Collagen Type II Peptides

Nutraceutical / Joint Health

Also known as: UC-II, Undenatured Type II Collagen, Native Type II Collagen

Collagen-Derived PeptidesResearch phase: Clinical (supplement with RCT data)Regulatory: Not approved as drug. Available as dietary supplement with clinical evidence.

Mechanism

Collagen type II peptides are derived from cartilage and taken as supplements for joint health. Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) works through oral tolerance to reduce the immune attack on joint cartilage.

Technical detail

Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) contains intact epitopes that induce oral tolerance via gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), suppressing T cell-mediated autoimmune cartilage destruction. This involves upregulation of Treg cells and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-β, IL-10). Clinical trials demonstrate improvements in joint comfort and function in osteoarthritis at doses as low as 40 mg/day.

Evidence

Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Lugo JP, Saiyed ZM, Lane NE (2016) — Nutrition Journal — PMID: 26822714
In a 180-day multicenter randomized trial, 191 participants with knee osteoarthritis received UC-II 40 mg daily, glucosamine plus chondroitin, or placebo. UC-II produced significant reductions in total WOMAC versus placebo and glucosamine/chondroitin, improved WOMAC pain, stiffness, and physical-function subscales, and was well tolerated without meaningful safety differences among groups.
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