Do Collagen Supplements Help RA?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its joints, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue. Collagen is a type of protein that has been known to have anti-inflammatory effects, so some wonder if it may help relieve RA symptoms.

Collagen is found in connective tissues, such as skin and cartilage. It's rich in amino acids, which theoretically may help rebuild joint cartilage that RA has damaged. Though there are anecdotal accounts of how collagen can help RA symptoms, clinical research on its effectiveness has shown mixed results.

This article discusses research on collagen use in RA treatment.

Possibilities of Collagen for Joint Pain 

Researchers have been studying the effects of collagen on arthritis for years, but the findings have been inconsistent.

Scientists believe collagen may help joint pain by triggering the body to produce substances that combat inflammation, though this claim isn’t proven. Additionally, ingredients in collagen, such as chondroitin and glucosamine, are thought to help rebuild cartilage.

A 2017 study found that oral collagen supplements improved pain, morning stiffness, and swollen joints but noted that collagen is not a replacement or as effective as typical RA drugs.

However, other research has shown that collagen is ineffective at helping RA symptoms. Therefore, more substantial research is needed to determine if collagen can be an effective component in RA treatment.

Drawbacks and Research Limitations

Very little solid research has shown positive results on collagen's effectiveness for RA.  

Many of the existing studies had one or more of the following flaws:

• They weren’t well-designed.
• They weren’t conducted in humans.
• They didn’t compare collagen to a placebo or standard treatment.
• They led to inconclusive results.
• They were conducted by companies that had a financial interest in the product being studied.

Role of Inflammation in RA

With RA, inflammation in the body can damage cartilage, which protects the joints. This is what causes joint pain and discomfort.

You might develop symptoms of pain and inflammation in areas of the body, such as the:

• Fingers
• Hands
• Wrists
• Ankles
• Knees
• Toes
• Feet

Collagen Types and Dosage

According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are 16 different types of collagen, but almost all the collagen in your body is type I, II, or III.

Type II collagen is found in cartilage, so it’s the most common form used for RA symptoms. This type of collagen is usually taken from chickens.

The exact dosage of collagen has not yet been determined. How much you take will depend on the type of collagen and healthcare recommendations.

Collagen Side Effects 

Collagen is generally considered a safe supplement that doesn’t pose any major risks.

However, some people do report side effects, such as:

• A feeling of heaviness in the stomach
• Rash or skin reaction
• Upset stomach
• Headache

Other Uses of Collagen 

Collagen is often used for other purposes, such as to:

• Improve the appearance of skin and nails
• Create stronger bones
• Increase thickness of hair
• Build muscle mass

Supplement Safety

As with all supplements, collagen isn’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That means the ingredients in different brands aren’t standardized.

Some supplements contain heavy metals or toxins that could be damaging.

Best Sources

In some cases, eating foods rich in collagen or foods that boost collagen production in the body may be more beneficial than taking collagen supplements. One reason is that supplements are largely unregulated, so you don’t exactly know what you’re putting in your body.

Some foods that help your body boost levels of collagen include:

• Bone broth
• Chicken
• Fish and shellfish
• Egg whites
• Spirulina
• Fruits and veggies

Drug Interactions

There are no known drug interactions associated with collagen. Still, it's good to talk to your healthcare provider before taking this supplement, especially if you are taking other medications.

Summary

Though collagen is a popular rheumatoid arthritis supplement due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. Some studies have suggested the protein can provide slight improvements, while others have shown collagen isn’t significantly helpful for people with RA.

There are many ways to take collagen, including through the foods you eat or in a supplement form. Be sure to speak to a healthcare provider before taking collagen.

A Word From Verywell

Rheumatoid arthritis can be a painful condition, so you may be considering ways to improve your symptoms by adding collagen to your treatment plan. However, research has shown mixed results. It's always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements like collagen.