A number of studies have been done to look at the effect of this protein on the health of joints, especially among older adults with osteoarthritis. When someone has this form of arthritis, the protective cartilage located at the ends of the bones wears down until it is completely gone. This causes inflammation, and eventually, joint damage. Collagen may help to replace that smoothness and lubrication to help those with arthritis move easier. It may even reduce the risk of the joints deteriorating, according to a study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine. A separate study concluded that arthritis patients supplementing with type 2 collagen experienced improvements in sleeping, taking the stairs and other daily activities.Next