Now what about Type II? Well, Type ll makes up a major portion of the cartilage that cushions our very joints. I know so many with osteoarthritis injury or wear and tear break down of cartilage. If not caught early enough, it can become bone on bone. Inflammation ONLY intensifies the symptoms but DOES NOT “create” the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which can cause horrible inflammation, swelling and stiffness. It can get very uncomfortable. Collagen can actually help with both types of arthritis so this is why I have created this blog for the ladies – collagen type II clarified as a necessity.
Type II collagen naturally contains chondroitin and hyaluronic acid. These two are known to support joint health. They work closely together though, as Type II collagen and chondroitin renew cartilage by providing building blocks which stimulate the body’s production of collagen. Chondroitin is a major component of cartilage, the tough, connective tissue that cushions the joints. Chondroitin can help with inflammation and even block an enzyme which breaks down the cartilage. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in synovial fluid and it thus lubricates joints.
As far as osteoarthritis, studies found that BioCell II improves joint comfort and mobility which is a godsend for my friends with this debilitating disease. Studies also show that an *undenatured type II collagen (see below), known as UC-II, can reduce inflammation in those who have both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Good news again!
I am working with some incredible people and some amazing companies to test more of the Type ll out, but from all accounts and long term studies, it is working and helping many people. If you are young or older and active, you most likely use your joints and use them well as you should do. It is just optimum to take supplements BEFORE things can go awry and before signs start to show up such as little aches and pains. These bodies of ours do last and they can last long and in an optimum state with a little knowledge and care. Of course this requires applying what you know now so that you can prevent issues later.
I hope this helps and as you know there is a wonderful resource for ingredients, Google, through which you can find all sorts of terrific Type l, ll and lll collagen products online. Some products even contain all three types in one. You can take them grouped together and they do well as such. In my next blog post, I offer some suggestions (proven to benefit users) on how to take them and when; you will understand why once you read it.
Be sure to read the ingredients as you want to be sure that your collagen is PURE and not full of fillers, and please be sure to purchase products made from grass-fed or free-range sources if you can afford the few extra dollars. It makes a world of a difference, chemically, to your body and how it will be broken down and used.
Our bodies are bio-chemical living organisms and they can only work with what we do with them and give them. It is terribly obvious and quite cliché for me to say this, but the choice is yours (and mine).
In case you missed my earlier blog post about this subject, be sure to read my informative post on Type I, II and III collagen here.
*UC-II (InterHealth Nutraceuticals) is an ingredient now found in many supplements for joint health, either as a stand-alone ingredient or in combination with other ingredients (see examples in the Review of Joint Health Supplements). UC-II contains a patented form of undenatured type II collagen (i.e., the collagen is not processed by high heat or chemicals) derived from chicken sternum cartilage, along with inactive ingredients. Based on laboratory and clinical studies, the makers claim that the undenatured collagen in UC-II differs from hydrolyzed or denatured collagen because it contains active immune modulators that reduce the secretion of enzymes that break down type II collagen, thereby slowing the inflammatory response.
If you have any questions or suggestions just email me at Tina (at) Paleomazing.com.
I'm a cookbook-collecting, recipe-developing paleo junkie, and I live in the kitchen. I'm hooked on farmers' markets, traveling, eating healthy, and hiking until my legs scream at me. There's nothing better than hanging out with family and good friends. I have fun and sleeping is just plain boring. Read more About Tina Turbin.
