Is Collagen Really Good for Joints and Bone Pain?

Collagen is found in many connective tissues, especially muscle. Not sure if taking collagen supplement will help. "Try it, you'll like it".

I haven’t noticed any difference. I took for four years. Avascular necrosis and osteoporosis

@tilou
Use of collagen is widely promoted by supplement sellers, often without understanding that there are multiple types, some do not survive the digestive tract to reach joint, others have demonstrated benefits. Promoters seem to emphasize the source such as cows, chickens, seafood.

Type I collagen occurs mostly in bones, tendons, ligaments, skin and corneas. Type II collagen is most common in collagen and corneas. These comprise about 80% of collagen, and are the most studies, Types III, V & X have other "targets" and have been subjected to less research.

The study below seems to be saying that each source offers specific advantages, but the preparation is even more critical. The process known as "hydrolyzation" destroys many of the advantages of collagen, and it appears one should look for a supplement that includes soluble and insoluble native collagen, not hydrolized collagen.

This study is a deep dive into the chemistry, but I couldn't find anything more user-friendly today:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10058045/
Here is their conclusion"
"Collagen has been positioned as an emerging focus of research for articular health. However, the term collagen includes different products with different structures, properties, and mechanisms of action. Native type II collagen has a specific immune-mediated mechanism known as oral tolerance, that inhibits inflammation and tissue catabolism at articular level. Hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to contain biologically active peptides that are able to reach joint tissues and exert chondroprotective effects. There are preclinical and clinical studies showing the safety and efficacy of ingredients containing native type II collagen or hydrolyzed collagen. Nevertheless, available research suggests a clear link between collagen ingredient composition/chemical structure and mechanism of action/efficacy. However further research is required, including well-designed studies, to assess the therapeutic potential of each collagen type and composition for each clinical condition. Novel research would be required to evaluate the potential benefit in populations with risk factors of OA, as well as different OA phenotypes and related disorders, both in terms of symptomatic improvement and progression of cartilage degradation."

Another question frequently asked are regarding "vegan" collagen supplements - which is a contradiction in terms, as all known sources of collagen are animal. Here is what the report had to say:
In addition, the term “vegan collagen” or “vegan collagen builder” has been also recently introduced in functional food market to refer to certain products that are basically composed of a blend of ingredients including plant extracts, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Even though some studies have evidenced that collagen biosynthesis is mediated by certain micronutrients contained in these ingredients, such as vitamin C [52], copper or zinc [53,54], it is worth noting that, to the best of our knowledge, no product labelled as “vegan collagen” contains actual collagen in their ingredient list.

Table 2, about halfway through the reports, list numerous studies of various ailments. If you see one that seems to fit your situation, click the link (blue number) and you will go directly to that report.

Bottom line? Possibly helpful if you use hydrolized collagen Types I & II. More likely useful if you can find native collagen supplements. I haven't done much searching for them, so not sure of availability

If you decide you want to try the supplements, consult with your doctor first. I’ve had three major surgeries in the last year and my hair has come out in clumps. I asked my PCP about starting a collagen supplement and she said no it would interfere with the prescriptions you are taking.

Thank you all for your input, I have decided to stop taking collagen because it gives me symptoms that I am scared about.
I wanted to try it for joints and bones support but one of the side effects that I conquered in the past after a lot of trials and errors sended me to hospital.
I very much appreciate your knowledge on the subject.