Arthritis is very prevalent in the U.S., with 27 million diagnosed. Osteoarthritis is projected to increase to 47 million by 2030. Osteoarthritis may be linked to other diseases, as over half of those with heart disease and diabetes also have arthritis, and 40% of the people with osteoarthritis are considered obese. Based on these statistics alone, many believe there is a nutritional component to arthritis. In fact, glucosamine and chondroitin have been the mainstay dietary supplement for osteoarthritis, with a good amount of research supporting their benefits. However, some have wondered if other nutritional components can benefit joint health.

Recently, one study found a proprietary undenatured chicken collagen, UC-II®, to be twice as effective as glucosamine plus chondroitin. UC-II is exclusively distributed by InterHealth, who reports it to be the only patented, undenatured (native) type-II collagen available as a biologically active nutritional ingredient for complete joint therapy. In the double-blind, randomized, 90-day study, 40mg of UC-II was found to reduce joint pain and increase mobility and flexibility in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.1The study reported that UC-II reduced the WOMAC index score, which measures physical function difficulty, stiffness and pain in the knee, by 33%--compared to 14% in glucosamine- and chondroitin-treated groups after 90 days. Also, an overall improvement in quality of life was shown. Similar results were also found for VAS and Lequesne scores (focusing on resting and moving pain).

According to Paul Dijkstra, CEO of InterHealth, “What is most significant is that UC-II shows better efficacy with a smaller, once-daily 40mg dosage than the larger 2,700mg dose of glucosamine and chondroitin combination. With such a small, once-daily pill, there will be better compliance and better joint health for millions of people.”

Historically, the research on undenatured chicken collagen has focused on and supported its usefulness in cases of rheumatoid arthritis.  However, a few years ago, another study2found a common mechanism between the two forms of arthritis and theorized that UC-II works by affecting this common mechanism: collagen-specific killer T-cell attack. UC-II is now gaining both preclinical and clinical evidence showing it to be effective with both types of arthritis.

UC-II has notified the FDA of its self-affirmed GRAS status and published as a New Dietary Ingredient (NDI). It is natural and safe to use, as it is derived from chicken sternum cartilage, notes its supplier. It is sourced and manufactured in the U.S., has lot-to-lot traceability and has four U.S. patents and worldwide patents pending. It is a powdered, shelf-stable dietary supplement ingredient, BSE-free, GMO-free, allergen-free, non-irradiated, and there is research ongoing for application to the food and beverage market.NS

For more information:
InterHealth • Benicia, Calif. • Gary Shap • 800-783-4636
GShap@InterhealthUSA.com •www.interhealthusa.com


References:

1Bagchi, M., et al. 2008. Beneficial effects of oral administration of undenatured type-II collagen on osteoarthritis: a human clinical trial. American College of Nutrition Annual Meeting Proceedings.
2Bagchi, M., et al.  2002. Effects of orally administered undenatured type II collagen against arthritic inflammatory diseases: a mechanistic exploration. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 22:101-10.