Joint & Connective Tissue
Collagen Type II (UC-II)
Also known as: UC-II · Undenatured type II collagen · Chicken sternum collagen
A unique low-dose cartilage collagen that works by oral tolerance — training the immune system not to attack joint collagen. Only 40mg/day needed, unlike hydrolysed collagen at 10–15g.
Effective Dose
40mg UC-II / day
per clinical evidence
Evidence Level
Moderate
Joint & Connective Tissue
Mechanism
Oral tolerance induction — reduces immune attack on cartilage collagen
primary action
Best For
Knee pain
Rheumatoid arthritis, Athletic joint protection
This profile is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.
What Is Collagen Type II (UC-II)?
UC-II (undenatured type II collagen from chicken sternum) works through a completely different mechanism to hydrolysed collagen peptides. At only 40mg/day, native (undenatured) collagen fragments trigger regulatory T-cells in the gut to suppress the immune response attacking joint collagen — a process called oral tolerance.
How It Works: The Science
Undenatured collagen type II passes through the gut and activates Peyer's patches in the intestinal lymphoid tissue. This generates regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and IL-10 production, which migrate to joints and suppress the inflammatory immune response targeting native cartilage collagen. The mechanism is distinct from collagen peptides (which provide structural building blocks) — UC-II works immunologically.
Primary Mechanism
Oral tolerance induction — reduces immune attack on cartilage collagen
Evidence-Based Benefits
Dosage Guide
Effective Dose
40mg UC-II / day
40mg/day UC-II on an empty stomach (with water, 30 minutes before eating). Much lower dose than hydrolysed collagen. These are fundamentally different products — UC-II is not interchangeable with collagen peptides.
Safety Profile & Side Effects
Well tolerated. Derived from chicken sternum — relevant for poultry allergies (rare). Avoid if taking immunosuppressant medications (mechanism involves immune modulation).
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take It
Athletes and older adults with joint pain seeking an alternative or complement to glucosamine/chondroitin. Particularly interesting as a preventative supplement for high-impact athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Ingredients
Medical Disclaimer
Ingredient profiles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications. Full disclaimer →