Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen Type Ii
Also known as: Hydrolyzed chicken collagen type II, hydrolyzed type II collagen, chicken cartilage collagen peptides, Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen Type II
Overview
Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen Type II is a form of collagen derived from chicken sternum cartilage that has been enzymatically broken down into smaller peptides. This hydrolysis process enhances its absorption and bioavailability when taken orally. Type II collagen is the predominant collagen found in cartilage, making this supplement particularly relevant for joint health. While collagen types I and III are more prevalent in skin, hydrolyzed chicken collagen type II is primarily used to support cartilage integrity and repair, addressing conditions like osteoarthritis. Emerging research also suggests potential benefits for skin health, including improved hydration and elasticity. It is classified as a nutricosmetic and a joint health supplement, with moderate research maturity and a generally favorable safety profile.
Benefits
Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen Type II offers significant benefits for both joint and skin health. For joint health, it has demonstrated efficacy in reducing joint pain and improving function in individuals with osteoarthritis, with some studies showing significant symptom relief compared to placebo. This is primarily due to its role in supporting cartilage integrity and promoting cartilage repair. For skin health, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of hydrolyzed collagen (though not always specifically type II or chicken-derived) consistently show significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity after 8-12 weeks of supplementation. These benefits are clinically meaningful, with strong statistical significance (e.g., p < 0.00001 for hydration and elasticity). Secondary effects include potential reductions in skin wrinkles and improved skin firmness. These benefits are most pronounced in middle-aged to older adults experiencing skin aging or joint degeneration. The time course for benefits typically ranges from 8 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use.
How it works
Oral hydrolyzed collagen peptides are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and then circulate throughout the body. These peptides act as signaling molecules, stimulating the activity of specific cells in target tissues. In the skin, they promote fibroblast activity, leading to increased endogenous collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix remodeling. In cartilage, they stimulate chondrocytes, encouraging the production of new cartilage components. This mechanism helps to maintain and repair the structural integrity of both skin and joints. The peptides may also modulate inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases, contributing to their therapeutic effects. The hydrolysis process significantly enhances gastrointestinal absorption compared to native collagen, ensuring that bioactive peptides reach target tissues effectively.
Side effects
Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen Type II is generally considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects. The most common side effect, though still rare, is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which may include bloating or an upset stomach. Uncommon side effects (occurring in 1-5% of users) are primarily allergic reactions, which are possible, especially in individuals with a known allergy to chicken or other poultry products. Serious adverse events are extremely rare and have not been reported in high-quality randomized controlled trials. There are no significant documented drug interactions. Contraindications include a known allergy to chicken or collagen sources. For special populations, caution is advised for individuals with food allergies, and safety data for pregnant and lactating women are limited, so use should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Dosage
For skin benefits, a general dosage range of 2.5–10 grams per day of hydrolyzed collagen peptides is often recommended, with benefits typically observed after at least 8 weeks of consistent use. For joint health, specifically with undenatured type II collagen, doses around 40 mg per day have been used effectively. However, for hydrolyzed forms of type II collagen, equivalent doses may vary, and studies often use similar ranges to those for skin benefits (2.5-10g/day). Daily administration is recommended, as benefits accrue over several weeks to months. There is no established maximum safe dose, with doses up to 10 grams per day generally well-tolerated in clinical trials. Hydrolyzed peptides are preferred due to their enhanced bioavailability. Co-administration with Vitamin C is crucial, as Vitamin C acts as a required cofactor for collagen synthesis and cross-linking, optimizing the body's ability to utilize the collagen peptides.
FAQs
Is hydrolyzed chicken collagen type II effective for skin?
Yes, evidence supports that hydrolyzed collagen improves skin hydration and elasticity. While many studies focus on type I/III, type II collagen likely contributes to overall skin health benefits.
Is it safe?
Yes, it is generally considered safe with a low incidence of mild side effects, primarily rare gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in chicken-sensitive individuals.
How long until results appear?
Typically, consistent daily use for 8–12 weeks is required before noticeable improvements in skin or joint health become apparent.
Does it help joints?
Yes, particularly undenatured type II collagen from chicken cartilage is well-established for its efficacy in improving joint health and reducing pain in conditions like osteoarthritis.
Are there allergies?
Allergic reactions are possible, especially in individuals with a known allergy to chicken or poultry products. Consult a doctor if you have concerns.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10180699/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 RCTs involving 1721 patients found that hydrolyzed collagen significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity (p<0.00001) after at least 8 weeks of supplementation. The study noted some bias in included RCTs and heterogeneity in collagen sources but concluded with high-quality evidence for skin benefits.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10773595/ – This meta-analysis of 14 RCTs with 967 patients confirmed improvements in skin hydration and elasticity with hydrolyzed collagen supplementation over 4–12 weeks. It also compared the effects of fish versus non-fish collagen, indicating moderate to high-quality evidence despite some variability in collagen types.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ijd.15518 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 RCTs with 1125 participants (predominantly women) concluded that hydrolyzed collagen reduced wrinkles and improved skin elasticity and hydration after 90 days. It provided high-quality evidence supporting the anti-aging effects on skin, though noted the participant demographic was mostly female.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-17505-0 – This study, an RCT, evaluated the combined use of undenatured type II collagen and hydrolyzed collagen for joint health. While specific details on sample size and duration were not provided in the excerpt, it represents emerging evidence for the synergistic effects of different collagen forms in supporting joint health.
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