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 10 to 20 grams as a powder. Instead, the effective dose is just 40 milligrams taken as a capsule.


What makes this so different? Collagen powders work as peptides, giving the body building blocks for new collagen production. Undenatured type 2 collagen works differently. It acts through the immune system, helping regulate processes that contribute to cartilage breakdown. That 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 40 mg 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 40 mg dose per capsule. According to the manufacturer, UC-II is best taken at bedtime, on an empty stomach.


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.


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