A new joint health supplement, UC-ii, has been launched in Australia, offering a clinically proven option for relieving joint stiffness and improving mobility.

This supplement, containing undenatured type II collagen, is now available nationwide at Go Vita stores, under brands such as Essential Nutrition. UC-ii has been studied for its benefits in easing mild joint pain and is reported to be particularly effective for individuals experiencing knee discomfort or restricted mobility due to age, lifestyle or mild osteoarthritis.

Market context

The Australian complementary medicines industry is valued at AUD $6.4 billion per year, with exports reaching over AUD $1.2 billion in 2023. Around three-quarters of Australian households use dietary supplements, with products targeting joint and mobility issues among the most sought after. Factors such as an ageing population, growing interest in preventative healthcare, and a high level of trust in products regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration are contributing to the increased demand for these supplements.

“Joint pain is one of the top reasons Australians turn to supplements,” said Dr Brad McEwen, PhD, researcher and educator at Complementary Medicines Group (CMG). “UC-ii is a next-generation solution backed by over two decades of global research. It delivers noticeable results in a small, once-daily dose.”

How UC-ii works

UC-ii is formulated to target the underlying inflammation tied to joint pain, rather than just addressing symptoms. The supplement uses a patented form of undenatured type II collagen, which interacts with the immune system to help reduce inflammation and protect cartilage within the joint.

“Unlike traditional supplements, UC-ii works by signalling the immune system to stop attacking joint collagen,” said Dr McEwen. “This helps break the cycle of pain and supports cartilage repair at a much lower dose than glucosamine or chondroitin.”

According to the manufacturer and supported by existing research, this mechanism of action enables UC-ii to be effective at a considerably lower daily dose when compared to traditional supplements such as glucosamine or chondroitin, which require higher dosages to achieve similar effects.

Supporting research

UC-ii has been studied for over twenty years and validated through more than a dozen clinical trials, some involving double-blind and multicentre methodologies. Research findings have indicated improvements in joint flexibility, mobility, and range of motion, as well as reductions in stiffness and symptoms of arthritis. Head-to-head trials have demonstrated superior outcomes for UC-ii in comparison with glucosamine and chondroitin.

One major study referenced showed that users experienced measurable improvements in knee function within six months. Another clinical trial found that participants could exercise for longer without pain and experienced less discomfort walking up stairs or standing for extended periods.

Dosage and patient experiences

UC-ii requires just one 40 mg capsule taken daily, which can be considered an advantage for many Australians who report that “pill fatigue” can negatively affect their commitment to a supplement regimen.

“This is smarter, more effective joint support,” said Dr McEwen. “You don’t need large doses to feel the benefits.”

Personal accounts from users have also been shared. Darren Umbers, a 50-year-old surf lifesaver, described how he noticed results quickly:

“Years of rescues left my knees sore. Within weeks of starting UC-ii, the stiffness eased and I moved more freely. When I stopped, the pain returned – that’s how I knew it worked.”

Di Strang, a 60-year-old healthcare professional, spoke about her experience using the supplement prior to an overseas trip:

“Normally my knee swells during long flights, but this time, it didn’t. I was walking all day at a trade event and felt completely fine. I even stopped for a while and couldn’t remember which knee had been the bad one.”

Availability

UC-ii is formulated to meet the standards of the Therapeutic Goods Administration and Good Manufacturing Practise in Australia and is supplemented with Vitamin C and Silicon. It is available for a recommended retail price of AUD $39.95 for a 30-day supply at Go Vita stores nationwide.

Consumers are advised to consult a healthcare professional before commencing use to ensure suitability, and to follow the label directions. If symptoms persist, individuals should seek further advice from a health professional.