Introduction#
Collagen has become a buzzword in the health and wellness industry, with many claiming it can improve skin health, reduce joint pain, and even promote weight loss. But is there any scientific evidence to support these claims? In this article, we’ll delve into the research on collagen, its structure, synthesis, and applications, to help you decide if it’s worth taking.
The Science Behind Collagen#
Collagen is a type of protein found in the body, making up approximately 25% to 35% of all proteins in the body (Shenoy et al., 2022). It’s an essential component of connective tissue, providing strength and structure to skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are several types of collagen, but type I, II, and III are the most abundant.
Research has shown that collagen production declines with age, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain (Avila Rodríguez, 2018). This decline can be accelerated by factors such as smoking, UV radiation, and poor nutrition. Supplementing with collagen may help to stimulate collagen production, improving skin health and reducing joint pain.
Clinical Studies on Collagen#
Several clinical studies have investigated the efficacy of collagen supplements in improving skin health and reducing joint pain. A review of 17 clinical trials found that collagen supplementation improved skin elasticity and hydration, reduced wrinkles, and improved joint pain (Wang, 2021). Another study found that collagen supplementation increased muscle mass and strength in older adults (Steele, 2022).
However, not all studies have shown positive results. A controlled blinded randomized clinical trial found no significant difference in the treatment of atrophic acne scars between microneedling alone and a combination of topical phenytoin and microneedling (Sadeghzadeh-Bazargan et al., 2024). This highlights the need for more research to fully understand the effects of collagen supplementation.
Potential Applications of Collagen#
Collagen has several potential applications, including:
- Skin health: Collagen supplements may improve skin elasticity, hydration, and reduce wrinkles.
- Joint health: Collagen supplements may reduce joint pain and improve joint function.
- Muscle mass: Collagen supplements may increase muscle mass and strength in older adults.
- Wound healing: Collagen supplements may promote wound healing by stimulating collagen production.
Choosing a High-Quality Collagen Supplement#
If you’re considering taking a collagen supplement, it’s essential to choose a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer. Look for products that contain type I, II, and III collagen, and are free from additives and fillers. For our full rankings, see our best collagen supplements guide.
Key Takeaways#
- Collagen is an essential component of connective tissue, providing strength and structure to skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
- Collagen production declines with age, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain.
- Supplementing with collagen may help to stimulate collagen production, improving skin health and reducing joint pain.
- Choose a high-quality collagen supplement from a reputable manufacturer.
References#
Sadeghzadeh-Bazargan A, Pashaei A, Ghassemi M, et al. “Evaluation and comparison of the efficacy and safety of the combination of topical phenytoin and microneedling with microneedling alone in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: A controlled blinded randomized clinical trial.” Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI), 2024. PubMed | Full Text PDF | DOI
Wang H. “A review of the effects of collagen treatment in clinical studies.” Polymers, 2021. PubMed | Full Text PDF
Shenoy M, Abdul NS, Qamar Z, et al. “Collagen structure, synthesis, and its applications: A systematic review.” Cureus, 2022. PubMed | Full Text PDF
Steele C. “Collagen: a review of clinical use and efficacy.” Nutr Med J, 2022. PubMed | Full Text PDF
Avila Rodríguez MI. “Collagen: A review on its sources and potential cosmetic applications.” Journal of cosmetic …, 2018. PubMed | Full Text PDF
Santhanam MS. “Studies on collagen.” Proceedings Mathematical Sciences, 1959. PubMed | Full Text PDF