On November 22nd, we had the honor of announcing the results of a recently published scientific study, in which we collaborated to carry out it with the CEMTRO and MEDYR clinics in Madrid. The study focused on analyzing how undenatured type II collagen (UC-II ®) could help with symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis.
For the presentation, we had the participation in the webinar of three of those responsible for the study, Dr. Franchek Drobnic, Dr. Carlos González de Vega from the MEDYR Clinic, and Paula Saiz, biologist and head of the technical and training department of 100% Natural.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint process that is accompanied by pain and inability to move in many people. Dr. Franchek Drobnic told us that there are a number of factors that predispose to the onset of knee osteoarthritis, such as continued stress on the joint or age (the older the older, the greater the probability of being diagnosed with gonarthrosis -knee osteoarthritis-), in fact, he pointed out that currently 70% of gonarthrosis processes are seen in individuals over 50 years of age, which implies a fairly high population level. He also noted other factors such as lack or excess of physical exercise, which can have a negative effect on the joint, and noted that women, due to certain changes in cartilage levels, may have more knee osteoarthritis than
men.
The symptoms and signs of chronic knee arthritis are very recognizable: inflammation, stiffness, loss of flexibility, stability and strength. Moving the knee generates joint sounds, crunches… Faced with these symptoms and lack of mobility, the patient can enter into a vicious circle. The more discomfort, the less movement and the less movement, the greater the discomfort and the greater the joint weakness. In fact, patients diagnosed with gonarthrosis have 50% more falls than individuals of the same age. And of those falls, there is a 20% greater risk of a fall with a fracture
.
Regarding the treatment of osteoarthritis, Dr. Drobnic emphasized that there is no cure, only with surgery, but before reaching this phase, we must try to control the associated symptoms. In this regard, he told us that, in addition to conventional treatment with analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids…, it is very important to perform other types of non-drug therapies to help the patient. He emphasized the importance of:
- Perform muscle strength exercise.
- Increase range of motion.
- Aerobic and low-impact exercises.
- Weight management and loss.
- Assisted physiotherapy.
- The use of supplements with joint nutrients such as type II collagen, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, minerals and vitamins such as C, D, K and E and nutraceuticals. Curcumin and Boswellia serrata stood out here .
Clinical study with non-denatured type II collagen (UC-II®)
The clinical study presented in the webinar and carried out in collaboration with the CEMTRO and MEDYR clinics in Madrid aimed to evaluate the impact of oral supplementation with non-denatured type II collagen (UC-II ®) for 6 months (180 days) on symptoms in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
The study was conducted between September 2020 and September 2022, in two health centers: the CEMTRO and MEDYR clinics in Madrid. The dietary supplement used was CondroArtil ® with undenatured type II collagen (UC-II®).
The authors used a randomized selection approach; participants were chosen at random from the entire population, resulting in a sample size of 100 patients (between 18 and 80 years old), who agreed to participate in the study by signing informed consent. To be eligible, patients must have knee osteoarthritis of any grade, diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, without any previous joint surgery that could alter the symptoms of ongoing osteoarthritis.
Those 100 patients consumed a ChondroArtil ® capsule containing 40 mg of undenatured type II collagen (UC-II®) for 6 months.
When selecting the participants, there were a number of factors that were taken into account: the previous treatment they had, whether they had taken anti-inflammatory drugs or not, whether they had undergone physical therapy sessions and had used dietary supplements or not. In addition, patients with previous surgery, active infection, tumor pathology and systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases with joint involvement were excluded from the study
.
In conclusion, this study suggests that undenatured type II collagen (UC-II ®) can be used as a highly tolerable and effective supplement to nourish the joint and alleviate symptoms in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The findings highlight the importance of early intervention and the potential benefits of this UC-II ® collagen for patients with knee osteoarthritis, regardless of grade
.
What is type II collagen?
There are more than 21 types of collagens, but scientific studies have indicated that type II collagen that is not denatured is the best, since it is in the articular cartilage.
UC-II ® is a non-denatured collagen. Unlike hydrolyzed collagens, Paula Saiz points out, UC-II ® has a different and unique mechanism of action. It acts through a process called oral tolerance, in which the immune system participates and makes it possible to achieve the desired results with a small dose of only 40 mg/day. Undenatured UC-II® is obtained from the cartilage of the chicken sternum. Its a patented ingredient, clinically studied for joint health
.
