In other words: A Permutation is an ordered Combination. There are basically two types of permutation: 1  Repetition is Allowed: such as the lock above. It could be 333.  No Repetition: for example the first three people in a running race. You can't be first and second.
For this reason, the idea that collagen supplementation can be an effective treatment for joint pain, osteoarthritis, or any other condition, is highly implausible, if not impossible in principle.
Collagen occurs throughout the body, but especially in the skin, bones, and connective tissues. Some types of collagen fibrils, gram-for-gram, are stronger than steel. Collagen production declines with age and exposure to factors such as smoking and UV light. Collagen can be used in collagen dressings, to attract new skin cells to wound sites. Cosmetic lotions that claim to increase collagen levels are unlikely to do so, as collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin.