Gelatine

What is gelatine?

Gelatin is a protein made from the skin and bones of pigs and cattle. Gelatin is a widely used ingredient in a variety of products, including makeup, food, medicines and vaccines.

What is gelatine used for?

Many people who suffer from arthritis use gelatine supplements. Gelatin contains collagen, which is the material that cushions the bones in the joints. The idea behind using gelatine is to provide collagen for the body to incorporate into the joints. However, this is probably not the case as gelatine is broken down into the individual amino acids after consumption and therefore cannot enter the joints intact. Nevertheless, there are indications that gelatine could alleviate joint pain in people suffering from osteoarthritis. In studies carried out on animals, gelatine supplements also reduced swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis. However, further research is required before a conclusive statement can be made regarding the effectiveness of gelatine in these applications.

Dosage

There is no set standard dosage for gelatine.

Can gelatine be taken naturally with food?

Gelatine is a common ingredient in food.

Risks and side effects?

• Side effects: Gelatine supplements can cause side effects such as stomach problems, belching and bloating. In addition, some people are allergic to gelatine.
• Risks: When consumed in food form, gelatin is considered safe and harmless. Nothing is known about the safety of taking high doses of gelatine supplements. Some experts are concerned that gelatine may be contaminated with certain animal pathogens. However, to date there have been no known cases of such disease transmission.