Tendoguard
Also known as: TendoGuard, collagen peptide supplement for tendon and joint health
Overview
TendoGuard is a proprietary nutritional supplement formulated to support tendon, cartilage, and joint health. It is primarily composed of hydrolyzed collagen peptides (types I, II, V, and X) derived from chicken sternum cartilage and avian eggshell membranes. This blend is further enriched with key glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, along with elastin and calcium. The collagen peptides are hydrolyzed to an optimal molecular weight of approximately 20 kDa, a process designed to preserve beneficial mucopolysaccharides and proteoglycans that synergistically stimulate collagen synthesis in connective tissues. TendoGuard is primarily used to alleviate tendon pain, enhance range of motion, and support recovery from tendinopathy or other joint injuries. While direct high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically on TendoGuard are limited, its efficacy is largely extrapolated from research on similar collagen peptide formulations, which show moderate evidence for benefits when combined with exercise therapy.
Benefits
TendoGuard offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily focused on tendon and joint health. The most significant benefit is the improvement in tendon pain and function. A prospective observational study reported that 78% of subjects experienced significant improvements in range of motion, pain, and muscle strength after TendoGuard supplementation. More broadly, collagen peptide supplementation, similar to the components in TendoGuard, has been shown in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to accelerate the clinical benefits of exercise in Achilles tendinopathy, leading to improved pain and functional scores. For instance, one RCT demonstrated an approximate 12.6-point improvement in VISA-A scores during supplementation phases compared to placebo (p < 0.0001). A meta-analysis further supports this, showing a significant reduction in pain (SMD = −0.74, 95% CI −1.37 to −0.10; p < 0.05) when collagen peptides are combined with physiotherapy. Secondary benefits include potential reduction in inflammation markers, as suggested by salivary pH changes, and support for cartilage and extracellular matrix integrity through the stimulation of collagen synthesis. These benefits are particularly relevant for patients with chronic tendinopathy or joint injuries undergoing physiotherapy, with improvements typically observed after at least 3 months of consistent supplementation combined with exercise therapy.
How it works
TendoGuard functions by providing hydrolyzed collagen peptides and other bioactive compounds that stimulate the body's natural repair processes for connective tissues. The hydrolyzed collagen peptides, with their optimal molecular weight of approximately 20 kDa, are readily absorbed and provide essential amino acids and bioactive peptides. These components stimulate fibroblast activity, which is crucial for collagen synthesis in tendons and cartilage. The preserved mucopolysaccharides and proteoglycans within the blend are believed to synergize with the amino acids, further enhancing extracellular matrix remodeling and supporting tendon repair. By promoting the synthesis of new collagen and other matrix components, TendoGuard helps to strengthen connective tissues, improve their structural integrity, and potentially reduce inflammation, thereby supporting overall tendon and joint health.
Side effects
TendoGuard is generally considered safe, with no major adverse effects reported in the reviewed clinical studies. Common side effects have not been documented. There is no data indicating any uncommon or rare significant adverse reactions associated with its use. Furthermore, no known drug interactions have been documented for TendoGuard. While no specific contraindications are noted, individuals with known allergies to chicken or egg products should exercise caution due to the ingredient sources (chicken sternum cartilage and avian eggshell membrane). Safety data for special populations, such as pregnant or lactating women, or individuals with severe comorbidities, are limited, and its use in these groups has not been established. As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting TendoGuard, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those taking other medications.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for collagen peptides, similar to those in TendoGuard, has been observed around 2.5 grams per day. Optimal dosage ranges for hydrolyzed collagen peptides typically fall between 2.5 grams to 10 grams daily, depending on the specific formulation and the intended health outcome. The maximum safe dose is not precisely defined, but doses up to 10 grams per day have been commonly used in studies without reported adverse effects. For optimal results, TendoGuard should be taken daily for at least 3 months, ideally in conjunction with physiotherapy or a structured exercise regimen. The efficacy is enhanced by the specific form of hydrolyzed peptides, which are optimized for intestinal absorption and bioavailability, particularly those with preserved mucopolysaccharides and a molecular weight around 20 kDa. While not specifically studied with TendoGuard, Vitamin C is often recommended as a cofactor to support collagen synthesis in general.
FAQs
Is TendoGuard effective for tendon injuries?
Evidence from studies on similar collagen peptides suggests benefits for tendon injuries when combined with exercise therapy, but direct high-quality RCTs specifically on TendoGuard are limited.
How long before results appear?
Clinical improvements are typically observed after at least 3 months of consistent daily use, especially when combined with exercise or physiotherapy.
Are there side effects?
No significant side effects have been reported in the reviewed studies. It is generally considered safe, but caution is advised for those with chicken or egg allergies.
Can it replace physiotherapy?
No, TendoGuard is intended as an adjunctive supplement to support the benefits of exercise and physiotherapy, not as a replacement for these therapies.
Is it safe long-term?
Current data suggest TendoGuard is safe for consistent use, but long-term studies specifically evaluating its safety beyond several months are limited.
Research Sources
- https://edepot.wur.nl/575761 – This systematic review by Hijlkema et al. (2022) examines nutritional interventions for tendinopathy. It concludes that collagen peptide supplementation may accelerate the clinical benefits of exercise in tendinopathy, supporting the role of nutritional adjuncts in tendon health. The review highlights the need for more large-scale, high-quality RCTs to solidify these findings.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8950117/ – This meta-analysis by Qiu et al. (2022) synthesized data from 6 RCTs involving 194 patients to evaluate dietary supplements combined with physiotherapy for tendinopathy. The findings indicated that supplementation significantly reduced pain (SMD = −0.74, p < 0.05) but did not significantly improve overall functional outcomes. The study noted heterogeneity in the supplements used and called for more targeted research.
- https://www.certifiednutra.com/ingredient-solutions/tendoguard/ – This source provides an overview of TendoGuard, highlighting its composition as a blend of hydrolyzed collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, elastin, and calcium. It emphasizes the optimal molecular weight of the peptides for absorption and the preservation of mucopolysaccharides and proteoglycans, which are believed to synergistically stimulate collagen synthesis in connective tissues.
- https://www.longevitybynature.biz/product/tendoguard/ – This product page describes TendoGuard as a supplement designed to support tendon, cartilage, and joint health. It details the natural sources of its collagen peptides (chicken sternum cartilage and avian eggshell membrane) and mentions its use for improving tendon health, reducing pain, and enhancing range of motion.
- https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/breaking-news/tendoguard-research-finds-benefits-to-joint-mobility-infamation/ – This article reports on research findings related to TendoGuard, suggesting benefits for joint mobility and inflammation. It likely discusses the proprietary blend's ability to support connective tissue health and potentially reduce inflammatory markers, contributing to overall joint comfort and function.
