If you’re troubled by painful knees, stiff fingers or discomfort with every step, you’re not alone. Arthritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. It usually appears with age, but it’s not uncommon in younger women and men – especially with excessive joint stress, after injuries, or during hormonal changes.

And so we begin to ask ourselves: “Will something natural help me? Something that will strengthen my joints from within?” Collagen is often mentioned as a promising solution. Is there a real basis for this or is it just a nutritional trend? In this article, we’ll look at what research shows, what types of collagen are really effective for arthritis, and what can actually affect your joints.

What is Arthritis and why Does it Occur?

Arthritis (professionally osteoarthritis) is one of the most common joint diseases and is a major cause of pain and reduced mobility, especially in people over forty. It is a degenerative disease in which there is a gradual wear of cartilage – the flexible tissue that protects the ends of bones in joints. As cartilage decreases, bones begin to “rub” against each other, causing pain, stiffness, inflammation and limited range of motion.

The development of arthritis is due to a combination of several factors:

• Age: natural wear of cartilage with age is the most common trigger.
  
• Genetics: if arthritis occurs in the family, the risk of its occurrence is higher.
  
• Overweight: excessive weight increases pressure on weight-bearing joints, especially knees and hips.
  
• Injuries and sports: repeated stress or injuries (e.g. from running, skiing or football) can cause microtraumas that accelerate cartilage wear.

What Role Does Collagen Play in Joints?

Collagen is not just a “cosmetic” component for smooth skin – in fact, it is the most common protein in the human body, forming the basic reinforcement of connective tissues. And it is in joints that it plays an absolutely crucial role.

Collagen = Building Material of Joints

Joints, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and bones – all these tissues are largely composed of collagen fibers. Collagen gives them strength, flexibility and resistance to stress. It’s like a “natural shock absorber” that allows smooth movement without friction or pain.

What Happens to Collagen with Age?

Already after the age of twenty, the body naturally begins to produce less collagen and after thirty, this decline accelerates even more. The result?

• Cartilage thins, losing its ability to absorb shocks.
  
• Friction in joints increases, leading to inflammation, pain and later to degeneration.
  
• Regeneration worsens, so the body can no longer “repair” normal joint wear as it used to.
  

This decrease is not immediate, but gradual – that’s why many people don’t notice it until years later, when pain during movement, joint cracking or morning stiffness appears. And that’s why research is becoming more intensely interested in external collagen supplementation – especially in the form of nutritional supplements that can help balance the loss of own production and support joint health from within.

What Does Research Say?

Collagen as a nutritional supplement is gaining more and more attention from experts and the public – especially in connection with degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis. The important question is: does collagen really help with arthritis, or is it just a marketing trend? Let’s take a closer look at several studies.

Hydrolyzed Collagen (Type I) and Improvement of Knee Function

Hydrolyzed collagen (often from bovine or fish sources) contains type I collagen that undergoes enzymatic cleavage into smaller peptides – so-called collagen peptides. These are easily absorbed in the digestive tract and enter the bloodstream, where they act as a signaling substance for the renewal of collagen tissues.

An interesting study followed the effect of hydrolyzed collagen in 147 athletes with knee pain. After 24 weeks of use (10 g daily), participants reported:

• reduced knee pain,
  
• improved mobility,
  
• better performance during physical activity.

Similar results were confirmed by a randomized, placebo-controlled study that followed the effect of hydrolyzed collagen in patients with knee osteoarthritis. After 13 weeks of regular use, pain values significantly decreased, joint function improved as well as overall quality of life.

Native (Unhydrolyzed) Type II Collagen and Immunomodulatory Effect

Type II collagen is the main type of collagen in joint cartilage. In supplements, it is often used in two forms: hydrolyzed (cleaved) or native (so-called undenatured).

Native type II collagen does not act as a nutritional material, but as an immunomodulatory trigger. A small amount (as little as 40 mg daily) can activate specific immune cells in the small intestine, which subsequently suppress the inflammatory response in joints. This mechanism is referred to as oral tolerance.

A study (Crowley et al.) followed patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis in a controlled clinical trial. Taking 40 mg of native type II collagen daily for 90 days led to reduced pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis, improved mobility and quality of life.

A meta-analysis from 2016 included several RCT studies (randomized clinical trials) and confirmed that native type II collagen reduces inflammation and has similar efficacy to some anti-inflammatory drugs, but without the typical side effects associated with long-term use of pain medications.

Anti-inflammatory and Regenerative Effects

Collagen peptides have not only a nutritional but also a significant anti-inflammatory effect. They can reduce levels of cytokines (substances that regulate immune response, inflammation, tissue regeneration and communication between cells in the body) and reduce oxidative stress, thereby supporting the regeneration of damaged tissues.

A study has shown that collagen peptides significantly reduce the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit inflammatory pathways in cells, corresponding to a direct mechanism of anti-inflammatory action.

The effect can be further enhanced when collagen is combined with other powerful substances with anti-inflammatory effects. These combinations can be found in products like HEXXXA Pro-Age Collagen, which combines highly absorbable collagen with active substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects such as acerola, astaxanthin and resveratrol. Thanks to this, it offers comprehensive support for the musculoskeletal system, tissue regeneration and skin.

