Effect of collagen supplementation on knee osteoarthritis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

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Effect of collagen supplementation on knee osteoarthritis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Simental-Mendía et al., 2025 | Clin Exp Rheumatol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Simental-Mendía Mario, Ortega-Mata Daniela, ... Vilchez-Cavazos Félix. Effect of collagen supplementation on knee osteoarthritis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2025-Jan;43(1):126-134. doi:10.55563/clinexprheumatol/kflfr5

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the clinical efficacy of collagen-based supplements on knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. METHODS: Until October 2023, we conducted searches on the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that reported the effects of oral collagen-based supplements on knee OA. Quantitative data from outcomes were pooled using a random- or fixed-effects model (depending on inter-study variability) and the generic inverse variance method. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was employed to assess the risk of bias. RESULTS: This systematic review incorporated information of 870 participants included from 11 RCTs, with 451 allocated to the collagen supplementation group and 419 to the placebo group. The meta-analysis revealed an overall significant improvement of both function [MD, -6.46 (95% CI -9.52, -3.40); I2=75%; p=0.00001] and pain scores [MD, -13.63 (95% CI -20.67, -6.58); I2=88%; p=0.00001], favouring collagen supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that oral collagen administration relieves OA symptoms. Our findings revealed noteworthy improvements, statistically and clinically, in both functional and pain scores.

Key Findings

This systematic review incorporated information of 870 participants included from 11 RCTs, with 451 allocated to the collagen supplementation group and 419 to the placebo group. The meta-analysis revealed an overall significant improvement of both function [MD, -6.46 (95% CI -9.52, -3.40); I2=75%; p=0.00001] and pain scores [MD, -13.63 (95% CI -20.67, -6.58); I2=88%; p=0.00001], favouring collagen supplementation.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 870
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Collagen
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Knee Joint
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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