• Collagen peptides offer a natural way to reduce joint pain and inflammation, making them a potentially safer option than synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Studies have found that collagen peptides are beneficial in reducing joint pain and stiffness.
• Unlike NSAIDs, collagen peptides have minimal side effects, making them a safer, longer-term option for managing chronic pain and inflammation.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation. Many people, including athletes, rely on NSAIDs daily for joint comfort and to maintain physical activity. Around 30% of adults in the U.S. use NSAIDs regularly, including a significant portion of athletes who take them to manage pain and perform better in their training and competitions.1 

Prolonged NSAID usage carries serious health issues, including stomach problems, kidney issues, and heart risks.2-4 NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen may even increase the risk of bone fractures, as they can slow down the body’s natural bone-healing process—a concern especially relevant for athletes.5 This high dependence emphasized the need for safer alternatives, especially those with minimal side effects. Research indicates that collagen peptides and knee pain management go hand-in-hand with improved joint function and reduced discomfort, even in high-stress activities.

Think of antioxidants as the body’s shield against harmful molecules (free radicals) that can damage cells. When free radicals build up, they can cause aging and contribute to health issues like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.6 Most people associate antioxidants with vitamins like Vitamin C, but collagen peptides also contain specific building blocks that provide strong antioxidant effects.7-9

Collagen peptides have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their potential as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Collagen’s small molecular structure allows it to be easily absorbed more efficiently throughout the body. For example, collagen peptides are known for their high antioxidant potency due to their unique amino acid profiles, which are rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.10,11 Studies show that collagen peptides can lower oxidative stress by boosting the activity of the body’s natural antioxidants.12 Collagen peptides and knee pain management seem to work well together.

Research continues to emphasize the connection between collagen peptides and knee pain relief. Studies indicate that collagen peptides can effectively reduce pain and stiffness associated with joint conditions, without the adverse effects linked to NSAIDs. For example, a study demonstrated that daily supplementation of collagen peptides significantly reduced knee joint pain and improved physical function in young athletes with exercise-induced discomfort.13 Similarly, a 2023 demonstrated that collagen peptides helped people with arthritis feel less joint pain, improving their overall quality of life.14

As opposed to NSAIDs, which are associated with numerous side effects, collagen peptides, on the other hand, provide a natural anti-inflammatory effect without these risks. 15 This favorable safety profile positions collagen peptides as a feasible option for chronic pain management, especially in populations at higher risk of NSAID-induced side effects.

For example, in a trial examining the impact of collagen peptides on knee joint function, no adverse side effects were observed, even at high doses over an extended period.16 This safety profile makes collagen peptides a viable alternative to NSAIDs, especially for older adults and athletes who may face increased risks from NSAID use. The growing awareness of the adverse effects of prolonged NSAID use has prompted many to consider options like collagen peptides for knee pain.

As research continues to emphasize the adverse effects of prolonged NSAID use, collagen peptides offer a promising alternative for pain management, especially for individuals seeking a safer, long-term solution. By effectively reducing joint pain and stiffness while avoiding the side effects associated with NSAIDs, collagen peptides and knee pain management align with the growing focus on sustainable health practices.

For athletes and individuals experiencing chronic joint discomfort, incorporating collagen peptides into a daily routine may support both joint health and overall well-being. The shift towards safer alternatives like collagen peptides marks a positive development in pain management, offering individuals a path toward improved quality of life without the harmful side effects of traditional medications.

Incorporating collagen peptides into your routine is simple:

Dosage: Experts recommend 10 grams per day or more for joint health.

Timing: Take collagen peptides with a source of vitamin C to boost absorption.

Forms: Collagen peptides are available as powders or ready-to-drink beverages.

References

1Kuwaba, K., Kusubata, M., Saito, M. & Mizuno, K. Dietary Collagen Peptides Ameliorate the Mood Status of Fatigue and Vigor: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Comparative Trial. J Diet Suppl 21, 791-807 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2024.2399343

2 Lal, S. K. L. & Craig, A. A critical review of the psychophysiology of driver fatigue. Biological Psychology 55, 173-194 (2001). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-0511(00)00085-5

3 Boksem, M. A. S., Meijman, T. F. & Lorist, M. M. Effects of mental fatigue on attention: An ERP study. Cognitive Brain Research 25, 107-116 (2005). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogbrainres.2005.04.011

4 Meeusen, R., Van Cutsem, J. & Roelands, B. Endurance exercise-induced and mental fatigue and the brain. Experimental Physiology 106, 2294-2298 (2021). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1113/EP088186

5 Staroszczyk, H. & Sikorski, Z. Chemical and Functional Properties of Food Components.  (2023).

6 Zdzieblik, D., Jendricke, P., Oesser, S., Gollhofer, A. & König, D. The Influence of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides on Body Composition and Muscle Strength in Middle-Aged, Untrained Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, 4837 (2021). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094837

7 Kviatkovsky, S. A., Hickner, R. C. & Ormsbee, M. J. Collagen Peptide Supplementation for Pain and Function: Is It Effective? Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care 25, 401-406 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1097/mco.0000000000000870

8 Inacio, P. A. Q. et al. The Effects of Collagen Peptides as a Dietary Supplement on Muscle Damage Recovery and Fatigue Responses: An Integrative Review. Nutrients 16, 3403 (2024). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193403

9 Rustad, A. M., Nickles, M. A., McKenney, J. E., Bilimoria, S. & Lio, P. A. Myths and Media in Oral Collagen Supplementation for the Skin, Nails, and Hair: A Review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 21, 438-443 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14567

10 Mostafijur Rahaman, N., Sonjit Das, N., Suman Sahu, N., Anirban Karmakar, N. & Biplab Debnath, N. Extraction, Isolation and Characterization of Collagen Peptide From Fish and Recent Biological Activities of the Collagen Peptides. Survey in Fisheries Sciences, 1450-1465 (2023). https://doi.org/10.53555/sfs.v10i2.2719

11 Thomas, C. et al. Collagen peptide supplementation before bedtime reduces sleep fragmentation and improves cognitive function in physically active males with sleep complaints. European Journal of Nutrition 63, 323-335 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-023-03267-w

12 Paul, C., Leser, S. & Oesser, S. Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. Nutrients 11, 1079 (2019). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051079

13 Park, J. B. Effects of 12 Weeks of Low Molecular Collagen Peptide Supplementation on Body Composition in Overweight Korean Adults Aged 50 Years and Older. (2023). https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3016558/v2