UC-II Collagen (Undenatured Type II)

UC-II Collagen (Undenatured Type II) is a highly specialized bioactive ingredient derived primarily from chicken sternum cartilage, standardized to deliver specific functional compounds rather than broad macronutrient content. A typical efficacious dose is 40mg per serving. Protein content: UC-II is protein-based, with undenatured type II collagen comprising approximately 25-30% of the 40mg dose (~10-12mg active collagen). Key bioactive compounds include chondroitin sulfate (approximately 5-10mg per 40mg serving), hyaluronic acid (trace amounts, approximately 1-2mg), and glucosamine (minor amounts inherent to the cartilage matrix). The critical distinction of UC-II is its undenatured (native) triple-helix structure, which is preserved through low-temperature, low-pressure processing — this structural integrity is essential for its oral tolerance mechanism via Peyer's patches in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Bioavailability note: Unlike hydrolyzed collagen (which requires gram-level dosing of 5-10g), UC-II exerts its effects at 40mg due to immunomodulatory activity rather than direct substrate provision; it does not meaningfully contribute to daily protein, carbohydrate, fat, caloric intake, or micronutrient status. No significant vitamins or dietary minerals are present at functional concentrations in a standard 40mg dose. Fat content is negligible (<1mg), carbohydrates are negligible, and caloric contribution is essentially zero (<1 kcal per serving).