“Super” Collagen- Coming to a Joint Near You
by Jennifer Bunn, RNIn the human body, collagen is the most prevalent connective tissue protein, acting as the scaffolding that holds the body together and giving it support. Now, researchers have created a collagen that is the strongest ever invented, with enormous potential to treat a variety of human conditions that result from collagen defects or breakdown, such as arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a chronic condition in which cartilage in the joints breaks down. Loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together, causing stiffness and pain.
Collagen in medicine has been used mainly in artificial skin substitutes. The ability to be used in the treatment of arthritis could be the breakthrough that many have been waiting for. At the present time, it is estimated that 46 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis; by 2030, it is estimated that 67 million Americans will be living with the debilitating condition.
Source: Super-strong Collagen Created By UW-Madison Scientists
