UC-II Collagen: Uses, Side Effects & Dosage Guide
Undenatured type 2 collagen is obtained from chicken sternum. Undenatured type 2 collagen (UC-II) is found naturally, and it is glycosylated in form. Collagen is found extracellularly, and the primary function of collagen is to provide structural stability and structural integrity to the cell. Various studies have been performed to justify the role of collagen in cartilage health. Undenatured type 2 collagen (UC-II) is found naturally in cartilages and therefore provides strength to cartilage when taken as a supplement.
Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) can activate the cells of the immune system, and it is thought that undenatured type 2 collagen activates the immune cells by incorporating Peyer’s patches. The transformation of T cells forms t regulatory cells. These T regulatory cells when detecting the undenatured type 2 collagen in cartilage and joints cause to release the anti-inflammatory cytokines, which reduces the inflammation and promotes the repairing process and hence maintain the joint health.
There are many structural components of cartilage tissues, including collagen and proteoglycans. Besides these structural components, there are other vital natural components, also including hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine. The studies confirmed the importance of undenatured type 2 collagen in maintaining the health of the cartilages and joints.
UC 2 Collagen (undenatured type II collagen) has a structural arrangement which resists the digestion of it and hence maintaining its structure which is required to interact with Peyer’s patches for the conversion of T cells and reduction in oral tolerance. By this mechanism of action, undenatured type 2 collagen protects the cartilages from the immune system to injure its cartilage tissue. Therefore undenatured type 2 collagen helps to maintain health by promoting the cartilage regeneration and repair.
In recent studies, undenatured collagen type 2 (UC-II) is proved to be a safe and effective dietary supplement for cartilage and joint health. Therefore it is widely used as alone or with other medicines in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Indications
Undenatured type 2 collagen is indicated for different purposes, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint pain
- Swelling (inflammation)
- Uveitis (inflammation of the eye)
- joint pain after surgery
- pain after injury
- back and neck pain
- To improve bone health
Contraindications
Undenatured Collagen type 2 is contraindicated in patients:
- Any known history of any collagen
- If you are allergic to collagen
- In pregnancy
Side Effects
The possible adverse effects of undenatured type 2 collagen (UC 2 Collagen) are as follow:
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
- Swelling
- Liver problems
- A feeling of fullness of stomach
- Mild diarrhoea
- Rashes
Warnings
There is no specific data available for the safety of undenatured type 2 collagen (UC 2 collagen) therefore is wise to use the undenatured type 2 collagen with caution in the following:
- Pregnant mothers
- A patient with a known history of allergy to any collagen.
- Lactating mothers
Because of the unavailability of specific data, it is safe to avoid using collagen during pregnancy.
High-Risk Groups
- Pregnant mothers
- Breastfeeding
- Patient with the Previous history of an allergic reaction to collagen
Glucosamine And Chondroitin
Overview
Glucosamine is a type of amino sugar and a critical component in the synthesis of glycosylated lipids and proteins. Glucosamine is one of the most abundant monosaccharides and a prevalent dietary supplement. Glucosamine was first discovered by Georg Ledderhose in 1876. The stereochemistry of glucosamine was determined in 1939 by Walter Haworth.
Chondroitin is an essential structural component of cartilage and prevents compression due to its resistance. Chondroitin was isolated from cartilage in 1884, But most of the information is described in 1925. Today, Glucosamine and Chondroitin are used widely as a dietary supplement nowadays for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Indications
Glucosamine is indicated in various condition, including:
- osteoarthritis
- glaucoma
- weight loss
- jaw pain
- joint pain
- back pain
- interstitial cystitis, a bladder condition
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- HIV
- heart disease
- AIDS
There is no specific data available to support the benefits of glucosamine in any of the above conditions. But several studies showed that Glucosamine helps to reduce the sign and symptoms of the above conditions, and hence it is widely used as a daily dietary supplement.
Contraindications
Glucosamine and chondroitin are contraindicated if you have any of the following condition or you should consult with you doctor before taking this supplement
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Hyperoxaluria
- Increased iron storage (metabolism disorder)
- G6PD deficiencies
- Hyperphosphatemia in the blood
- Hypervitaminosis especially of vitamin D
- kidney stones
- sarcoidosis
- Hypercalcemia in blood
- Arteriosclerosis obliterans
- Impaired kidney function
- Glucosamine allergy
- Chondroitin allergy
Side Effects
The adverse effects of Glucosamine are rare or uncommon but may produce, which include:
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches
- Rashes
Warnings
- Glucosamine should not be used in pregnancy because its safety and effectiveness in pregnancy are not entirely known. Therefore it is wise to avoid using glucosamine in pregnancy and breastfeeding until or unless when needed.
- Patients having chemotherapy or radiotherapy for any neoplastic lesion should avoid using the glucosamine or consult with your doctor before using because studies have shown that some supplements can reduce the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapy.
- Some studies have shown that taking glucosamine regularly as a supplement can affect blood glucose level; therefore, diabetic patients should consult their doctor before taking glucosamine.
- The asthmatic patient should avoid using glucosamine containing supplement. After all, it can cause allergic reactions because most of the glucosamine supplements are derived from shellfish.
- Glucosamine can interact with antihypertensive and antiplatelet drugs; therefore, care should be taken if you are on any other medication of blood pressure and thin blood agents.
High-Risk Groups
- Pregnant mothers
- Patients with kidney impairment
- Patients on other medications like antiplatelets drugs
