Calcium is necessary to maintaining the function and longevity of the joints.
Calcium is vital for bone density and strength. Adequate calcium intake helps prevent osteoporosis, which can reduce the risk of fractures near joint areas and indirectly supports joint health by maintaining the skeletal structure upon which joints operate.
Vitamin D is a secosteriod hormone essential for calcium absorption and bone
mineralization which is positively associated with bone mineral density [BMD]. It is well-established that prolonged and severe vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
Collagen supplements can be beneficial in improving joint functionality and reducing joint pain. Potential improvements in body composition, strength and muscle recovery.
Khatri M, Naughton RJ, Clifford T, Harper LD, Corr L. The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review. Amino Acids. 2021 Oct;53(10):1493-1506. doi: 10.1007/s00726-021-03072-x. Epub 2021 Sep 7. PMID: 34491424; PMCID: PMC8521576.
Collagen is effective in improving OA symptoms
García-Coronado JM, Martínez-Olvera L, Elizondo-Omaña RE, Acosta-Olivo CA, Vilchez-Cavazos F, Simental-Mendía LE, Simental-Mendía M. Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized
placebo-controlled trials. Int Orthop. 2019 Mar;43(3):531-538. doi: 10.1007/s00264-018-4211-5. Epub 2018 Oct 27. PMID: 30368550.
Native type II collagen has a specific immune-mediated mechanism known as oral tolerance, that inhibits inflammation and tissue catabolism at articular level. Hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to contain biologically active peptides that are able to reach joint tissues and exert chondroprotective effects.
Martínez-Puig D, Costa-Larrión E, Rubio-Rodríguez N, Gálvez-Martín P. Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge. Nutrients. 2023 Mar 8;15(6):1332. doi: 10.3390/nu15061332. PMID: 36986062; PMCID: PMC10058045.
EPA and DHA can reduce inflammation, which causes swelling and pain. DHA might enhance immune function instead.