A nutritional supplement made from fish or animal sources, type 2 collagen hydrolysate is rich in amino-acids and able to support the recovery and regeneration of joint cartilage.
Also referred to as type 2 collagen or purified gelatin, this supplement stimulates the production of natural collagen inside the body, contributing to healthier joints and reducing swelling, pain and stiffness. Now, you may have noticed that we’ve mentioned gelatin above and you may be wondering what the link between this ingredient used for cooking and collagen in your joints is.
Gelatin is cooked collagen, but is also rich in amino-acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Just like natural collagen produced inside the human organism, gelatin can exert anti-inflammatory properties and act as a natural anti-aging compound, helping in the prevention of degenerative and inflammatory diseases.
The main difference between gelatin and type II collagen is the processing method, the latter being less processed. Given their similarities, both products can be used as a source of protein for balancing your diet, and should be added to your menu if you suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis, or if your hair and fingernails are weak and unhealthy.
How type II collagen supports the health of joints
Osteoarthritis, one of the leading causes of joint pain, occurs when the cartilage found in joints is degenerated faster than it is synthesized, and becomes thinner and unable to perform its functions. Even in a healthy person, the cartilage is subject to permanent catabolic and anabolic processes that affect its composition, and regulate the production and breakdown of this tissue.
In young and active people who have a balanced diet, this tissue is less likely to wear out, but the wear and tear that occur with age, mechanical stress and excess weight will eventually lead to the destruction of the cartilage, which will no longer be able to renew itself sufficiently for keeping the joints healthy. As a result, stiffness, joint pain and swelling will occur.
The good news is that osteoarthritis is a progressive condition and if we act on time and treat its root causes and symptoms in the initial stages, chances to beat this disease are higher. Type II collagen supplements can stop the erosion of cartilage in joints, helping the tissue regenerate and reducing pain.
Also, it can prevent inflammation that can worsen the condition, and can restore the normal functioning of the joints, improving the range of motion.
In osteoarthritis, harmful enzymes damage these two compounds, leading to a loss of cartilage and joint function. But taking collagen supplements or adding gelatin to your diet may prevent these issues, relieving joint pain and allowing you to move with ease.
Spanish researchers found type II collagen hydrolysate to be effective in reducing knee joint pain, subjects with the greatest joint degeneration benefiting the most [2]. In another study, type 2 collagen hydrolysate was found to be safe and effective in relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis, results suggesting that it may also be a valid natural solution for osteoporosis [1].
US scientists also found collagen hydrolysate to reduce joint pain in athletes, their study, published in the Current medical research and opinion journal showing that participants experienced improvements in the function of their joints after 24 weeks of collagen supplementation [3]. At the same time, athletes showed significant improvements in knee joint comfort, so the researchers concluded that dietary collagen hydrolysage can be used daily for reducing the risk of joint deterioration and pain.
References
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11071580
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19212858
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18416885
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