{"id":225830,"date":"2025-06-30T05:27:09","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T05:27:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/225830\/"},"modified":"2025-06-30T05:27:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T05:27:09","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/225830\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li>Collagen may support skin elasticity and hydration, especially in older adults.<\/li>\n<li>Not all collagen is equal\u2014look for hydrolyzed peptides and independently verified.<\/li>\n<li>It\u2019s not a must-have; most healthy, younger people don\u2019t need collagen supplements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> You\u2019re scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, and stumble upon someone sharing their <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/what-health-experts-do-in-the-morning-11693714\" link-destination-recommendation-ai=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">morning routine<\/a> and a detailed list of their go-to supplements. Somewhere between the daily dose of vitamin D and a personalized discount code to snag their supplements for a fraction of the price, they grab a warm beverage and scoop powder into their morning drink, raving about how this \u201cmagic elixir\u201d transformed their skin, joints or gut health. That scoop? Collagen.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> At this point, you might be wondering if you\u2019re missing out. Is collagen really the secret to aging gracefully, or is it just another overhyped wellness trend that has become a billion-dollar industry? We turn to dietitians, dermatologists and nutrition scientists to explore the facts behind this booming industry and uncover whether or not you should use that saved discount code and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/article\/8067695\/best-ways-to-take-collagen\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">add collagen to your routine<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n<p>  Collagen\u2014Where It Started and Where It Is Now  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Collagen\u2019s story actually begins in the medical world. Back in the 1970s, collagen was used in the medical and cosmetic industries to treat wounds, aid in grafting procedures and support recovery after tooth extractions. It was typically applied in solid or gel-like form with intricate, lattice-like designs to support the body\u2019s natural repair process and rejuvenate damaged areas.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> However, that started to shift with the introduction of healthy-aging supplements. Fast-forward to the mid-2010s, and collagen leaped into the public spotlight\u2014largely fueled by celebrity endorsements and social media. \u201cCollagen\u2019s rise from medical and cosmetic use to wellness staple has closely paralleled the growth of the modern supplement industry and the strategic use of social media partnerships,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/nutritiondaily.com\/about\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Charlotte Martin, M.S., RD<\/a>. \u201cAs beauty-from-within products gained momentum, collagen brands invested heavily in influencer marketing, driving consumer demand through visually appealing content and personal testimonials,\u201d she adds.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> A few scrolls on social media and you\u2019d come across a video of an influencer showing off their glowing skin with a bottle of collagen in hand. Remember when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/article\/7962897\/jennifer-aniston-collagen-coffee-is-it-healthy\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vital Proteins partnered with Jennifer Aniston<\/a>? That move helped make collagen coffee a household trend. Today, supplement shelves are filled with collagen pills, powders, gummies, drinks and topical formulations that promise youthful skin and improved joint health. With its boom in popularity, the collagen industry was worth over $9.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $18.7 billion by 2030, with no signs of slowing down.\n<\/p>\n<p>  What Is Collagen, Exactly?  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Collagen is often described as the glue that holds the body together, and for good reason. It\u2019s the most abundant protein in the human body, providing structural support to your skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. Its incredible strength lies in its unique triple-helix structure, made primarily of the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which are tightly wound into three chains.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cThere are over 28 different types of collagen that exist, but only a few are usually focused on in the nutrition and beauty world,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/katey-davidson-11743419\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Katey Davidson, M.Sc.FN, RD, CPT<\/a>. \u201cThe three main types of collagen are type I, II and III, which are found most often in collagen supplements.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Type I<\/strong>: This is the most abundant type, making up about 90% of the collagen in the human body. Type I collagen is primarily found in the skin, tendons, bones and ligaments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Type II<\/strong>: Found mostly in the cartilage, Type II collagen is key in maintaining joint health and flexibility.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Type III<\/strong>: Often found alongside Type I, Type III supports the structure of the skin, muscles and blood vessels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> However, there\u2019s more to collagen than its unique types. In fact, its natural sources are as diverse as its types and functions. \u201cThere are generally four main sources of collagen available in supplement form: bovine [cow], marine [fish], porcine [pig] and chicken and eggshell membrane,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/gkwokhinsley\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gigi Kwok-Hinsley, Dr.P.H., M.S., RD<\/a>. Kwok-Hinsley emphasizes that for a supplement to be considered collagen, it must be derived from an animal source. \u201cIt is important to acknowledge that there is no such thing as vegan collagen,\u201d she says. Supplements with collagen-related amino acids aren\u2019t collagen themselves but building blocks that support your body\u2019s natural collagen production. She explains that these are often referred to as collagen biomimetics because they mimic the effects of collagen.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> But how does the body produce collagen naturally? <a href=\"https:\/\/bergenderm.com\/pages\/about-bergen-dermatology\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Naana Boakye, MD, MPH<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist, explains that your body produces collagen by utilizing amino acids from the proteins you consume, along with essential nutrients like vitamin C, zinc and copper, to accomplish this task. Specialized cells called fibroblasts, found throughout your skin, joints, bones, muscles and blood vessels, are the master builders behind collagen production. Unfortunately, Boakye shares that collagen production begins to decline with age, UV exposure, smoking and poor nutrition. To help counteract these effects, \u201csupplementation provides hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are essentially \u2018pre-digested\u2019 amino acid chains that may stimulate fibroblasts to boost collagen synthesis. While not a replacement for natural production, supplements may help bridge age- or diet-related gaps,\u201d says Boakye.\n<\/p>\n<p>  The Evidence: Does It Work?  