Gelatin is a mixture of proteins extracted from animal collagen by a process known as hydrolysis. Usually gelatin comes from bovine compounds, pig skin, ox skin and bones. Gelatin has a large number of uses as both a food and health supplement. In food gelatin serves only as a stabilizer, thickener, and texturizer and has no nutritional value.

Recently, gelatin has entered the nutritional supplement marketplace for use in bone and joint health. The gelatin peptides are rich in the amino acids found in collagen, including L-proline, L-hydroxyproline, and glycine.

Health Benefits and Indications

Gelatin may offer some benefit in fighting degenerative joint disease (DJD). However, claims that gelatin can fight arthritis and help maintain healthy joint cartilage and bones are not substantiated by strong scientific evidence.

Dosage

Gelatin (hydrolysates) is available in powder form, usually in combination with other supplements, such as vitamin C and calcium. Gelatin hydrolysates are also available in capsules, usually in combination with other supplements such as glucosamine, curcumin, chondroitin sulfate, and willow bark. An average dose of a gelatin supplement is 10 grams daily.