Types of Collagen and Their Effects on Arthritis

Not all collagen is the same – and this is especially true for joint nutrition. Differences between collagen types affect the mechanism of action, target tissues and how quickly and precisely it works for arthritis.

Hydrolyzed Type I Collagen

• Obtained from bovine or fish sources, it is easily absorbed and supports the health of bones, tendons and connective tissue.
  
• Promotes the formation of own collagen.
  
• Suitable for long-term nutrition of joints, bones and skin.

Type II Collagen

This type is specific in that it forms the basic structure of joint cartilage – therefore its role in arthritis is crucial. There are two basic forms:

1. Hydrolyzed Type II Collagen

• Provides nutritional support to cartilage, improves its flexibility and strength.
  
• It is especially suitable as a building foundation for the regeneration of damaged joint tissue.

2. Native (Undenatured) Type II Collagen

• Affects the immune response, thereby preventing unwanted inflammatory reactions in joints.
  
• It works at a very low dosage compared to the hydrolyzed form.
  
• Ideal for people with mild to moderate arthritis who want to reduce inflammation and pain.

Type III Collagen

• Ensures elasticity of connective tissues around joints.
  
• Supports elasticity, regeneration and health of the vascular wall.
  
• Especially suitable for higher physical stress or for regeneration.

Some hydrolyzed collagens – for example HEXXXA Pro-Age Collagen – naturally contain a mixture of type I and III collagen peptides, providing a wider spectrum of support.

Collagen for Arthritis in Combination with other Substances

Collagen is the foundation for joint health, but in combination with other supportive substances, it will bring even more support to the body. To be properly absorbed, incorporated into tissues and effectively work, it needs so-called synergistic substances. These support its biological activity, absorbability and effect, especially in inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

Vitamin C – Key for Absorption and Collagen Formation

Without enough vitamin C, the body cannot synthesize its own collagen or properly utilize the one supplemented in powder or capsules. It helps with the so-called hydroxylation of amino acids – a process that is essential for the stability and functionality of collagen fibers.

Other Important Supportive Substances

Glycine

• One of the main amino acids of collagen, it supports tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation and improves sleep.

Zinc

• An important trace element for growth and renewal of cartilage cells. It supports the immune system and protects cells from oxidative stress.

Hyaluronic acid

• While collagen strengthens the structure of joints and skin, hyaluronic acid ensures their hydration and elasticity.

Antioxidants and Natural Anti-Inflammatory Substances

• Resveratrol – reduces inflammation, supports regeneration, blood flow and overall vitality.
  
• Astaxanthin – a powerful antioxidant from marine sources, protects cells from oxidative stress, helps with fatigue and inflammation.
  
• Omega-3 fatty acids – support suppression of chronic inflammation and joint health.

Synergy is Key

If you only take collagen for arthritis without any supportive components, the effects may be significantly weaker. This comprehensive philosophy is followed by HEXXXA Pro-Age Collagen, which in addition to two sources of collagen also offers the mentioned synergistic substances – glycine, acerola, resveratrol, astaxanthin – in effective doses.

How to Take Collagen for Arthritis?

Taking collagen can be simple – if you know how much you need, when to take it and how to incorporate it into your daily routine.

Recommended Dosage

For arthritis, two forms are most commonly used:

• Hydrolyzed type I collagen – the recommended dose is 5-10 g daily, with a higher dose around 10 g proving more effective for painful conditions, inflammation or higher stress (e.g. sports, obesity).
  
• Native (undenatured) type II collagen – a low dose of about 40 mg daily is sufficient, as it works by a different mechanism (immunomodulatory).
  

In products like HEXXXA Pro-Age Collagen, you’ll find hydrolyzed collagen from two sources (bovine + fish) in a dose of 9.7 g per serving – ideal for joints and skin.

When to Expect Results?

Collagen for arthritis doesn’t work overnight, so at least 8-12 weeks of regular use is recommended to assess changes such as:

• reduced pain,
  
• improved mobility,
  
• feeling of lightness in joints.
  

When is the Best Time to Take it?

• On an empty stomach in the morning – promotes absorption and utilization of amino acids.
  
• In the evening before bedtime – supports regeneration, especially when combined with glycine, which induces relaxation.

More important than the exact time is consistency – you’ll achieve the best effect with daily use.

Summary: What to Remember about Collagen and Osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs due to cartilage loss, inflammation, and impaired regeneration.
  
• Collagen is the basic building block of cartilage – especially type II (in cartilage) and type I (in bones, ligaments, and tendons).
  
• Collagen production decreases with age, contributing to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
  
• Collagen is not a miracle cure, but clinical studies show that regular use can significantly slow down degeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve joint functionality.
  
• For osteoarthritis, two forms are most commonly used: hydrolyzed type I collagen and native (undenatured) type II collagen.
  
• The best results come from long-term use – at least 8-12 weeks.
  
• The effects of collagen on osteoarthritis are multiplied when combined with supportive substances such as vitamin C, glycine, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, astaxanthin, or resveratrol.

Do you want to try the best quality collagen complex on the Slovak market?

HEXXXA Pro-Age Collagen combines the power of bovine and fish collagen with natural antioxidants for maximum effectiveness. Order your first package today and start your journey to a healthier you.