Collagen and Joint Health: Better than Glucosamine

There are four types of collagen in the body. Collagen type II is the primary component of cartilage, with types I and III also being present but to a lesser degree. Cartilage is the connective tissue disk that acts as a cushion and eliminates friction in your joints. As we age our ability to make collagen type II decreases and loss of collagen type II decreases the integrity of cartilage. Wear-and-tear injuries occur in the joints and cause less support, less cushioning and more friction. Collagen type II also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help the joint to repair itself after injury. As a supplement collagen acts as a source of amino acids for use in making and repairing connective tissue all over the body. Thus collagen is used to repair skin that is damaged by wounds and burns. It heals skin ulcers by repairing the skin and increasing the integrity of the arteries and veins. Collagen is added to skin care products for topical application against wrinkles and age spots. Natural health practitioners also recommend collagen type II for joint injury, arthritis, joint inflammation, skin ulcers, burns and wounds. Collagen type II can be found as encapsulated powder or liquid. It is usually combined with other joint repairing nutrients and vitamins. Collagen type II is found as a component of pain relieving and anti-inflammatory formulas. It is often added to anti-aging skin care products. Collagen type I and III are also available and should be used after good results are found with type II to further rebuild damaged joints or tissue. There is no toxicity, side effects or contraindications for the use of collagen. Collagen should be taken with a juice that is high in vitamin C or a vitamin C tablet to improve its absorption. Depending on the severity of joint destruction collagen may need to be taken for a few months before results are seen. Collagen– QUICK FACTS SOURCES · Bovine, poultry APPLICATIONS · Arthritis, skin ulcers due to vascular insufficiency, burns, wounds. OPTIMUM DOSAGE · 600-1200 mg daily. (Clinical doses may be higher as recommended by your practitioner). WORKS WELL WITH · Vitamin C, Chondroitin sulfate, MSM, glucosamine, calendula, vitamin E. IMPORTANT INFORMATION · There is no toxicity, side effects or contraindications for the use of collagen. · Collagen should be taken with a juice that is high in vitamin C or a vitamin C tablet.