Collagen Supplements for Osteoarthritis: Do They Actually Work for Joint Pain Relief?
Collagen supplementation shows promise for alleviating knee osteoarthritis pain, but medical experts require more evidence before making widespread recommendations.
Elizabeth Wilson, 65 (name changed to protect privacy), from Birmingham has been taking collagen with with her breakfast, to support her joints. But essentially she is taking it hoping it will relieve her knee pain.
“My daughter bought it after reading about it online,” Elizabeth says. “I was willing to try anything.” Many people feel the same way.
What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Elizabeth has knee osteoarthritis (OA). So do millions of people worldwide. In the UK, about 10 million people have osteoarthritis. Of these, over 5 million have knee osteoarthritis, while about 3 million have hip osteoarthritis. (1)
Here’s what happens with knee osteoarthritis. The smooth padding in your joints wears away over time. This makes your joints hurt and feel stiff. Simple things like walking can become hard.
Treatment typically includes painkillers and exercise. In severe cases, patients might need surgery and even joint replacement.
But new research suggests something else might help. Collagen supplements could ease arthritis pain naturally, to some degree.
Further Reading: Osteoarthritis of the Knee: 7 Expert-Recommended Tips to Manage Pain and Improve Mobility
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein your body makes. It helps build your joints, bones, and skin. Think of it as the glue that holds you together. As you get older, your body makes less collagen.
Also Read: Different types of collagen for different purposes – Type 1&3 vs Type 2
What Does the Latest Research Say?
In a recent review (2025), researchers looked at 11 studies with 870 people who had knee osteoarthritis. The results looked promising. People taking collagen had less joint pain than those taking fake pills (placebo). Their knees worked better too. (2)
Similar benefits were observed in a 2024 study. In this study, investigators randomly assigned 120 participants with knee osteoarthritis into two groups:
- Experimental group (received collagen peptides 10 g plus vitamin C 80 mg once daily)
- Placebo group (received identical product but with no active ingredients)
The study lasted for six months. The investigators measured pain intensity, the quality of life, and inflammatory markers at two points: first, at the start of the study and second, after six months of treatment.
After six months, participants in the experimental group showed: (3)
- Significantly improved pain scores.
- Better quality of life.
- Significantly lower levels of inflammatory markers.
Collagen Supplementation Can Help Lower Painkiller Use
Painkillers, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are commonly used to treat symptoms of OA. They’re effective for short-term pain relief.
These pain medications don’t affect the disease process. Long-term NSAID use may increase the risk of kidney damage, liver disease, and bleeding in the digestive tract.
Recent studies have shown that collagen supplementation might reduce the use of such medications.
For example, according to a 2023 study, collagen supplementation not only improves joint pain, stiffness, function, and quality of life but can also reduce or eliminate the need for painkillers. (4)
A high-quality 2023 study analysed three studies with 375 participants with knee osteoarthritis. The authors of the study concluded that collagen peptides are significantly superior to placebo (sugar pills) for reducing pain in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. (5)
These findings suggest that collagen can help people use fewer pain medications. That’s important because long-term use can hurt the stomach and kidneys.
Why Are Doctors Still Cautious About Collagen?
Even with good results, UK medical guidelines don’t yet recommend collagen. Why? The research findings don’t always match up.
Some studies showed big improvements in joint pain. Others showed only small benefits. This makes it hard to know who will benefit.
According to health experts, it’s currently impossible to recommend a dosage range for collagen because the studies vary a lot. Some studies lasted 12 weeks, others six months. Also, there’s a great variation in the types of collagen, the amounts of collagen, if they are used in combination with other nutrients and study lengths.
All these factors make it hard to determine which type and dose of collagen work best.
Other concerns include small sample sizes and funding from supplement companies themselves, which may influence results.
Are Collagen Supplements Safe?
Collagen supplements seem very safe. Most studies found very few side effects.
This is different from regular arthritis medications. Painkillers like ibuprofen can cause serious stomach problems if used long-term. Anyone taking painkillers for longer than the recommended dosages, should always discuss with their doctor.
Collagen supplements have an excellent safety record. For people who can’t take standard arthritis medications, collagen may help and that is where individuals can assess how their body and their condition responds to the nutrients.
