The other collagen for joint pain
Michael Ventresca • September 11, 2026
Still dealing with stiff, achy joints despite taking collagen? The answer may not be more collagen—but a different kind.
Today, countless people add collagen powders to their foods and drinks, and for good reason. Collagen peptides have been shown to give your body the raw materials it can use to make collagen, supporting your hair, skin, nails, and joints. But what if you’ve been taking collagen peptides for months and still have stiff, achy joints? Does this mean collagen isn’t working? Not necessarily. It may just mean you need a different type.
It’s called undenatured type 2 collagen, and you don’t take ten to twenty grams as a powder. Instead, the effective dose is just 40 milligrams taken as a capsule.
What makes this so different? The types of collagen found in powders are best taken as what are called peptides. Collagen peptides help the body by providing the building blocks for new collagen production. Undenatured type 2 collagen works differently. Instead of primarily supporting collagen production, it appears to work through the immune system, helping regulate processes that can contribute to cartilage breakdown. This means more cushion for the bones and better shock absorption when you move.
In one six-month study of 191 people with knee osteoarthritis, participants taking 40mg daily of a patented form of undenatured type 2 collagen called UC-II (pronounced UC-two) experienced significant improvements in joint pain, stiffness, and physical function. Other studies have shown that UC-II can improve knee flexibility and help people exercise longer before experiencing joint discomfort.
If you want to give your joints a boost, Now Foods’ UC-II provides the same patented ingredient used in the clinical studies at the clinically effective 40mg dose per capsule. According to the manufacturer, UC-II is best taken at bedtime, on an empty stomach.
Finaly, one question I’m often asked is whether it makes sense to take collagen peptides and UC-II together. While there don't appear to be any studies that have directly tested the combination, it certainly makes sense as in a sense, you're supporting your joints from both sides. While collagen peptides provide the building blocks your body uses to make new collagen, UC-II helps slow cartilage breakdown.
Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
