researchers found a significant improvement in pain scores (-13.6 points on average) and joint function (-6.46 points on average) in participants taking oral collagen compared with those who received a placebo.

Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain these results. Firstly, collagen supplies amino acids that are essential for the synthesis of cartilage proteins, which make up the extracellular matrix of cartilage and play a part in its repair and maintenance. In addition, by possibly modulating inflammation levels, it would regulate the activity of synovial fibroblasts that attack cartilage tissue, as well as pain receptors located in the knee joint.

However, it is important to point out that this study does not present collagen as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, but as a promising approach in terms of nutritional support.

Knee joint disorders: an effective synergistic supplement?

Some innovative formulas combine collagen with targeted nutrients to refocus its action on the cartilage component of the joint. Examples include PEA, a fatty acid amide that has shown promising effects in arthritic rats, and MSM, an organosulphur compound that has been extensively studied in the treatment of joint inflammation (5-6).

Type II collagen, PEA and MSM: Arthro Fast Relief combines the best ingredients to provide rapid relief and promote long-term cartilage regeneration.