Do Collagen Supplements Really Work?

June 17, 2020

Here's What the Science Says

As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen constitutes 75% of the dry weight of the skin [1][2][3][4]. Additionally, it forms the connective tissue in joints; hair and nail growth; and structures of bones, muscles, and arteries.

Collagen is produced by the body and is also found in food. As a protein, it is broken down during digestion into peptides. It is then distributed elsewhere to form the bonds of specific protein chains.

The science on collagen supplements is positive, however it has not reached enough of a scale to provide satisfactory proof. What the body does with collagen and how it is created is well researched. Introducing supplements into the diet has so far shown to be beneficial and carries no major side effects. Let’s take a further look into why extra collagen may help you look, move, and feel younger.

Collagen and the signs of ageing

As we get older, our bodies produce less and less of the collagen protein. This can transgress towards damaging our health.

Wrinkles

The skin loses elasticity and the ability to remain hydrated [3][5][6].

Weak bones

Bone structure becomes thin and more prone to cracking - related cause of osteoporosis [7]

Muscular wasting

Muscles begin to reduce and have difficulty reforming after exercise.

Joint pain & stiffness

Cartilage, tendons, and other connective tissue need collagen to remain strong - symptoms of arthritis [8].

Wound Healing

May take longer without sufficient collagen levels.

Thinning of hair or damaged cuticles

Hair is mostly made from the protein keratin, a key component of collagen.

Besides aging, it is also evident that athletes can face joint deterioration that can be aided by collagen supplements.

Benefits of collagen supplements backed by research

Collagen supplements have been studied in a wide but shallow pool of analytical research. This list discusses a handful of the findings from the available literature:

Collagen Benefits for Wrinkles and Skin Hydration

Proksch et al. (2013) A study of 114 women aged 45-65 years old found that eye wrinkles were reduced/improved on consuming a collagen supplement. Results were noticed during the 8 weeks of ingestion, and continuing 4 weeks afterwards.
Proksch et al. (2013) Another study by the same team. 69 Women were tested for skin elasticity while consuming specific peptide collagen supplements. Results showed significant improvements and no side effects
Asserin et al. (2015) Found significant increases in skin hydration from collagen supplementation. A slowing of the fragmentation of the skin cells. Effects persisted 12 weeks after the study.
Borumand & Sibilla (2014) investigated a commercial hydrolyzed collagen supplement, finding collagen density and skin firmness was increased significantly by oral consumption. The results continued 12 weeks after treatment.

Collagen Benefits for Bone and Joint Health

Brav et al. (2016) conducted a systematic review of literature and concluded collagen supplementation could be complimentary to osteoarthritis and osteoporosis treatment
Clark et al. (2008) 74 athletes took a daily collagen supplement over 24 weeks to prevent joint pain and possibly reduce the risk of deterioration.
Schauss et al. (2012) Found collagen supplements to be beneficial to sufferers of joint pain, and suggested it as a complementary treatment to osteoarthritis.
Moskowitz (2000) Supports using collagen for treating osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, as well as its long-term safety.

How can we absorb collagen?

Oral consumption of collagen is available in supplements or animal products. More specifically, it is found in the skin of chicken, pork, beef, fish; as well as the broths of bone. Our bodies break down the protein to form smaller peptides, which are then combined into new forms of protein.

Collagen supplements are already broken down (hydrolyzed) into peptides. There is no research yet on which is more efficient, though it seems supplements are a more direct method. They are also without the trans fats typically associated with some of these foods.

Collagen supplements could improve your health

The visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, dry skin, brittle nails and thin hair could be reduced significantly by regularly supplementing collagen.

We often associate youthful appearances with bright and bouncy skin. When the skin is adequately hydrated, and is full of collagen proteins, it feels softer and looks ‘fuller.’

Less visible but more palpable is damage from a lack of collagen is caused to bone and joint health. Cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons all require collagen for function and repair throughout our lives.

Stiffness, aching movements, and susceptibility to breaks should all raise the question about having enough collagen in your system. Thankfully, it is possible that by using supplements to boost collagen intake, we can increase our natural production and begin to restore free movement.

Opinion summary

Scientific research is broad but slim when it comes to collagen supplements. It is fair that the level currently available is not a sufficient body of proof. However, the signs are promising. They show a positive range of benefits without side effects. The majority of the body’s structure, growth and movement is dependent on collagen to operate.

It is wise to seek medical advice if you are dealing with a serious condition that may benefit from a collagen supplement. Our body will deteriorate with age due to losses in collagen production. A growing body of research suggests that supplementing our diet with collagen can boost production and give us the strength to feel young.