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UC-II® Undenatured Type II Collagen
UC-II® undenatured type II collagen helps your brand stand out in the growing longevity market by supporting joint health and mobility, key factors that help consumers maintain an active lifestyle as they age.
Significantly decreased post-physical activity joint discomfort1
Improved knee extension by 10% compared with baseline in the UC-II® group2
15X better range of motion when compared to placebo
(3.23 degrees vs. 0.21 degrees)3
Empower motion for life with UC-II® undenatured type II collagen
Today’s consumers are seeking solutions that support joint comfort, mobility, and an active lifestyle—key elements of maintaining wellness as they age.
As the most researched undenatured type II collagen brand,* UC-II® undenatured type II collagen helps brands tap into the longevity market with clinically proven joint comfort, flexibility, and mobility support—all via one small daily dose of 40 mg/day.
* As of January 2025
Product features
- Unique mechanism of action—helps support the body’s natural cartilage repair process and promotes normal building of new cartilage.1-3
- Low dose—excellent consumer convenience with just one small 40 mg daily. 4-7
- Formulation friendly—can be formulated in a wide range of in-demand dosage forms. *8
* Not all dosage forms are available in all regions/countries due to regulatory restrictions
Disclaimer: Unless otherwise expressly stated herein, these statements have not been evaluated by any competent authority, including the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This is business-to-business information intended for food and supplement producers, and is not intended for the final consumer. This information is based on our own research and development work and is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable. However, Lonza does not assume any liability of risk involved in the use of this information, as conditions or use are beyond our control. Manufacturers should check local regulatory status of any claims according to the intended use of their products and are solely responsible for the marketing of their finished products in accordance with all applicable laws.
Premium ingredient that helps you differentiate in the longevity market
We are committed to providing high-quality ingredients and formulations, as evident by our NSF GMP Registration Program Requirements of NSF/ANSI 173, Section 8 which includes FSMA and cGMP (21 CFR 111, 21 CFR 117), as well as our NutraStrong™ Collagen Verified certification as of August 2025.
Product features
Also available in different grade:
- UC-II® Pets
- UC-II® Halal
* Grade availability differs by region
The most researched brand of undenatured type II collagen
Backed by more than 20 studies over two decades, UC-II® undenatured type II collagen supports joint health and mobility—factors that contribute to long-term wellness and active lifestyles.
Clinical research has found that a 40 mg daily dose of UC-II® undenatured type II collagen improved joint flexibility by 3.23 degrees, 15 times more than placebo—helping joints feel 10 years younger.5
Supplementation also reduced joint discomfort during daily physical activities and helped people to walk a quarter of a mile more each day.6
Brands can leverage these clinically backed benefits to develop innovative solutions that help consumers move better, so they can live better.
Product features
- Supports joint flexibility and comfort
- Helps joints feel 10 years younger
- Helps consumers meet their daily step goals
Fast-track to market success
Get ahead and stay ahead of evolving longevity and joint health trends with UC-II® undenatured type II collagen and Lonza CHI’s full suite of concept-to-market Innovation Services
With unmatched expertise across R&D, regulatory, quality assurance, and product development, we can help you unlock new markets and launch products with speed and success.
Explore our Innovation Services to discover why we are the Innovator’s Choice.
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Service features
- Comprehensive R&D support
- Unmatched regulatory expertise
- Dedicated customer support teams
Flex your formulation creativity across a multitude of applications
With UC-II® undenatured type II collagen, brands can create science backed joint health solutions that that support mobility and active lifestyles in a variety of formats— appealing to a broad range of consumer demographics and preferences.
Odorless, with a neutral taste, and effective at a uniquely low dose (40 mg/day), UC-II® undenatured type II collagen is a versatile, formulation-friendly solution for a variety of innovative dosage forms, including capsules, powders, gummies, and functional foods and beverages.7
Plus, thanks to its efficacy at a low dose and formulation versatility, UC-II® undenatured type II collagen can be combined with other ingredients to develop multi-benefit products that support joint health, mobility, and an active lifestyle.
Product features
- Odorless, neutral taste, low dose
- Ideal for diverse dosage forms and in multi-ingredient formulations
For Japan only
"Supports walking in daily life for people with exercise habits and reduces knee discomfort”
It has been reported that continuous intake of undenatured type II collagen supports walking in daily life and reduces knee discomfort in people with exercise habits. It has also been reported to support walking in daily life for people with exercise habits and reduce knee discomfort. (Notification number: J61)
| Notification number | J61 Notification Information |
| Functional ingredient name |
Undenatured type II collagen (as enzymatically degraded water-soluble collagen peptide) |
|
Content |
2.4mg |
| The functionality you want to display | This product contains undenatured type II collagen (as an enzymatically degraded water-soluble collagen peptide). It has been reported that it supports walking in daily life and reduces knee discomfort in people with exercise habits. |
Thesis as a basis
1 Juturu et al. (2021, June 12) Abstracts and posters of conference presentations. ISSN 18th Annual Conference and Expo, St. Petersburg, FL. [Abstract]
2 Soucie et al. (2010, Nov 11) Joint range of motion measurement: a database for reference values and comparative studies. Hemophilia, e-pub Republished by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Retrieved July 20, 2021 from Normal Joint Range of Motion Test cdc.gov/ncbddd/jointrom/.
