The health benefits of gelatin, which has no taste or smell, is a matter debate as of publication date. A popular brand sells plain gelatin and also gelatin bolstered with a few vitamins as a treatment for joint problems. While some studies show that gelatin relieves joint pain, others do not concur. In addition to relief of joint pain, some claim that gelatin produces stronger hair and nails. However, research does not support those claims.
Gelatin
Gelatin is made by boiling the discarded parts of slaughterhouse animals, which includes the skin, hides, ligaments and tendons of pigs, cows and horses. The end product is a powder that is similar in structure to the collagen that makes up the cartilage and other connective tissues of the human body. It is primarily used as a stiffening agent in desserts such as Jello.
Theory
Since gelatin is composed of the same elements that make up the connective tissues of humans as well as animals, in theory it could be used to repair or prevent damage to cartilage. As the Bodybuilding For You website explains, gelatin is rich in proline and glycine, which are two amino acids that are necessary for collagen formation. Anecdotal reports suggest that gelatin has been effective in reducing joint pain from arthritis for many people.
Research
A Nabisco sponsored study at Ball State University in 1998 found that gelatin appeared to ease knee pain in a study of 20 college athletes.The Arthritis Cures website mentions a German study that also supports the effectiveness of gelatin for joint pain. On the other hand, a third study found no significant differences between research subjects who took gelatin and those who took a placebo. As for claims linking gelatin to increased nail and hair strength, there are no studies to date to support the assertions.
Considerations
If you are a vegetarian who wants to relieve joint pain without using animal products, pectin, a food stiffening agent made from fruit, might relieve your discomfort according to research. Because the side effects of gelatin are rare and mild, unless you are allergic to an animal used to produce it, you could try gelatin for joint pain with a very low degree of risk.
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