A 2025 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Scientific Reports (part of the Nature portfolio) took a different approach to studying joint collagen: instead of testing one collagen type on its own, it tested a combination of undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) plus hydrolyzed collagen against a placebo in 68 patients with knee osteoarthritis.

What the research looked at

The trial enrolled 68 people with knee osteoarthritis and randomly assigned them to receive either the combined UC-II plus hydrolyzed collagen formula or a placebo, with neither participants nor researchers knowing who received which during the study. To track how patients responded over time, the researchers measured several outcomes at baseline and then again at 2, 6, and 12 weeks: pain intensity, knee function using the KOOS questionnaire (a standard tool for assessing knee and osteoarthritis symptoms), how often patients needed rescue painkillers, and overall patient satisfaction.

Why combine two collagen types

UC-II and hydrolyzed collagen are understood to work through different mechanisms. UC-II is typically studied at a very small daily dose and is thought to act on cartilage protection through an immune-related pathway, while hydrolyzed collagen supplies broken-down collagen fragments believed to support cartilage building and repair. This trial reflects growing scientific interest in pairing these two mechanisms — a cartilage-protecting collagen with a cartilage-building one — rather than relying on either ingredient alone, on the reasoning that the two approaches might complement each other.

What it means (and the limits)

Because the results of this specific trial were not detailed in the source material available for this summary, this article focuses on what the study set out to measure and why the combination approach is scientifically interesting, rather than on outcome figures. What can be said is that this is a single trial with a modest number of patients (68), conducted over a 12-week period with multiple assessment points. As with any individual study, its results add to the growing body of research on joint-support collagens rather than settle the question on their own. Larger and repeated trials are typically needed before conclusions about a combined approach can be considered well established. Anyone considering collagen supplements for joint health should view them as something that may support joints gradually over time, not a cure for osteoarthritis, and should discuss their individual situation with a doctor or pharmacist.

Sources: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-17505-0

Dual-action joint collagen

Mafsal Riyadi combines the two collagen types most studied for joints — high-tripeptide hydrolyzed collagen and undenatured type II collagen — in one licensed dietary supplement (EDA reg. no. 14711/2026). Research about ingredient categories is general and is not a claim about any individual product.

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This is a plain-language summary of published research for general education. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and individual studies have limitations. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation.