Oral administration of hydrolyzed collagen alleviates pain and enhances functionality in knee osteoarthritis: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed 39839727 · doi:10.1016/j.conctc.2024.101424
What was done
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adults aged 30–81 years (50% female) with grade II or III knee osteoarthritis and a visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score of at least 40/100 were allocated to receive either 10 g/day of oral collagen peptides (molecular weight 1–3 kDa) or a placebo for six months. Assessments at baseline and month 6 included VAS pain scores, Lequesne algofunctional index (LAI) scores, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and adverse events.
What was found
After six months, the collagen group demonstrated statistically significant reductions compared to placebo in VAS pain scores, Lequesne algofunctional index scores, CRP (mg/L), and ESR (mm/h) (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). No adverse effects were reported. The abstract provides p-values but omits exact baseline and follow-up values, mean differences, or confidence intervals.
Why it matters
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides may serve as a safe, non-pharmacological dietary adjunct to improve joint function and reduce pain and systemic inflammatory markers in knee osteoarthritis.
Limits
The abstract does not state the total sample size (n), drop-out rates, or numerical values for any outcome measure. Long-term outcomes beyond six months and structural/radiological changes in the joint were not reported.
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