Evidence supporting the use of: Amino acids
For the health condition: Cartilage Damage
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Amino acids are considered to have a scientific basis for use in supporting cartilage repair and treating cartilage damage, although the strength of evidence is moderate (rated 2 out of 5). Cartilage is composed primarily of collagen and proteoglycans, both of which require amino acids—especially glycine, proline, and lysine—for their synthesis. Scientific studies have explored the role of amino acid supplementation, either as single amino acids or as part of hydrolyzed collagen, in promoting cartilage health.
Preclinical animal studies demonstrate that certain amino acids can stimulate chondrocyte (cartilage cell) proliferation and extracellular matrix production, which are critical for cartilage repair. Human clinical studies are less robust but indicate that oral supplementation with specific amino acids or collagen hydrolysates may reduce joint pain and improve function, particularly in osteoarthritis. For example, hydrolyzed collagen, rich in amino acids, has been shown in some randomized controlled trials to improve symptoms in knee osteoarthritis.
However, evidence directly supporting the use of isolated amino acids for cartilage regeneration in humans remains limited, with most studies having small sample sizes and short durations. The overall consensus is that while amino acids are biologically plausible as supportive agents for cartilage health, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy.
In summary, there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence for the use of amino acids in cartilage damage, but definitive proof of clinical benefit is lacking.
Other ingredients used for Cartilage Damage
amino acidsanthocyanins
Indian frankincense
bovine gelatin
bromelain
cartilage
chondroitin
collagen
turmeric
curcumin
fish oil
gelatin
ginger
glucosamine
green lipped mussel
green tea
hyaluronic acid
l-proline
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
n-acetyl-glucosamine
omega-3 fatty acids
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
silicon
vitamin C
zinc
Animal Tissue
Bone Protein
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Chymopapain
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Connective tissue growth factor
Drynaria
fibroblast growth factor
Glycosaminoglycans
Other health conditions supported by amino acids
Addictions (drugs)Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (sugar or refined carbohydrates)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Alzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autoimmune Disorders
Body Building
Bulimia
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Concentration (poor)
Convalescence
Debility
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Heart (weakness)
Injuries
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nervous Exhaustion
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Post Partum Depression
Protein Digestion (poor)