Background

• Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals. It is the main component of cartilage, skin, ligaments, tendons, bone, and teeth. More than 29 different types of collagen have been described. The most common forms in the human body are types I, II, III, and IV.
• Type II collagen is responsible for strength and toughness in the cartilage. This type of collagen is found in the joints, breastbone, and respiratory tract.
• Type II collagen accounts for over 50 percent of the dry weight of cartilage and is also found in small amounts in a number of tissues during early development.
• Preliminary evidence suggests that type II collagen may help relieve the pain of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some studies found that a product containing type II collagen may provide short-term pain relief for osteoarthritis patients. However, more evidence is needed before conclusions can be made regarding the use of type II collagen for any health condition.

References

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