Collagen is heavily marketed for arthritis. Here’s what the clinical trials actually show — and why I still recommend other supplements first.

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 5, 2025 · 7 min read Watch the Full Video Collagen supplements are widely marketed for reducing joint pain, improving stiffness, and slowing the progression of arthritis. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein and a major structural component of cartilage — the tissue that cushions and protects our joints. Osteoarthritis is fundamentally a disease of cartilage loss, so the idea behind collagen supplementation is straightforward:

Most joint supplements don’t work. Here’s the evidence-based ranking of what actually helps arthritis pain — and what you can skip.