Collagen, Undenatured Type II and Joint Health, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Article by Arnie Gitomer

Undenatured type II collagen promotes joint health and improves mobility. Research shows it may be especially effective for those with rheumatoid arthritis.

What is UC-II™?

Derived from chicken sternum cartilage, UC-II™ consists of undenatured (native) type II collagen, a revolutionary new dietary ingredient that works with the immune system to promote healthy joints and increase joint mobility and flexibility (FDA-notified and published new dietary ingredient).* Supported by six human clinical studies, including research at Harvard University Medical School, UC-II™ is the only source of undenatured type II collagen available as a dietary ingredient (four U.S. patents and international patents pending).

What does UC-II™ do?

Improves joint mobility and flexibility*

Promotes healthy joints*

How does UC-II™ work?

Type II collagen administered orally works with the immune system to promote healthy joints by a process called oral tolerization. This process helps the body to differentiate between foreign invaders, such as bacteria, and elements that are good for the body, such as nutrients. The process of oral tolerization takes place in the small intestine where food is absorbed. Through a complex series of immunological events, patches of lymphoid tissue surrounding the small intestine screen incoming compounds and serve as a "switch" to turn the body's immune response to foreign substances on or off, depending upon what that substance is. In the case of UC-II, small amounts (typically 10 milligrams or less) taken orally have been shown to turn off the immune response targeted at the type II collagen present in bone joint cartilage.

How is UC-II™ different?

UC-II™ is made from chicken sternum cartilage using a patented, low-temperature manufacturing process that ensures the biological activity of the type II collagen; activity that has been validated by a very specific and highly sensitive antibody analysis called an "ELISA" test. Other forms of type II collagen sold as dietary supplements are denatured, or hydrolyzed. In other words, their molecular configuration has been changed, either through chemical or high-temperature processing, rendering them inactive. According to Dr. David E. Trentham, Harvard University researcher and leading expert on type II collagen, "type II collagen must be in its native (undenatured) form to be effective."

How much UC-II™ should I take?

The recommended adult daily dosage is 10 milligrams, taken with water at bedtime on an empty stomach. (Note: Recommended dose is for undenatured type II collagen, not UC-II™. For example, UC-II™ contains 25% undenatured type II collagen, thus 40 milligrams UC-II™ is required to provide 10 milligrams of undenatured type II collagen.) For additional information on dosing, follow manufacturer's recommended use printed on the label, and/or talk to your healthcare professional.

Where can I buy UC-II™?

UC-II™ is a nutritional ingredient available as a dietary supplement. It can be found at local health food stores and nutritional pharmacies. Look for the UC-II™ logo on the label to be sure you're getting genuine UC-II™ undenatured type II collagen.

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Research on UC-II:

Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II™) Found Beneficial for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that six of ten rheumatoid arthritis patients taking undenatured type II collagen for three months showed substantial improvement, while one patient recovered completely. In addition, there were no side effects.

In a 90-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled, follow-up study on patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis, Harvard scientists found that 28 patients taking undenatu