Specific bioactive collagen peptides (PETAGILE) as supplement for horses with osteoarthritis: A two-centred study

Dobenecker B, Reese S, Jahn W, Schunck M, Hugenberg J, Louton H, Oesser S · Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition

The only dose-ranging collagen study with a joint endpoint in any species, and doubling the dose did more: on 50 g/day six of eight veterinary-rated parameters showed a strong effect (Cohen's r>0.5) with lameness and flexion pain improving by week 6, against a moderate effect on 25 g/day. Owner-reported mobility and willingness to run followed the same ordering.

Population

Privately owned horses with mild to moderate naturally occurring osteoarthritis, two centres

Intervention

25 g/day (n=6 and n=10) or 50 g/day (n=12) bioactive collagen peptides for 12 weeks

Comparator

Placebo in one centre only (n=10)

Limitations

A pooled analysis of a two-centre pilot in which only one centre had a placebo arm and the dose comparison sits in the other, so dose and site are confounded. The authors state plainly that blinded, placebo-controlled work is still needed. Horses weigh 400-500 kg, so 50 g/day is close to 0.1 g/kg — roughly what 7 g/day would be for a 70 kg person, not what 50 g/day is. Schunck and Hugenberg are GELITA-linked; Oesser is at the Collagen Research Institute.