Undenatured Type II Collagen: Benefits, Mechanism, Uses & Joint Health Guide

How Undenatured Type II Collagen Works in the Body? Most dietary supplements claiming health benefits for joints are made from hydrolysed forms of collagen, which are simply used as building blocks. They cannot be used by the body in their original form. In contrast, healthy Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) is used as a trainer for the immune system and brings major health benefits for joint-related discomfort. These health benefits only start to kick in once there is low grade, ongoing inflammation in the joints. The point where this all starts is the gut. Unlike conventional collagen which is digested as simple peptides (and so does not have a triple-helix structure), undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) is consumed in its native triple-helix form and thus is ingested into the small intestine. It is in the small intestine where the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and in particular the Peyer’s patches of the intestinal wall ‘sample’ ingested substances for the purpose of determining whether they are safe (harmless) and so should be tolerated or whether they are foreign and could be a threat and so trigger an immune response. Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) is used by the body as a model of joint cartilage collagen. It is in the gut where the immune system can first encounter it. The gut is home to the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), and within this tissue are structures called Peyer’s patches in the small intestine. These are immune cells that sample substances that pass through the gut to determine whether they are harmless or a threat to the body. The same immune cells in the GALT sample the ingested collagen and recognize that it is similar to the collagen found in the body’s joints. The immune system then learns not to attack the ingested collagen and, as a result, the immune system also learns not to attack the same collagen in the joints. This process of the immune system learning not to attack a substance that it has recognized is called oral tolerance. Oral tolerance is mediated by the activation of the immune system’s regulatory T cells (Tregs), which then send signals throughout the body signals that serve to calm down an immune response that is attacking the body’s own collagen in the joints. Individuals with Osteoarthritis (OA) or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) have cartilage in their joints that is being attacked by their own immune system leading to inflammation and subsequent breakdown of the joint cartilage. By taking UC-II the immune response to Type II collagen-containing cartilage is decreased resulting in decreased inflammation and decreased breakdown of the cartilage in joints. In addition, the immune modulation induced by oral tolerance can facilitate the body’s natural repair processes. As a result, individuals taking UC-II report decreased stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity, as well as an increase in the range of motion and ease of movement while performing daily active and athletic pursuits. Overall, the benefits of taking UC-II are to protect the cartilage that you have and decrease the wear and tear that will cause that cartilage to degrade more quickly. Unlike typical joint discomforts where there is rapid disintegration of the cartilage (such as in gout), inflammation which is directed to the cartilage in joint problems like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis does not typically result in rapid rebuilding of the worn away cartilage. As a result, instead of feeling like they have new cartilage, individuals typically notice a decrease in discomfort and stiffness after periods of inactivity, as well as decreased discomfort following physical activity. The increase in the cushioning and shock absorption of the joints and the enhancement in ability to complete daily tasks comfortably can take weeks to months to notice. In addition, individuals will typically notice decreased discomfort following physical activity (such as following a workout or a sporting event) as their joints are given a “quiet” joint environment” allowing the cartilage and surrounding tissues to function at their optimal levels. Instead of attempting to rebuild the broken down cartilage, UC-II provides protection against further wear and tear. Of critical importance to the effects of undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) on the body are the effects in the gut. It is thus required in very small quantities, about 40mg per day for any effects to be experienced. As compared to hydrolysed collagen, used as a building block in structures such as collagen fibers and other protein structures found in the body, to have any effects it must be taken in gram-quantities. The benefits to using undenatured Type II Collagen can be felt in as little as weeks to months as it goes to work to improve the cushioning and shock absorbing qualities of the joints as well as to facilitate freer movement. In addition, activities and sports that would normally cause discomfort or pain can now be enjoyed without the normal after effects of such activities. Perhaps most importantly, by addressing the root cause of joint discomfort (immune-driven cartilage wear), UC-II can provide long term benefits to the joints, preserving their structure and enabling the individual to continue to live an active lifestyle.