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The billion-dollar question is, does <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/article\/8021032\/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-take-a-collagen-powder-every-day\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">collagen actually do what it claims to do<\/a>? \u201cThe strongest evidence for collagen supplementation is in the area of skin health, where randomized controlled trials suggest that hydrolyzed collagen may provide modest improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and the appearance of wrinkles,\u201d says Martin. She shares that a comprehensive review and multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that collagen supplementation can lead to measurable, although modest, improvements in skin aging outcomes compared to a placebo. Boakye adds that these effects are typically seen in daily doses of 2.5 to 10 grams of collagen over an 8- to 12-week period.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cAs for joint, bone and gut health, while collagen is theoretically beneficial due to its amino acid profile\u2014particularly glycine, proline and hydroxyproline\u2014the clinical evidence in these areas is still limited. Some preliminary studies suggest potential benefits, but they lack the consistency and rigor seen in skin-related research,\u201d Boakye explains. For example, Martin notes that some studies suggest that undenatured type II <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/collagen-benefits-for-joints-11763206\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">collagen may reduce joint pain<\/a> and improve mobility, but these findings are mixed. Similarly, studies on gut health, particularly those related to ulcerative colitis, have been conducted on animals or in test tubes. Therefore, more human research is needed to confirm the results.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> In addition, Martin emphasizes that \u201cmost trials have been small, conducted primarily in healthy middle-aged to older females, raising questions about generalizability to younger populations or those with chronic disease. Many studies were also funded by collagen manufacturers, and there is considerable variability in collagen source, dosage and measurement methods across trials.\u201d Ultimately, larger, independent and methodologically rigorous trials are needed to clearly define the benefits of oral collagen supplementation, she explains.\n<\/p>\n<p>  So, Should You Be Taking Collagen?  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The answer to this question isn\u2019t as straightforward as a simple yes or no. Truthfully, it depends.\n<\/p>\n<p>  Who Might Benefit Most And What to Look For  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Since collagen synthesis declines over time, collagen supplements may be particularly beneficial for aging adults, says Kwok-Hinsley. More specifically, Martin shares that research points to middle-aged, older and post-menopausal individuals benefiting the most. \u201cSeveral studies suggest that individuals over age 50 may see more pronounced improvements in skin outcomes compared to younger individuals,\u201d she adds.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_39-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cPeople with joint issues, such as those with osteoarthritis or activity-related joint discomfort, may also benefit from specific forms like undenatured type II collagen.<strong> <\/strong>Additionally, individuals recovering from wounds or injury\u2014where collagen plays a key role in tissue repair\u2014may see potential benefits, although more research is needed in this area,\u201d Martin explains.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/what-to-look-for-in-a-supplement-8645052\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">When choosing a collagen supplement<\/a>, look for options that list hydrolyzed collagen on the label. \u201cThis means that the collagen has been broken down into smaller chains of amino acids, called peptides, which are much easier for the body to absorb,\u201d says Davidson. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clairerifkinnutrition.com\/about\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Claire Rifkin, M.S., RDN<\/a>, notes that it\u2019s also important to choose brands that are independently verified to ensure quality and safety.\n<\/p>\n<p>Our Top Picks<br \/>\n<a id=\"mntl-card-list-items_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-card-list-items mntl-document-card mntl-card card card--no-image\" data-doc-id=\"7162981\" data-tax-levels=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/article\/7905460\/the-best-collagen-powders-according-to-a-dietitian\/\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<p>The Best Collagen Powders, According to a Dietitian<\/p>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p>  When It Might Not Be Worth It  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cIf you\u2019re already meeting your protein needs and don\u2019t have joint or skin concerns, collagen won\u2019t move the needle,\u201d says Rifkin. This is especially true for younger adults. Martin explains that most studies to date have focused on older populations with lower baseline collagen levels. Younger individuals, on the other hand, typically produce enough collagen to meet their body\u2019s needs.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cCertain individuals, particularly those with allergies to the source material, such as fish, shellfish or eggs, should avoid collagen entirely,\u201d says Martin. Kwok-Hinsley adds that vegetarians and vegans may want to steer clear of collagen supplements due to dietary and ethical reasons. Additionally, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a kidney condition should speak to their health care provider before considering supplementation to check if it\u2019s safe and appropriate to consume.\n<\/p>\n<p>  Our Expert Take  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_51-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Collagen has evolved significantly from its early use in medicine to its current status as a staple for healthy aging. Although collagen is often touted for its joint-, skin-, gut- and bone-supporting benefits, the strongest evidence supports collagen\u2019s use for improving skin elasticity, hydration and the appearance of fine lines, as well as enhancing joint health. However, not everyone will experience drastic improvements in these areas of their health. Those who may benefit most include older adults, particularly middle-aged and older females, as well as individuals with joint concerns. However, research is still ongoing, and collagen\u2019s full range of benefits has yet to be uncovered.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Collagen may support skin elasticity and hydration, especially in older adults. Not all collagen is equal\u2014look for hydrolyzed&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":225831,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4318],"tags":[105,4434,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-225830","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nutrition","8":"tag-health","9":"tag-nutrition","10":"tag-uk","11":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114770663361529687","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/225830","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=225830"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/225830\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/225831"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=225830"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=225830"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=225830"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}