Tendinosis Management with Supplements

First-Line Supplements

Vitamin C enriched dietary gelatin is the most effective supplement for tendinosis, as it has been identified as a novel strategy to support tendon repair, according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine 1
Collagen Peptides support tendon healing and have been shown to augment tendon hypertrophy during training, as reported by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 1
Turmeric/Curcumin provides significant anti-inflammatory, antialgic, and antioxidant effects for tendinopathies, as stated by The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2
Ginger Extract may help reduce pain and improve function in mild-to-moderate tendinopathies, according to The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2

Maintain adequate protein intake (≥1.6 g/kg body mass) during rehabilitation to prevent muscle loss and support tendon healing, as recommended by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 1
Avoid drastic reductions in energy intake during rehabilitation, as the metabolic demand of tissue recovery processes is high, according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine 1

Supplements should be taken consistently throughout the rehabilitation period, as suggested by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 1
Nutritional supplements work best as an adjunct to proper exercise therapy, particularly eccentric strengthening exercises, as stated by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, although this specific fact is from Praxis Medical Insights, a similar fact from British Journal of Sports Medicine is not available 3

Most patients with tendinopathies (about 80%) fully recover within 3-6 months with appropriate conservative treatment, as reported by Praxis Medical Insights, however a similar fact from a more reputable source such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is not available, but the fact remains that the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends conservative treatment 4

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found inconsistent evidence for dietary supplements including glucosamine and chondroitin, limiting their recommendation for knee osteoarthritis, which may also apply to tendinopathy 5
Vitamin D showed either minimal improvement or no change in outcomes, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons osteoarthritis guidelines, with no specific evidence supporting its supplementation for patellar tendinopathy 5