Bone Cartilage
Also known as: Bone cartilage, Cartilage extract, Undenatured type II collagen, Cartilage matrix, Collagen hydrolysate, Type II Collagen
Overview
Bone cartilage supplements are derived from animal cartilage, commonly bovine, porcine, or chicken sternum, and are primarily composed of Type II collagen, proteoglycans, and other extracellular matrix components. These supplements are not a single chemical entity but a complex biological tissue extract, often classified under joint health or connective tissue support. They are primarily used to support joint health, reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), and potentially aid in cartilage repair or maintenance. Key characteristics include their rich content of Type II collagen and glycosaminoglycans like chondroitin sulfate, which are vital components of healthy cartilage. While research maturity is moderate with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, the quality of evidence is mixed, showing moderate benefits for some formulations but with varying methodological limitations across studies.
Benefits
Bone cartilage supplements, particularly those containing Type II collagen, have shown moderate and clinically meaningful improvements in pain and function for individuals with osteoarthritis (OA), especially in knee OA, over short-term follow-ups (weeks to months). Meta-analyses indicate a small to moderate effect size on WOMAC pain scores (Standardized Mean Difference around -0.36). Secondary benefits include potential, though inconsistent, improvements in joint stiffness and physical function, with generally small effect sizes. Undenatured Type II collagen (NEM) has shown better efficacy for stiffness and pain compared to placebo in some network meta-analyses. For postmenopausal women with osteopenia, some limited and inconsistent evidence suggests collagen hydrolysate supplementation might increase bone mineral density (BMD). The benefits are predominantly observed in the short term (less than 10 months), with less clear effects in the medium and long term.
How it works
Bone cartilage supplements primarily function by providing collagen peptides and glycosaminoglycans, which serve as building blocks for cartilage repair and as signaling molecules. These components may modulate the immune response, thereby reducing cartilage degradation and promoting anabolic processes within joint tissues. Specifically, Type II collagen peptides are thought to induce oral tolerance mechanisms, which can reduce autoimmune-mediated cartilage degradation. Proteoglycans, such as chondroitin sulfate, contribute to cartilage matrix hydration and resilience. Collagen hydrolysates are absorbed as peptides and amino acids, with adequate bioavailability for systemic effects, supporting the body's natural cartilage maintenance and repair processes.
Side effects
Bone cartilage supplements are generally considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects. The most commonly reported side effect is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which occurs occasionally. Uncommon side effects (1-5% incidence) include rare allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to the animal source materials. Serious adverse events are not consistently reported and are considered rare (less than 1% incidence). There are no significant known drug interactions; however, caution is advised when used concurrently with anticoagulants due to a theoretical bleeding risk associated with some cartilage extracts. Contraindications include known allergies to the source animals or any components of the supplement. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been well established, so use in these populations should be approached with caution and under medical supervision.
Dosage
Dosage recommendations for bone cartilage supplements vary depending on the specific product and its formulation. For collagen hydrolysate, typical effective doses range from 5 to 15 grams daily, with 10 grams per day being a commonly studied and effective dose. For undenatured Type II collagen (e.g., NEM), a much lower dose of approximately 40 mg daily is considered effective. There is no established maximum safe dose, with doses up to 15 grams per day of collagen hydrolysate generally well tolerated. Daily dosing, often with meals, is recommended to improve absorption and compliance. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are generally preferred for their bioavailability, while undenatured collagen is used for its immune-modulating properties. Adequate intake of cofactors like Vitamin C and other antioxidants is important as they can enhance collagen synthesis and support overall joint health.
FAQs
Are bone cartilage supplements effective for osteoarthritis?
Evidence suggests moderate short-term benefits for pain and function in osteoarthritis, but effects are generally small and not consistently sustained long-term. Benefits are most noticeable within weeks to a few months of consistent use.
Are bone cartilage supplements safe?
Yes, these supplements are generally considered safe with a low incidence of mild side effects, primarily gastrointestinal discomfort. Serious adverse events are rare, but individuals with allergies to animal products should exercise caution.
How long does it take to see benefits from bone cartilage supplements?
Improvements in joint pain and function typically begin to appear within a few weeks to a few months of consistent daily supplementation. Short-term benefits are more consistently observed than long-term effects.
Can bone cartilage supplements regenerate cartilage?
While these supplements may support cartilage maintenance and repair processes, they do not regenerate cartilage in cases of advanced osteoarthritis. They primarily aim to reduce symptoms and support existing cartilage health.
Are all cartilage supplements the same?
No, cartilage supplements differ significantly in their collagen type (e.g., hydrolyzed vs. undenatured), processing methods, and additional components. These variations can affect their bioavailability and efficacy for different purposes.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29018060/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Liu et al. (2018) examined the efficacy of various supplements for osteoarthritis. It concluded that while some supplements provide moderate short-term improvements in pain and function, the overall evidence quality is low, and heterogeneity among studies is significant.
- https://orthopedicreviews.openmedicalpublishing.org/article/129086-the-effects-of-type-i-collagen-hydrolysate-supplementation-on-bones-muscles-and-joints-a-systematic-review – Cúneo et al. (2021) conducted a systematic review on Type I collagen hydrolysate. They found inconsistent results regarding its effect on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, noting small sample sizes and methodological issues in the included studies.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-78075-x – Aghamohammadi et al. (2020) performed a high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis of 42 RCTs on nutritional supplements for OA. They reported that these supplements improve WOMAC pain and stiffness with small to moderate effect sizes, with better effects observed in the short term.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1556133/full – This network meta-analysis from Frontiers in Nutrition (2025) evaluated 22 RCTs for knee OA. It identified Undenatured Type II Collagen (NEM), Aflapin, and E-OA-07 as the most effective supplements for improving pain, stiffness, and function, despite limitations in the number of RCTs per supplement.
Supplements Containing Bone Cartilage
Recommended Articles
Top Ingredients for Joint Health & Mobility
Omega-3, Glucosamine, and Vitamins D & E are vital for joint health, offering anti-inflammatory benefits and supporting cartilage.
Top Joint Supplements: Evidence-Based Guide
Clinical studies highlight curcumin, boswellic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin, type II collagen, omega-3 fatty acids, and green lipped mussel as effective for joint health.
5 Key Ingredients to Ease Joint Pain Naturally
Omega-3, glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, and vitamin D are effective in reducing joint pain.
Collagen for Knee OA: Does It Help?
Collagen supplementation has been shown to significantly reduce knee osteoarthritis pain and improve mobility.