Efficacy and safety of an oral treatment based on mucopolysaccharides, collagen type i and vitamin C in patients with tendinopathies

Introduction and objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a diet supplement containing mucopolysaccharides, collagen type i and vitamin C (Tendoactive (R)) on the clinical symptoms and tendon structure of patients with Achilles, patellar, or lateral epicondyle tendinopathy. Material and methods: Between September 2012 and February 2013, a total of 98 patients with tendinopathy were included in the study (32 of Achilles tendon, 32 of patellar tendon, and 34 of lateral epicondyle tendon). The patients received a daily dose of Tendoactive (R) containing 435 mg of mucopolysaccharides, 75 mg of collagen type i and 60 mg of vitamin C (equivalent to 2 capsules per day) for 90 consecutive days, and were followed up monthly during the study period. Clinical assessments included pain intensity, which was assessed at rest and during activity using a visual analog scale (VAS), and also a specific functional scale (VISA-A question-naire for Achilles, VISA-P for patella, and PRTEE for the elbow). Tendon structure was analyzed using ultrasound, including measurements of cross-sectional thickness of the tendon, paratenon blurring, heteroechogenicity and hypoechogenicity levels, and neovascularization. Results: There was a significant reduction in pain at rest and during activity from the first follow-up visit (day 30) until the end of the study (day 90) for the three types of tendinopathy. The same pattern of response was observed with the functional scales. On day 90 the improvement from baseline was 38% for VISA-A, 46% for VISA-P, and 77% for PRTEE (P < .001). Simultaneous to the clinical improvement, there was a reduction of the tendon thickness (12% in Achilles, 10% in patellar tendon and 20% in lateral epicondyle tendon; P < .05). Conclusions: The overall results show that Tendoactive (R) is a safe and effective treatment for improving the clinical symptoms, as well as structural evolution of injured tendons, as demonstrated in Achilles, patellar and lateral elbow epicondyle tendinopathy. (C) 2013 Consell Catala de l'Esport. Generalitat de Catalunya. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.