While a special type of collagen rarely ever found in collagen protein supplements (undenatured type ll collagen peptides) can improve joint health and function, collagen protein can't. There's also no strong evidence collagen protein can improve skin, hair, or nail health, and no reason to think it would.
The two most commonly proposed benefits of collagen peptides are improved skin health and reduced joint pain. But these supplements are also touted to support digestion and heart health, prevent bone loss and increase muscle mass. Unfortunately, experts say that the research supporting all of these claims is limited.
When taken by mouth: Collagen peptides are possibly safe. Collagen peptides have been safely used in doses up to 10 grams daily for up to 5 months. Side effects are rare.
“Despite much anecdotal evidence to the contrary, peer-reviewed research supporting perceived benefits of collagen is lacking.” There are small studies showing collagen supplementation with vitamin C may help prevent injuries and promote tissue repair in athletes, and other small studies suggesting collagen ...
Does collagen work? Some studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity, (i.e., wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging. Others have shown that consuming collagen can increase density in bones weakened with age and can improve joint, back and knee pain.
Loose skin can be problematic, but there are multiple ways to minimize or reduce it. Collagen is a huge factor in the skin's elasticity. Boosting your body's collagen production is one way to reduce loose skin.
Many of the studies available suggest that you'd be able to noticeably see improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and density anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks of regular collagen supplementation.
Collagen supplements may lead to mild side effects such as bloating, heartburn, and feelings of fullness. If you have food allergies, make sure to purchase supplements that don't contain your allergens.
1. Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptide. Vital Proteins is the leader in the collagen powder market, and rightfully so with such a diverse product line. But their OG—Original Collagen Peptides—is their bestseller for a reason: one scoop gives you 18 grams collagen as well as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
In fact, you don't need to take collagen supplements to produce collagen — your body does this naturally using amino acids from whichever proteins you eat. Yet, some studies suggest that taking collagen supplements may enhance its production and offer unique benefits ( 10 ).
These effects may concern gut health, cause kidney stones, and raise calcium levels. A patient may also experience an allergic reaction to the collagen and other unknown ingredients. Taking collagen peptides supplements may also cause a decline in serotonin levels, drug interactions, and skin breakouts.
Some research has found that taking daily collagen powder could help make your bones denser, slowing the aging process that makes them brittle and helping your body to produce new bone. Skin elasticity and hydration. Collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity for older people.
A 2019 review of clinical studies found that taking 2.5–15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides each day may be safe and effective ( 29 ). A smaller daily dose of 2.5 grams could benefit joint pain, skin health, and hydration ( 7 , 30 , 31 ).
Although the end goal may be collagen, the best way to get there could be through collagen peptides. Because of the low bioavailability of collagen and the relatively high bioavailability of collagen peptides, the latter may be more beneficial for people looking to reap the benefits.
Does Collagen Tighten Saggy Skin? Studies have indicated that supplemental collagen is beneficial for skin health, including tightening sagging skin (known as elasticity), boosting hydration, and lessening the appearance of wrinkles.
Once you stop consuming collagen peptides, your body loses its supplemental source of elastin-producing protein. As you can imagine, your skin cells now produce lesser elastin fibers, causing a recurrent drop in skin elasticity.
Vital Proteins® Original Collagen Peptides
Jen Says: "My go-to collagen routine is adding Vital Proteins® Collagen Peptides ($27; shop now) in my morning cup of coffee or smoothie – so easy to use."
The recommended supplement intake of hydrolyzed collagen is 10g a day. The recommended intake of undenatured type II collagen is 40mg a day.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
This collagen powder comes recommended by all three panelists. “This company is one of the leaders in collagen powders,” says Dr. Jampolis.
Collagen is one of the most common proteins found in the human body. In general, there are no major risks of using collagen supplements.
Taking a collagen supplement will not cause you to gain weight. In fact, it can help support you on your weight loss journey along with proper diet and exercise. Collagen is beneficial to your bones, muscles, hair, skin, and nails. It also helps to improve your heart health.
"Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz. Your body naturally makes collagen, but this production decreases with age.
After daily collagen supplementation for a few weeks, you will typically start to notice a few things: hair growth, skin hydration and skin moisture, improvement in joint health and skin health, lessening of fine lines, and other possible anti-aging improvements.
How can I naturally rebuild collagen? You can naturally support the collagen production process by using topicals such as vitamin C and retinol, collagen peptide supplements, eating a nutrient rich diet, and avoiding habits that damage the collagen (such as poor sleep and sun exposure.)
Bottom line: Most people have 1 treatment and feel some tightening right away. It takes time for your body to make collagen, so you'll see the best results in about 6 months. Some people benefit from having more than 1 treatment. Results can last 2 to 3 years with the right skin care.