A head-to-head study is useful, but bounded
A 2022 randomized trial studied native Type II collagen versus glucosamine plus chondroitin and placebo in adults with knee osteoarthritis. Both active groups reported improvements on some measures compared with placebo. That is a finding from one study, not a universal ranking of all collagen products against all glucosamine/chondroitin products.
Compare like with like
“Collagen” covers several ingredient forms. Glucosamine/chondroitin products vary too. Before drawing a conclusion, ask: which exact ingredient, at what dose, for how long, in what population, and on which outcome? Then check whether the product you are considering actually matches the study.
Where a combined collagen formula fits
Balmve’s More Than Collagen contains a peptide blend and separately listed undenatured Type II. It is not the same intervention as every Type II study. The 2025 combined-form trial did not find a significant advantage over placebo. Read the label and evidence as two separate pieces of information.