Undenatured collagen provides targeted nutritional support for joint health, mobility and connective tissue. Unlike hydrolysed collagen, undenatured collagen retains its natural molecular structure, allowing Type II collagen to interact with the immune system through a process known as oral tolerance.
Supports Joint Mobility
Undenatured collagen may help maintain comfortable joint movement, flexibility and mobility. This makes it particularly relevant for active individuals and anyone looking to support long-term joint health.
Supports Cartilage Health
Type II collagen is a major structural component of cartilage. Undenatured Type II collagen helps support cartilage integrity and may contribute to maintaining healthy cartilage and normal chondrocyte function.
Supports a Healthy Inflammatory Response
Through oral tolerance, undenatured Type II collagen may help regulate immune responses associated with cartilage and support a balanced inflammatory response.
How Undenatured Type II Collagen Works?
After ingestion, undenatured Type II collagen can interact with immune tissues in the small intestine, including Peyer's patches. This may trigger oral tolerance and influence T-cell activity, potentially supporting regulatory T-cells and a balanced inflammatory response.
Scientific and Clinical Evidence
Joint Comfort Clinical Study
A randomised controlled trial reported significant improvements in joint comfort following 90 days of supplementation with undenatured Type II collagen.
Lugo JP, Saiyed ZM, Lau FC, Molina JP, Pakdaman MN, Shamie AN, Udani JK. Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II®) for joint support: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy volunteers. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013 Oct 24;10(1):48. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-10-48. PMID: 24153020; PMCID: PMC4015808. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24153020/
Athletic Performance Research
Research in physically active individuals reported reduced exercise-induced joint discomfort and improvements in aspects of joint recovery following undenatured Type II collagen supplementation.
Lugo JP, Saiyed ZM, Lane NE. Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutr J. 2016 Jan 29;15:14. doi: 10.1186/s12937-016-0130-8. PMID: 26822714; PMCID: PMC4731911. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26822714/
Immune Modulation Analysis
Mechanistic research has investigated oral tolerance and T-cell regulation, providing evidence for how undenatured Type II collagen may influence immune responses associated with cartilage.
Park KS, Park MJ, Cho ML, Kwok SK, Ju JH, Ko HJ, Park SH, Kim HY. Type II collagen oral tolerance; mechanism and role in collagen-induced arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Mod Rheumatol. 2009;19(6):581-9. doi: 10.1007/s10165-009-0210-0. Epub 2009 Aug 21. PMID: 19697097. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19697097/
Type I and Type II Collagen
Type I collagen provides structural support for connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, skin and bone, while Type II collagen is predominantly associated with cartilage.
The Undenatured Advantage
Undenatured collagen offers more than a source of collagen amino acids. By retaining its natural structure, particularly Type II collagen, it may support joint health through both structural and immune-related mechanisms.
Together, Type I and Type II collagen provide broad connective-tissue support with targeted nutritional support for cartilage, joint mobility and an active lifestyle.