Learn all about Collagen
What is Collagen?
Support skin & joints with collagen peptides. Helps reduce fine lines & helps tissue repair for a youthful look & feel. Visible results!
Benefits of Collagen
- Improves skin stretchiness ('elasticity'), moisture, and firmness, reducing the look of wrinkles by encouraging the body to produce more collagen[ref]
"Research on collagen peptides is quite strong, especially for skin benefits. Studies consistently show positive results, even seen with skin imaging. These peptides don't just supply building blocks; they actually signal your own skin cells ('fibroblasts') to make more collagen. That's why moderate doses can be effective. Key things to look for: Quality (hydrolyzed forms absorb better), Type (Type II for joints, Type I/III for skin), and Consistency (results usually take 6-12 weeks). It won't replace good skincare or joint care, but the evidence shows it can be a helpful addition."
- Dr. Patricia Farris, MD, FAAD, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at Tulane University (source)
How to use Collagen
Dosage
Daily doses range from 2.5 grams (g) to 15g. Skin benefits are often seen at 2.5-5g. For joint support, 5-10g is common. Higher doses (10-15g) are sometimes used for sports recovery.
Timing
You can take it anytime. Some prefer morning on an empty stomach for better absorption, others take it in the evening for overnight repair. Taking it consistently every day is most important.
Notes
Type I collagen (from fish or cow sources) is best studied for skin benefits. Type II (from chicken) seems best for joints. Look for 'hydrolyzed' or 'peptide' forms as they absorb much better. Results take time (usually 4-12 weeks). Taking it with Vitamin C helps, as your body needs Vitamin C to make its own collagen.
Who should take Collagen?
- Adults concerned about aging skin (wanting better elasticity, hydration, fewer wrinkles)
- People experiencing joint discomfort, especially athletes or due to age-related changes
- Those wanting stronger hair and nails
- Athletes looking to support connective tissues (like tendons and ligaments) and improve recovery
- Individuals seeking nutritional support for a healthy gut lining
How does Collagen work?
Collagen supplements work cleverly. When you take hydrolyzed collagen, the small peptides (short chains of protein building blocks called amino acids) are absorbed into your blood. These peptides travel to tissues like skin and cartilage. There, they act like signals, telling specific cells (like 'fibroblasts' in skin, 'chondrocytes' in cartilage) to produce more collagen and other materials that make up tissue structure. These peptides might also help slow down the natural breakdown of the collagen you already have. The amino acids in collagen, especially glycine and proline, also provide the raw materials your body needs to build its own collagen.
Frequently asked questions
Natural sources of Collagen
Collagen is naturally found only in animal connective tissues (like skin, bones, tendons). The richest food sources are properly made bone broth (simmered for a long time with jointy bones), chicken or pork skin, and beef or pork tendons. Traditional stews using bones and tendons are high in collagen. Supplements usually come from: Cow ('bovine' - mainly Types I & III for skin/general tissue), Fish ('marine' - mainly Type I, often smaller peptides, good for skin), Chicken (mainly Type II for joints), or Pig ('porcine' - Types I & III). Vegans and vegetarians cannot get collagen directly from food but can support their body's *own* collagen production by eating enough Vitamin C, copper, zinc, and key amino acids (like glycine, proline) from plant-based proteins.
Potential side effects & risks
Warnings
Check the source (fish, cow, chicken, pig) if you have allergies. Vegans and vegetarians should note it comes from animals. People with PKU (a rare genetic condition) should know it contains an amino acid called phenylalanine. Check with your doctor if you need to limit protein for kidney disease. Some products have added ingredients (like sweeteners) that could cause issues for some people.
Side effects
Generally considered very safe. Some people might feel mild fullness, heartburn, or notice a slight change in taste. Rare skin reactions are possible if you're allergic to the source (e.g., fish allergy with marine collagen).
Interactions
No major drug interactions are known. Taking typical doses shouldn't be a concern even on protein-restricted diets, but always check with your doctor. It might slightly affect wound healing timing around surgery.