UC-II® is an effective, high-tech collagen that can help keep joints and cartilage healthy at a low daily dose. Sports Nutritionist Rob Hobson finds out more.
🕒 4 min read
Many sportspeople use collagen as part of their supplement routine. Collagen is known to support everything from connective tissue to joint health and recovery, and can be a game-changer for your body when it comes to keeping up with intense training regimes.
Types I and III collagen are fantastic for skin and tendon repair, but type II collagen has a unique role in joint health, helping maintain cartilage and protect it from the wear and tear that is a natural consequence of training and sport (or any other kind of activity.)
What is UC-II collagen?
UC-II undenatured type II collagen takes this a step further, thanks to a unique approach to improve joint mobility, comfort, and resilience. What sets UC-II apart is that it works effectively at a lower dose, tapping into the body's natural processes to support joint health without the need for high daily intakes.
Here's why UC-II is particularly powerful as a joint health supplement, especially for those who push their bodies to the limit.
What's the difference between types I, II, and III collagen?
There are at least 28 types of collagen, and three are particularly important for connective tissues.
- Type I collagen: Predominantly found in skin, bones, and tendons, this type supports tissue strength and resilience, making it popular in beauty supplements.
- Type III collagen: Often paired with Type I, Type III is found in muscles and blood vessels, aiding in tissue structure and elasticity.
- Type II collagen: Key to joint health, Type II collagen is found in cartilage: the protective layer at the ends of bones that cushions them and reduces friction. This type of collagen helps joints withstand the daily wear and tear of movement, making it vital for maintaining mobility.
Why is type II collagen better for joint health?
Type II collagen is needed for joint structure, as it forms the backbone of cartilage. Cartilage provides a smooth, cushioned surface for joint bones to move against each other without friction.
Type II collagen levels decrease naturally with age, which may lead to joint discomfort and reduced flexibility.
UC-II undenatured collagen (undenatured means it retains its original structure and has not been broken down in any way) can help to counteract this by enhancing joint function, comfort, and resilience, even as natural collagen levels decline.
How does UC-II collagen work?
A single dose of UC-II collagen is only 40 mg, but it delivers results typically expected from much higher doses. Its unique mechanism, known as oral tolerance, sets it apart from other collagen products.
UC-II interacts with immune cells in the gut, initiating a process that protects existing cartilage from breakdown, while promoting the body's own collagen synthesis.
This mechanism allows UC-II to support joint health at low doses, in contrast to hydrolysed collagen types, which require larger amounts to achieve a similar benefit.
How does Healthspan Elite UC-II® Collagen differ from Healthspan Elite Collagen Repair?
If you're already using Healthspan Elite Collagen Repair, which is a blend of types I and III collagen that supports skin and connective tissue health, UC-II undenatured type II collagen can offer a complementary approach that targets joint health specifically.
Combining both products provides a full-spectrum solution, with UC-II Collagen reinforcing cartilage integrity and Collagen Repair enhancing connective tissue strength, such as in ligaments.
What does the science say about UC-II's effectiveness?
Studies have demonstrated UC-II's effectiveness in supporting joint health by improving comfort, flexibility, and mobility. A 2021 study conducted by Lonza, a leader in advanced ingredients for health products, confirmed UC-II's joint-supporting benefits.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial revealed that individuals taking UC-II experienced significant improvements in knee joint mobility and comfort during daily activities. Participants taking UC-II showed increased daily step counts and improved joint function, highlighting its effectiveness even at a low daily dose.
This research underscores UC-II collagen's unique mechanism and effectiveness, making it a scientifically supported option for those seeking enhanced joint health with the simplicity of a single small dose.
UC-II® Collagen
Powerful joint health support in a small daily dose
- Scientifically studied undenatured type II collagen
- Effective with a single low daily dose
- Supports joints and cartilage
How else can UC-II collagen support joint health?
UC-II collagen is formulated with additional nutrients, including vitamin C, copper, and manganese, that further benefit joint health.
- Vitamin C: Vital for collagen formation, vitamin C supports cartilage integrity and helps maintain joint function.
- Copper and Manganese: These minerals contribute to connective tissue maintenance, enhancing the benefits of UC-II by keeping joint structures strong.
Why do you need UC-II for an active lifestyle?
Whether you're an athlete, an older adult, or simply managing joint discomfort, UC-II is a convenient and effective way to support your joints. With just one small daily dose, it fits easily into any routine. Healthspan Elite UC-II® Collagen is Informed Sport-certified, so competing athletes can trust its quality and safety. It's also vegetarian-friendly.
UC-II undenatured type II collagen provides efficient joint health support, taking advantage of the body's natural immune response in order to repair and protect cartilage. Its scientifically backed benefits, including those highlighted in the Lonza study, demonstrate its powerful effect on joint health at a remarkably low dose.
What's more, for those using Elite Collagen Repair or similar collagen supplements, the type II collagen in UC-II provides an additional layer of support focused on joints and cartilage.