Also Read: Are Collagen Supplements Safe? A Closer Look at the Latest Evidence
What This Means for You
Current research might create a puzzle for people with arthritis. Collagen sounds promising, but the evidence isn’t strong enough for GPs to recommend it to everyone yet.
At this moment, it’s too early to say whether collagen works for everyone with arthritis. However, since collagen appears to be safe and has helped some people, it’s worth trying, after consulting your GP.
Cost is something to consider. Good collagen supplements cost £20-40 per month. But if you’re already spending similar amounts on over-the-counter pain relief, it might be worth considering.
What’s Next?
Scientists are planning larger, longer studies. They want to find out which patients benefit most and what the best dose is.
Some researchers are even looking at whether collagen might slow down arthritis progression, not just treat symptoms. If true, this could change how we treat arthritis.
Studies are also looking at combination treatments. Could collagen work better with exercise?
Might it work better with other supplements? These questions drive ongoing research.
Should You Try Collagen?
If you have arthritis and are thinking about collagen, talk to your GP first. This is especially important if you take other medications or have other health problems.
The research on collagen shows promise but isn’t complete yet. We need more solid studies to prove it really works.
Everyone responds differently too. What helps Elizabeth might not help you. Things like your age, how bad your arthritis is, your overall health, and your genes probably affect whether collagen works for you.
Elizabeth still believes collagen helps her arthritis. “I can’t prove it scientifically,” she says. “But my knees feel less stiff each morning. I hardly ever need paracetamol for joint pain now.” She smiles. “For me, that’s proof enough.”
Key Takeaways
- Collagen supplements might reduce joint pain in people with knee arthritis.
- Studies show promise, but we need more research.
- Collagen supplements appear to be very safe with few side effects.
- Always talk to your GP before starting collagen for arthritis.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which collagen is best for knee joints?
Type II collagen is shown to reduce joint pain and improve joint function.
- Who should not take collagen?
Collagen is typically safe, and side effects are rare. However, collagen may not be safe to individuals with fish or egg allergies.
- How long does it take for collagen to help knee pain?
While there’s no specific number, most studies show it takes at least 8 weeks for collagen to help reduce knee pain. You may take a collagen supplement for several months without any side effects.
- Can collagen cause weight gain?
No, collagen doesn’t cause weight gain.
In fact, collagen supplementation may promote weight loss by reducing hunger and improving fat mobilisation. Besides, collagen is known to reduce joint pain, helping you move more and burn more calories.
- What are the side effects of collagen?
Side effects are very rare, and even when they occur, they tend to be mild. Some people may experience:
- Diarrhoea
- Upset stomach
- Rashes
- Can glucosamine and collagen be taken together?
Yes, they can be taken together.
According to a 2024 study, using a combination of hydrolysed type II collagen, glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane, and chondroitin for eight weeks results in lower pain and increased joint function in people with knee osteoarthritis. (6)
References:
- https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/data-and-statistics/the-state-of-musculoskeletal-health/
- Simental-Mendía, Mario et al. “Effect of collagen supplementation on knee osteoarthritis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.” Clinical and experimental rheumatology vol. 43,1 (2025): 126-134. doi:10.55563/clinexprheumatol/kflfr5
- Carrillo-Norte, Juan Antonio et al. “Oral administration of hydrolyzed collagen alleviates pain and enhances functionality in knee osteoarthritis: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” Contemporary clinical trials communications vol. 43 101424. 30 Dec. 2024, doi:10.1016/j.conctc.2024.101424
- Kamat, Yogeesh D et al. “A Retrospective Observational Study Evaluating the Synergistic Effect of a Novel Combination of Alfapin + Native Type 2 Collagen + Mobilee (Hyaluronic Acid) + CurQlife (Curcumin) Nutraceuticals in the Symptomatic Improvement of Knee Osteoarthritis.” Cureus vol. 15,3 e36123. 14 Mar. 2023, doi:10.7759/cureus.36123
- Lin, Chun-Ru et al. “Analgesic efficacy of collagen peptide in knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research vol. 18,1 694. 16 Sep. 2023, doi:10.1186/s13018-023-04182-w
- Ayhan, Fikriye Figen et al. “The effect of combined hydrolyzed type 2 collagen, methylsulfonylmethane, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate supplementation on knee osteoarthritis symptoms.” Turkish journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation vol. 70,2 259-268. 15 Jan. 2024, doi:10.5606/tftrd.2024.13735
