Cartilage and Collagen

Uses

Cartilage, derived from shark, bovine (cow), and other animal sources, is a type of connective tissue composed of mucopolysaccharides (including chondroitin sulfate), protein substances, calcium, sulfur, and collagen. Collagen is one of the proteins found in most connective tissues, including cartilage, bone, and skin. Gelatin is a form of collagen commonly used in foods, and preliminary reports suggest that consuming gelatin can improve the structure and health of the hair and nails.1, 2, 3, 4 Collagen hydrolysate is produced by enzymatically breaking down bovine gelatin to smaller protein fragments.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used forWhy
2 Stars
Osteoarthritis
Refer to label instructions
Taking collagen hydrolysate may help relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.

In a double-blind study, collagen hydrolysate was compared with gelatin and egg protein as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee. When subjects took 10 grams per day either of gelatin or collagen hydrolysate for two months, they reported significantly more pain relief than when they took a similar amount of egg protein. More research is needed to confirm the benefits of gelatin or collagen hydrolysate in osteoarthritis. In a double-blind trial, individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee received 40 mg per day of a particular type of collagen known as undenatured type II collagen (derived from chickens) or placebo for six months. Compared with the placebo, undenatured type II collagen significantly improved pain, stiffness, and overall functioning.

How It Works

How to Use It

Bovine cartilage is typically recommended at 3 grams three times per day. Shark cartilage is sometimes taken in much higher amounts (e.g., 60 to 100 grams per day orally or by enema). These amounts are based on animal and anecdotal evidence and their safety and efficacy have not been confirmed by controlled clinical trials. Not only is toxicity information on this amount of shark cartilage lacking, but the amount of calcium in this amount of shark cartilage exceeds the 2 to 2.5 grams per day that is commonly considered to be the upper limit of safe intake. Type II collagen, when used for its effects on the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis, is used in very small amounts, from 0.02 mg to 10 mg per day. Gelatin and collagen hydrolysate is recommended at 7 to 10 grams per day.

Where to Find It

Cartilage is derived from either sharks or cows. Collagen is derived from either cows or chickens.

Possible Deficiencies

Since they are not essential nutrients, neither cartilage nor collagen are associated with deficiencies.

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Side Effects

Reports have suggested that some people should not use a cartilage supplement. This concern is based only on theory, not clinical evidence. This would include those people with cardiovascular disease, women who are planning to be or are pregnant, nursing mothers, anyone having or having had surgery within 30 days, and athletes training intensely. None of these concerns have been proven in clinical trials, however. Because shark cartilage contains calcium, people who ingest large amounts of shark cartilage (60 to 100 grams per day) may be consuming excessive amounts of this mineral. However, no cases of calcium toxicity resulting from the ingestion of shark cartilage have been reported.

While use of gelatin, collagen hydrolysate, or type II collagen has not resulted in any reports of serious side effects, people with known sensitivities to chicken or beef should consult a doctor before using them.

References

1. Scala J, Hollies N, Sucher KP. Effect of daily gelatin ingestion on human scalp hair. Nutr Rep Int 1976;13:579-92.

2. Morganti P, Randazzo SD. Nutrition and hair. J Appl Cosmetol1984;2:41-9.

3. Tyson TL. The effect of gelatin on fragile finger nails. Invest Dermatol1950;14:323-5.

4. Rosenberg S, Oster KA, Kallos A, Burroughs W. Further studies in the use of gelatin in the treatment of brittle nails. AMA Arch Derm 1957;76:330-5.

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