What Are Osteoarthritis and Joint Metabolism?
A joint is a point where two or more bones are connected. In a healthy joint, the bone ends are encased in smooth cartilage to absorb the shock when we move. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of bones in the joint deteriorates, causing inflammation, swelling and pain.
Our joints consist of bone, muscle, ligaments, cartilage, extracellular matrix and chondrocytes (10%). The extracellular matrix is part of the cartilage and consists of a fluid (80%) and structural macromolecules, including collagen (12%), proteoglycans (5-7%) and non-collagenous proteins (3-4%). Chondrocytes are only found in cartilage and extracellular matrix and play a pivotal role in maintaining joint health by producing healthy cartilage and extracellular matrix.
Our joints undergo significant changes as we play sports, gain weight, eat an unhealthy diet, grow older and perform repetitive daily tasks. These can negatively affect the chondrocytes ability to regenerate new cartilage. This can lead to chronic joint symptoms such as discomfort, pain, stiffness, loss of flexibility, swelling and ultimately Osteoarthritis.
There are no known cures for Osteoarthritis and therefore most treatment objectives include pain reduction, increasing joint mobility, and preventing further damage.
How Does Collagen Help To Keep Our Joints Healthy?
Collagen is the body's most abundant protein and accounts for over 30% of the total protein in the body. Unfortunately, around the age of 25, our body's ability to produce collagen declines.
Collagen comprises 12% of the cartilages extracellular matrix, and it is the mesh that holds the cartilage together. If the collagen levels decline, then the cartilage begins to breakdown.
How Does Collagen Peptides Help To Create Healthy Joints?
Collagen Peptides contain a unique blend of amino acids needed by the body to produce healthy collagen. A process called collagen Synthesis turns a combination of specific amino acids with vitamin C's help into collagen.
According to published research, orally administered hydrolysed collagen peptides is absorbed intestinally and accumulates in cartilage. Collagen peptides stimulate an increase in the synthesis of extracellular matrix macromolecules (collagen, proteoglycans and non-collagenous proteins) by chondrocytes. This results in improved cartilage and joint health plus a reduction in the discomfort associated with Osteoarthritis.
Additional scientific studies show that taking 10g of collagen peptides per day for six months has positive effects on joint health, cartilage growth, pain reduction, stiffness, swelling, improved mobility and Osteoarthritis.
Evidence also supports the potential anti-inflammatory effect of collagen peptides on inflamed joints.
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The information provided in this blog, 'Collagen - Essential For Healthy Joints and Osteoarthritis' is general and intended for only educational purposes. We make no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, alleviate or cure illnesses or diseases with any information or product stated. With any health issue, we suggest you consult your healthcare professional before undertaking any health treatment.
References:
- Bello AE, Oesser S. Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: a review of the literature. Curr Med Res Opin. 2006 Nov;22(11):2221-32. doi: 10.1185/030079906X148373. PMID: 17076983.
- Trč T, Bohmová J. Efficacy and tolerance of enzymatic hydrolysed collagen (EHC) vs. glucosamine sulphate (GS) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Int Orthop. 2011;35(3):341-348. doi:10.1007/s00264-010-1010-z
- Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, Aukermann DF, Meza F, Millard RL, Deitch JR, Sherbondy PS, Albert A. 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008 May;24(5):1485-96. doi: 10.1185/030079908x291967. Epub 2008 Apr 15. PMID: 18416885.
- Hartog A, Cozijnsen M, de Vrij G, Garssen J. Collagen hydrolysate inhibits zymosan-induced inflammation. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2013 Jul;238(7):798-802. doi: 10.1177/1535370213480740. Epub 2013 Jun 20. PMID: 23788175.
- Elisângela Porfírio, Gustavo Bernardes Fanaro. Collagen supplementation as a complementary therapy for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Rev. bras. geriatr. gerontol. vol.19 no.1 Rio de Janeiro Jan./Feb. 2016. doi: 10.1590/1809-9823.2016.14145
