[stacktrust]

> Osteoarthritis occurs when a joint is stressed by aging, injury or obesity. The chondrocytes begin to release pro-inflammatory molecules and to break down collagen, which is the primary structural protein of cartilage. When collagen is lost, the cartilage thins and softens; the accompanying inflammation causes the joint swelling and pain that are hallmarks of the disease.

Collagen synthesis in the human body can be aided by hydrolyzed collagen, Vitamin C, zinc and copper.

[rjdj377dhabsn]

A recent meta analysis suggests the positive results for collagen are mostly funding bias. See discussion here:

https://massresearchreview.com/2025/09/29/connecting-the-dot...

I have been taking collagen, but will likely stop.

[chrisfosterelli]

Among endurance athletes collagen supplements have become increasingly popular the past couple years -- from what I understand the evidence is kind of mixed though

e.g. https://thefeed.com/products/pillar-performance-collagen-1?v...

[IsTom]

I don't get what's the supposed mechanism of action here. Collagen is a hard to digest protein and it has to get digested to be processed and then it's no longer collagen. Why not just eat any other protein source instead?

[rixed]

Evidence seems to be lacking though. Do you have any specific source in mind?

[aeonik]

There's very good evidence coming out of UC Davis.

they have MRIs, decent experimental evidence, and biochemical explanations.

They have published quite a few papers over the years.

You can start here, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9267994/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5183725/

Look up Keith Baar.