UC-II (Undenatured Type II Collagen): Knee Trials
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Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II): half-life, strengths and approval status

Amounts studied · Approval status · Half-life notes

What is Undenatured Type II Collagen?

Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) is a supplement made from chicken sternum cartilage, taken for knee osteoarthritis.

Also known as: UC-II, type II collagen, undenatured collagen, chicken sternum collagen.

Amounts studied

A 180-day placebo-controlled trial used 40 mg a day (Lugo 2016). These are study protocols, not a recommendation.

Approval status and how it is used

It is sold in the US as a dietary supplement. Under the 1994 dietary supplement law (DSHEA), FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are marketed, and the maker, not FDA, is responsible for safety and labeling.

What studies show: in a 180-day trial in 191 adults with knee osteoarthritis, 40 mg a day of UC-II lowered the overall WOMAC score (pain, stiffness and function) more than placebo and more than glucosamine plus chondroitin (Lugo 2016). Two of its three authors worked for InterHealth Nutraceuticals, which makes UC-II. An earlier 90-day trial by researchers at KGK Synergize, who declared no conflicts, compared UC-II with glucosamine plus chondroitin and found WOMAC scores fell 33% versus 14% (Crowley 2009).

Safety: safety outcomes did not differ between the UC-II, glucosamine-chondroitin and placebo groups over 180 days (Lugo 2016). The sources here do not describe drug interactions.

Undenatured Type II Collagen half-life and time to peak

  • Half-lifeNot listed
  • Time to peak (Tmax)Not listed

We could not find a single published half-life or time to peak for UC-II that applies to a supplement dose, so we do not list one.

How to track Undenatured Type II Collagen in Dose Track

  1. Add Undenatured Type II Collagen as a custom compound. Start typing its name and Dose Track fills in the details from its research library for you to check, and it sits next to everything else you take.
  2. Log each dose when you take it so your history shows exactly what you took and when.
  3. Set reminders on your own schedule, whether that is daily, weekly or every few days.
  4. Your log is stored on your phone and no account is needed. Data only leaves it for features you choose, like AI answers and lab reading.

How Dose Track handles peptides · Reconstitution calculator · Half-life calculator

Collagen Peptideshydrolyzed collagen, collagen hydrolysate Glucosamineglucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride Chondroitin Sulfatechondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and chondroitin Oral Hyaluronic Acidhyaluronan, sodium hyaluronate

Frequently asked questions

What is the half-life of Undenatured Type II Collagen?+
We could not find a single published half-life or time to peak for UC-II that applies to a supplement dose, so we do not list one.
Is UC-II the same as collagen peptides?+
They are different products. UC-II is undenatured type II collagen from chicken sternum cartilage, studied at 40 mg a day for knee osteoarthritis; see our collagen peptides page for the hydrolyzed form.
Does UC-II help knee arthritis?+
Two trials found better knee scores than glucosamine plus chondroitin, and one also beat placebo. Two of the three authors of the larger trial worked for the maker.
Can I track Undenatured Type II Collagen in Dose Track?+
Yes. Undenatured Type II Collagen is in Dose Track's research library, so when you add it as a custom compound its details are filled in for you to check. You can then log each dose next to your other compounds, set reminders on your own schedule, and see your history next to your lab results. Your log is stored on your phone and no account is needed. Data only leaves it for features you choose, like AI answers and lab reading.

Sources

  1. Lugo JP, Saiyed ZM, Lane NE. Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutr J. 2016;15:14.
  2. Crowley DC, et al. Safety and efficacy of undenatured type II collagen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a clinical trial. Int J Med Sci. 2009;6(6):312-321.
  3. FDA. Questions and answers on dietary supplements.

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