Supplements: Undenatured Collagen Type II

By Tracie Grubb, DVM, CCRT, cVMA

Another supplement I frequently recommend is undenatured type II collagen, often abbreviated as UC-II.

This supplement works differently from fish oil. Rather than directly suppressing inflammation, it works through immune system regulation.

What UC-II Does

UC-II may help:

Reduce joint inflammation
Protect cartilage from immune-mediated damage
Improve joint mobility
Reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis

What It Comes From

UC-II is derived from chicken sternum cartilage and processed in a way that preserves the natural three-dimensional collagen structure.

Maintaining this structure is essential for its therapeutic effects.

Mechanism of Action

UC-II works through a process called oral tolerance.

When small amounts of undenatured collagen are absorbed through specialized immune tissues in the digestive tract, the immune system becomes less reactive to the body’s own joint cartilage.

This can help reduce the inflammatory response that contributes to cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis.

Product I Most Commonly Recommend

Flexadin Advanced with UC-II

Available in two strengths:

40 mg – available over the counter
80 mg – available at veterinary clinics only

Typical dosing:

Dogs under 40 lb → 40 mg daily
Dogs over 40 lb → 80 mg daily

One advantage of UC-II is that the dose is very small, making it easy to administer once daily.