Chicken Essence and Type II Collagen Hydrolysate
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant health concern among older adults, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and diminished quality of life. Current treatments, both medical and surgical, often come with high costs and potential side effects. Recently, nutraceuticals, such as collagen hydrolysate, have drawn attention due to their potential to alleviate OA symptoms naturally. This review focuses on a clinical study that examines the effects of hydrolyzed collagen type II (HC-II) and essence of chicken (EC) with added HC-II (EC-HC-II) on joint, muscle, and bone functions among older adults with OA. The findings suggest a promising holistic approach to managing OA.
Background of the Study
Knee Osteoarthritis: A Public Health Challenge
Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and impaired movement. It is one of the leading causes of disability among older adults, significantly impacting their independence and quality of life. Traditional treatment options include analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and in severe cases, surgical interventions. While effective, these treatments are not without drawbacks. Thus, there is a growing interest in alternative therapies that can provide symptom relief with fewer side effects.Nutraceuticals: A Natural Approach
Nutraceuticals are food-derived products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Collagen hydrolysate, particularly Type II collagen, has gained attention for its potential to improve joint health. Collagen is a major structural protein found in cartilage, and its degradation is a hallmark of OA. By supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen, it is hypothesized that joint health can be supported from within.Essence of Chicken (EC)
Essence of chicken, a traditional Asian health food, is known for its potential benefits on physical and mental performance. When combined with HC-II, it may offer enhanced benefits for joint, muscle, and bone health, providing a comprehensive approach to managing OA symptoms.Study Overview
Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the effects of HC-II and EC-HC-II on joint, muscle, and bone functions in older adults with knee OA. The primary objectives were to evaluate changes in:- Pain levels
- Joint function
- Muscle strength
- Fat-free mass (FFM)
- Bone mass
Methodology
Participants
The study included 160 patients diagnosed with grade 1-3 knee OA according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification system. The inclusion criteria required participants to have had joint pain for at least three months and a Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score of over six.Study Design
This was a randomized, double-blind, four-arm pilot study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups:- EC-HC-II
- HC-II
- Glucosamine HCl
- Placebo
Outcome Measures
The primary outcome measures included:- WOMAC score: Assesses OA patients' pain, stiffness, and physical function.
- Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score: Measures pain intensity.
- Grip strength: Evaluates muscle strength.
- Fat-free mass (FFM): Assessed using body composition analysis.
- Bone mass: Evaluated using bone density tests.
Results and Discussion
Improvements in WOMAC Scores
All groups showed similar levels of improvement in WOMAC scores after 24 weeks. This suggests that the interventions, including resistance training, were effective in enhancing overall joint function and reducing symptoms of OA.Pain Reduction
The HC-II group demonstrated a significant reduction in VAS pain scores. After 14 days, the HC-II group experienced a mean pain reduction of 0.9 ± 1.89, which was statistically significant (p = 0.034). Additionally, repeated-measures analysis indicated that HC-II reduced pain levels more effectively than the placebo after 14 days (mean ± SE: -1.3 ± 0.45, p = 0.021).Implications for Pain Management
The significant reduction in pain scores highlights the potential of HC-II as a natural analgesic alternative for OA patients. Pain management is a crucial aspect of OA treatment, and HC-II offers a promising option with fewer side effects compared to traditional pharmaceuticals.Muscle Strength and Fat-Free Mass
The EC-HC-II group exhibited notable improvements in muscle strength and FFM compared to the glucosamine HCl and placebo groups. At 24 weeks, the EC-HC-II group had significantly higher grip strength than the glucosamine HCl group (p = 0.002) and higher FFM than both the glucosamine HCl (p = 0.02) and placebo (p = 0.017) groups.Enhancing Muscle Function
Improving muscle strength and mass is vital for OA patients, as stronger muscles can better support the joints, reducing overall strain and potentially slowing the progression of the disease. The combination of EC and HC-II appears to offer a dual benefit by alleviating joint pain and enhancing muscle function.Bone Health
While the primary focus of the study was on joint and muscle functions, bone mass was also evaluated. Although the findings did not indicate significant changes in bone mass across the groups, it is essential to consider that maintaining bone health is a long-term process, and the duration of this study may have been insufficient to observe substantial changes.Recommendations for Future Research
Further large-scale studies with longer durations are recommended to assess the impact of EC-HC-II on bone health fully. Additionally, exploring the mechanisms through which EC and HC-II influence muscle and joint health can provide deeper insights into their benefits.Conclusion
Summary of Key Findings
The study demonstrated that HC-II significantly reduces pain in knee OA patients, while EC-HC-II enhances muscle strength and fat-free mass. These findings suggest that EC-HC-II could be a novel holistic solution for improving joint, muscle, and bone health in older adults with OA.Implications for OA Management
The potential benefits of HC-II and EC-HC-II in managing OA symptoms offer a promising alternative to traditional treatments. By providing pain relief and enhancing muscle function, these nutraceuticals can improve the quality of life for OA patients with fewer side effects and lower costs.Future Directions
Larger, long-term studies are necessary to validate these findings and to explore the full therapeutic potential of EC-HC-II. Additionally, investigating the molecular mechanisms behind these benefits can pave the way for more targeted and effective OA treatments.Practical Recommendations for Patients and Healthcare Providers
For Patients
- Consider Nutraceuticals: Patients with knee OA may want to discuss the use of HC-II and EC-HC-II with their healthcare providers as part of a comprehensive management plan.
- Incorporate Resistance Training: Resistance training can complement the benefits of these supplements by improving muscle strength and joint support.
- Monitor Progress: Regularly assess pain levels, joint function, and overall physical health to gauge the efficacy of the treatment and make necessary adjustments.
For Healthcare Providers
- Evaluate Suitability: Assess the suitability of HC-II and EC-HC-II for individual patients based on their medical history, current health status, and treatment goals.
- Educate Patients: Inform patients about nutraceuticals' benefits and potential side effects and guide them on how to incorporate these into their daily regimen.
- Encourage Holistic Approaches: Promote a holistic approach to OA management that includes nutraceuticals, physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
Conclusion
Integrating nutraceuticals such as HC-II and EC-HC-II into the management of knee osteoarthritis represents a promising advancement in the field. By addressing pain, enhancing muscle strength, and potentially supporting bone health, these supplements offer a comprehensive approach to improving the quality of life for OA patients. Ongoing research and clinical trials will further elucidate their role and efficacy, paving the way for more accessible and sustainable OA treatments.References
- Original Study: "Randomized, double-blind, four-arm pilot study on the effects of chicken essence and type II collagen hydrolysate on joint, bone, and muscle functions."
- ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04483024