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Collagen

Collagen is a protein naturally found in your skin, joints, and bones, which your body produces from amino acids. As a supplement it is most commonly taken as hydrolysed collagen (powder or capsules), in which large protein chains are broken down into smaller peptides for easier absorption. Daily doses of 2.5–10 grams taken for at least 8 weeks show measurable but modest improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and joint pain.

Related questions
Do collagen supplements work against skin ageing?
Yes · Moderate evidence · 8 studies
Does collagen help your joints and your skin?
Yes · Moderate evidence · 8 studies
Does taking collagen supplements actually work against wrinkles?
Yes · Moderate evidence · 8 studies
Which type of collagen is best to take?
Moderate evidence · 8 studies
Is collagen powder worth it for your joints?
Yes · Moderate evidence · 7 studies
How much collagen per day is worthwhile?
Moderate evidence · 8 studies
Does collagen help women over fifty?
Yes · Moderate evidence · 8 studies
Latest news on collagen
Collagen, skin cycling, Vaseline: what the science actually says about skin care right now22 AugEye gel’s collagen structure reveals how ageing damages vision2 AugMRI can now directly image collagen in the body5 Jun
Heard on podcasts

What popular health podcasts claimed about collagen, checked against the research.

The Skinny Confidential · Gary BreckaDoes not hold up
“Taking collagen is pointless, because your stomach breaks it down into loose amino acids anyway.”
What the research says →
Dr. Mark Hyman · Dr. Mamina TureganoPartly
“Oestrogen activates fibroblasts to produce collagen; a decline after menopause causes skin thinning and reduced hydration.”
What the research says →
Dr. Gabrielle LyonPartly
“Women can lose approximately 30% of their skin collagen in the first five years after menopause.”
What the research says →
Collagen: what's new, and what holds up

We follow the latest research on collagen and listen to leading health podcasts, and we check what they claim. You'll get one email on Thursdays with what matters, and only when there's something new.

You can add more topics later, such as exercise or sleep.