Research regarding the subjective improvement of knee joint function after treatment with hydrolysed collagen formulation

Osteoarthritis of the knee, also known as gonarthrosis, is a common and often debilitating degenerative condition of the knee joint characterized by dystrophy, progressive damage of the articular cartilage, and joint deformity. There is emerging evidence for a role played by nutritional factors, as collagen hydrolysate, in preventing, slowing, or reversing structural and pathological changes in osteoarthritic joints. The aim of this article is to highlight the effectiveness of hydrolysed collagen formulation on joint function in incipient gonarthrosis. 48 patients with incipient gonarthrosis of both knees, confirmed by x-ray in stages I or II filled in a form, collecting demographic data and joint function data, at the baseline, after 3 months and 6 months of administration of a hydrolised collagen formulation. The hydrolysed collagen formulation had alleviated the pain at the level of knee joint and improved the subjective joint functionality expressed through the WOMAC index after 6 months of administration on all subgroups of patients depending on sex, weight and age. The benefit was equal in both sexes, higher in normoponderal patients, in patients over 60 years old. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the effects of nutritional factors targeted to joint health performed in Romania. Dietary supplements are widely available and well tolerated and can play a significant role in the osteoarthritis management.