Randomized, double-blind, four-arm pilot study on the effects of chicken essence and type II collagen hydrolysate on joint, bone, and muscle functions

Chen CC, Chang SS, Chang CH, Hu CC, Nakao Y, Shih HN · Nutrition Journal

The primary endpoint was null: all four groups improved similarly on WOMAC at 24 weeks. Hydrolyzed type II collagen beat placebo on VAS pain only transiently, at day 14 (-1.3, p = 0.021). The chicken-essence arm showed higher fat-free mass and grip strength than glucosamine and placebo at 24 weeks.

Population

Adults with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1-3 knee osteoarthritis, joint pain >=3 months, WOMAC > 6

Intervention

Hydrolyzed type II collagen, or chicken essence with added hydrolyzed type II collagen, for 24 weeks alongside resistance training

Comparator

Glucosamine HCl and placebo (four arms)

Limitations

Five authors are employees of Suntory Beverage and Food Asia, which makes the tested product. Described by its authors as a pilot; retrospectively registered (NCT04483024); all groups also did resistance training, which plausibly drove the shared improvement.