Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#arthralgia #collagen #dietary-supplements #humans #osteoarthritis

Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials

García-Coronado et al., 2019 | Int Orthop | Meta Analysis

Citation

García-Coronado Juan Mario, Martínez-Olvera Lorena, ... Simental-Mendía Mario. Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Int Orthop. 2019-Mar;43(3):531-538. doi:10.1007/s00264-018-4211-5

Abstract

PURPOSE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of disability and a prevalent chronic disease. The use of collagen is growing due to the satisfactory results in the treatment of OA. However, the possible beneficial effects of collagen for the treatment of OA are currently controversial. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of collagen-based supplements on OA symptoms. METHODS: PubMed-Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched for randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluating the effect of orally administered collagen on OA symptoms using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale and/or the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model and a generic inverse variance method. Heterogeneity was tested using the I2 statistic index. RESULTS: Collagen treatment showed a significant reduction in the score of total WOMAC index (WMD - 8.00; 95% CI - 13.04, - 2.95; p = 0.002). After subgroup analysis of the WOMAC subscores, the collagen supplementation revealed a significant decrease in the stiffness subscore (WMD - 0.41; 95% CI - 0.74, - 0.08; p = 0.01), whereas the pain (WMD - 0.22; 95% CI - 1.58, 1.13; p = 0.75) and functional limitation (WMD - 0.62; 95% CI - 5.77, 4.52; p = 0.81) subscores did not have significant differences. Finally, a significant reduction was found in the VAS score after collagen administration (WMD - 16.57; 95% CI - 26.24, - 6.89; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis showed that collagen is effective in improving OA symptoms by the decrease of both total WOMAC index and VAS score.

Key Findings

Collagen treatment showed a significant reduction in the score of total WOMAC index (WMD - 8.00; 95% CI - 13.04, - 2.95; p = 0.002). After subgroup analysis of the WOMAC subscores, the collagen supplementation revealed a significant decrease in the stiffness subscore (WMD - 0.41; 95% CI - 0.74, - 0.08; p = 0.01), whereas the pain (WMD - 0.22; 95% CI - 1.58, 1.13; p = 0.75) and functional limitation (WMD - 0.62; 95% CI - 5.77, 4.52; p = 0.81) subscores did not have significant differences. Finall

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Arthralgia
  • Collagen
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review
  • Vertical: collagen-joint

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09