Efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Abstract
Introduction Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease with limited safe, long-term treatment options. Nutritional interventions, such as low-molecular-weight collagen peptides (LMCP), have emerged as promising non-pharmacological strategies for joint health. However, clinical evidence is insufficient. Therefore, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of LMCP supplementation in patients with knee OA. Methods In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 80 adults aged 40–75 with Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade I or II OA received either 3,000 mg/day LMCP or a placebo for 180 days. Primary endpoint included changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) pain scores. Secondary endpoints included visual analog scale (VAS), WOMAC physical function and total scores, joint space width (JSW), and inflammatory markers. Adverse events (AEs) and patient compliance were monitored throughout the study. Results LMCP supplementation significantly reduced WOMAC pain compared to the placebo (−1.90 ± 4.14 vs. 0.61 ± 3.97; p = 0.006). Improvements in WOMAC physical function and total scores were greater in the LMCP group than in the placebo group (−4.10 ± 9.64 vs. 0.71 ± 6.47, p = 0.035; −6.24 ± 14.69 vs. −0.45 ± 9.08; p = 0.028, respectively). No significant changes were observed in JSW or inflammatory markers. No AEs occurred. Conclusions Daily supplementation of 3,000 mg of LMCP for 180 days was safe and effective in…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 80 participants or records.
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