3 Juturu et al. (2021, Aug 28) Conference Abstract WCO IOF-ESCEO, London, UK. [Abstract]
"Helps with knee flexibility and mobility, supports smooth walking and climbing stairs”
Continuous intake of non-denatured type II collagen has been reported to improve knee joint extension (range of motion of the knee joint). This product is suitable for those who are concerned about discomfort in the knee joints. (Notification number: G195)
| Notification number | G195 Notification Information |
| Functional ingredient name |
Undenatured type II collagen (as enzymatically degraded water-soluble collagen peptide) |
|
Content |
2.4mg |
| The functionality you want to display | This product contains undenatured type II collagen (as an enzymatically degraded water-soluble collagen peptide). Continuous intake of undenatured type II collagen (as enzymatically degraded water-soluble collagen peptide) has been reported to improve knee joint extension (knee joint range of motion). This product is suitable for those who are concerned about discomfort in the knee joints. |
"Improvement of knee joint extension”
It has been reported that continuous intake of undenatured type II collagen can help with knee flexibility and mobility, and support smooth walking and climbing stairs. It has also been reported that it reduces discomfort in the lower back when walking, going up and down stairs, sitting upright, standing from a chair, turning over, and twisting the hips in daily life. (Notification number: J316)
| Notification number | J316 Notification Information |
| Functional ingredient name |
Undenatured type II collagen (as enzymatically degraded water-soluble collagen peptide) |
|
Content |
3.2mg |
| The functionality you want to display | This product contains undenatured type II collagen (as an enzymatically degraded water-soluble collagen peptide). Undenatured type II collagen (as an enzymatically degraded water-soluble collagen peptide) has been reported to help the flexibility and mobility of the knee, and to support smooth walking and climbing stairs. It has also been reported to reduce knee discomfort when walking, going up and down stairs, sitting upright, and standing from a chair in daily life. It has also been reported that it reduces discomfort in the lower back when walking, going up and down stairs, sitting upright, standing from a chair, turning over, and twisting the hips in daily life. |
Thesis as a basis
Undenatured type Ⅱ collagen（UC-Ⅱ®）for joint support:a randomized,double-blind, Placebo-controlled study in healthy volunteer
Lugo Jp,Saiyed ZM,Lau FC,Molina JP,Pakdaman MN,Shamie AN,Udani JK. J Int Soc Sports Nutr.2013 Oct 24; 10(1):48.
Drive differentiation in healthy aging with UC-II® undenatured type II collagen
Get ahead and stay ahead of evolving trends in the joint health and longevity market with with UC-II® undenatured type II collagen.
With proven efficacy at a convenient low dose of just 40 mg/day, this odorless and neutral tasting ingredient fits seamlessly into diverse dosage formats and multi-ingredient formulations.
Plus, choose from a wide range of Capsugel® dosage forms to deliver both functional and experiential benefits.
Tap into the longevity market—request a UC-II® sample and explore versatile formulation opportunities for joint health and broader wellness goals.
Helps joints feel 10 years younger
Increases step-count by 1/4 mile per day
Decreases knee discomfort during daily physical activities
UC-II® undenatured type II collagen is the next generation joint health ingredient, clinically studied to support joint comfort, flexibility, and mobility4-6 —helping consumers stay active as they age.
Supporting Lifelong Movement with a Smarter Joint Health Collagen
UC-II® undenatured type II collagen is the next generation joint health ingredient, clinically studied to help maintain joint comfort and flexibility and mobility in healthy, active adults1-3, 6.
Unlike hydrolyzed collagen which requires a large daily dose (up to 20,000 mg a day) and glucosamine and chondroitin, UC-II® undenatured type II collagen supports joint health with just one small 40 mg dose per day1-6.
Clinically-proven benefits
The most researched brand of undenatured type II collagen*
Low dose
Unsurpassed consumer convenience with just one small 40 mg daily dose
Unique mechanism of action
Triggers the immune system to build joint cartilage to help support the body's natural cartilage repair process and promotes building new joint cartilage**4,5
Formulation innovation
Works across a wide range of in-demand dosage forms7
* As of January 2025
** Animal studies suggest that the likely mechanism of action is that it promotes normal inflammatory response while helping to support cartilage regeneration
UC-II® undenatured type II collagen triggers the immune system to build joint cartilage to help support the body's natural cartilage repair process and promotes building new joint cartilage**
Undenatured type II collagen's structure is uniquely preserved in the UC-II® ingredient using a patented, low-temperature processing method.
Epitopes are the bioactive regions that allow undenatured type II collagen to bind to the Peyer's patches in the gut and induce the oral tolerance process.
The three dimensional shape of undenatured type II collagen preserves the bioactive regions called epitopes that induce the oral tolerance process.
Undenatured type II collagen is resistant to gastric acid and digestive enzymes, allowing it to retain the three dimensional shape and to preserve the epitopes.
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Citations
1 Yaremenko et al. (2021). Efficacy, tolerance and influence on cartilage metabolism of undenatured collagen type II UC-II (Mercana) in knee OA. PAIN, JOINTS, SPINE, 11(3), 5-12.
2 Sahin, E., et al. (2023). The effect of oral administration of undenatured type II collagen on monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis in young and old rats. Scientific reports, 13(1), 6499
3 Bagi, C. M., et al. (2017). Oral administration of undenatured native chicken type II collagen (UC-II) diminished deterioration of articular cartilage in a rat model of osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis and cartilage, 25(12), 2080-2090.
4 Lugo, J.P., et al. (2015) Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutrition journal, 15, 1-15.
5 Schön, C., et al. (2022). UC-II Undenatured Type II Collagen for Knee Joint Flexibility: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. Journal of integrative and complementary medicine, 28(6), 540–548.
6 Knaub, K., et al. (2022). UC-II® undenatured type II collagen reduces knee joint discomfort and improves mobility in healthy subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Journal of Clinical Trials. 12(1):1000492
7 Pates, et al. (2023). UC-II® undenatured type II collagen data show retention during functional food and beverage prototype processing. Data Br, 48, 109216.
8 Soucie, J. M., et al. (2011). Range of motion measurements: reference values and a database for comparison