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Can Collagen Supplements Ease Your Knee Osteoarthritis Pain? Here's What the Science Says

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that causes pain and disability for many, especially as we age.1 While there's no magic bullet, people often look for ways to manage the pain, and collagen supplements have become a popular option.1 But do they actually work? Let's dive into what the research says.


The Link Between Collagen and Joint Health


Collagen is a vital protein in our bodies, making up a large part of our cartilage – the cushion between our joints.4 In osteoarthritis, this cartilage breaks down, leading to pain and stiffness.1 The idea behind collagen supplements is to provide the body with the building blocks it needs to repair or slow down this damage.

What the Studies Show


Several studies have explored whether taking collagen supplements can help with knee OA pain. Here's a look at some of the key findings:


  • Significant Pain Reduction: A large review of 11 studies, involving over 800 participants, found that oral collagen supplements led to a significant improvement in pain scores for people with knee OA.1 Another similar analysis also showed that collagen helped reduce knee pain.8

  • Improved Function: These studies also indicated that collagen supplementation can improve the ability to perform daily activities for those with knee OA.1

  • Clinically Meaningful Relief: Importantly, the pain reduction seen in some studies was not just statistically significant, but also considered clinically meaningful, meaning patients noticed a real difference.1 In fact, some individuals experienced a decrease in pain that exceeded what's considered a noticeable improvement.1

  • Different Types of Collagen May Help: Research has looked at various forms of collagen, including hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides) and undenatured collagen.8 Hydrolyzed collagen, which is broken down into smaller pieces for easier absorption 10, has shown promise in relieving pain.9

  • Dosage Matters: Studies have used different dosages of collagen, typically ranging from 2.5 grams to 15 grams per day.4 One study found that 10 grams of collagen hydrolysate daily for six months significantly improved knee joint comfort.14


How Might Collagen Work?


It's thought that when you take collagen orally, especially in the hydrolyzed form, it gets absorbed into the bloodstream.10 These smaller collagen pieces (peptides) can then reach the cartilage and potentially stimulate the body to produce more of its own collagen, which is essential for healthy joints.14 Some types of collagen may also have protective effects on existing cartilage.17


Important Considerations


While the research looks promising, it's important to keep a few things in mind:


  • Not a Replacement for Traditional Treatments: Collagen supplements should be considered a complementary approach and not a substitute for established treatments for knee OA, which can include exercise, physical therapy, and medications.18

  • Quality of Research Varies: Some reviews have noted that while many studies show positive results, the quality of the research can vary, so more high-quality studies are needed.3

  • Individual Results May Differ: What works for one person may not work for another. Factors like the severity of your OA and your overall health can play a role.

  • Safety: Collagen supplementation is generally considered safe for most people, but some mild side effects like digestive issues have been reported.23 If you have allergies, especially to fish, be sure to check the source of the collagen.24


The Bottom Line


The current research suggests that oral collagen supplementation, particularly hydrolyzed collagen, may be a helpful tool in managing the pain and functional limitations associated with knee osteoarthritis.1 If you're considering trying collagen for your knee OA pain, it's always best to talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional to discuss if it's right for you and what dosage might be appropriate. They can help you make an informed decision as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

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EDGE Grass-Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptide Powder is essential for maintaining a healthy level of collagen in the body. Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body and is responsible for keeping the skin, hair, and nails healthy. 


Collagen also gives structure to tendons and joints. The body’s ability to produce collagen slowly decreases as it ages. Therefore, individuals interested in their health should consider supplementing with it to keep the body functioning correctly. 


Hydrolyzed collagen is absorbed more readily and uses the amino acids present to boost functionality. Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides Powder is rich in the amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and alanine, which help promote collagen synthesis in our body.


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The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


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Works cited


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  2. www.clinexprheumatol.org, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.clinexprheumatol.org/article.asp?a=21013

  3. Collagen supplementation and pain in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review - OsloMet ODA, accessed April 5, 2025, https://oda.oslomet.no/oda-xmlui/handle/11250/3166982

  4. Are Collagen Supplements Helpful for Arthritis?, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/supplements-and-vitamins/can-collagen-supplements-help-arthritis

  5. Effect of supplementation with type 1 and type 3 collagen peptide and type 2 hydrolyzed collagen on osteoarthritis-related pain, quality of life, and physical function: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study | 2025, Volume 36 - Joint Diseases and Related Surgery, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.jointdrs.org/full-text/1642

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  7. Effect of collagen supplementation on knee osteoarthritis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials - PubMed, accessed April 5, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39212129/

  8. The effect of collagen on knee osteoarthritis - Study Summary - Examine.com, accessed April 5, 2025, https://examine.com/research-feed/study/1M4wDd/

  9. Analgesic efficacy of collagen peptide in knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PMC, accessed April 5, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10505327/

  10. Which collagen is best absorbed (form, type, and picks) - Natu.Care, accessed April 5, 2025, https://natu.care/uk/collagen/best-absorbable-collagen

  11. Collagen vs. Collagen Peptides: What's the Difference and Which Is Best? - CNET, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/collagen-vs-collagen-peptides-whats-the-difference-and-which-is-best/

  12. What Is the Best Form of Collagen to Take? Benefits & Side Effects - MedicineNet, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_the_best_form_of_collagen_to_take/article.htm

  13. Bioavailability and Bioavailable Forms of Collagen after Oral Administration to Rats | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry - ACS Publications, accessed April 5, 2025, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf5057502

  14. A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy and safety of a food ingredient, collagen hydrolysate, for improving joint comfort - ResearchGate, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24003895_A_randomized_controlled_trial_on_the_efficacy_and_safety_of_a_food_ingredient_collagen_hydrolysate_for_improving_joint_comfort

  15. Collagen Supplements: Types, Benefits, Dosage - Healthline, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/do-collagen-supplements-work

  16. How Much Collagen Should You Take per Day? - Healthline, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-collagen-per-day

  17. Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge - PubMed, accessed April 5, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36986062/

  18. Knee Osteoarthritis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507884/

  19. Knee Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Stages, Causes & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic, accessed April 5, 2025, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21750-osteoarthritis-knee

  20. Arthritis in Knee: Signs, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic, accessed April 5, 2025, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21978-arthritis-of-the-knee

  21. Osteoarthritis - Treatment and support - NHS, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/treatment/

  22. Osteoarthritis - Diagnosis & treatment - Mayo Clinic, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351930

  23. Collagen supplements: Benefits, safety, and effects - Medical News Today, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325344

  24. Beware of These 6 Collagen Intake Side Effects - Siloam Hospitals, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.siloamhospitals.com/en/informasi-siloam/artikel/beware-of-these-6-collagen-intake-side-effects

  25. What Are the Side Effects of Taking Collagen? - MedicineNet, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_the_side_effects_of_taking_collagen/article.htm


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