Most people can get sufficient collagen-building nutrients from food. Protein, vitamin C, zinc and copper are essential when it comes to helping your body produce collagen.
But while food comes with far more nutritional benefits than powders or capsules, the data we have available focuses on the latter, points out Fiona Hunter, nutritionist and NHS dietician.
“Normally, as a nutritionist, I would recommend food over supplements. But collagen is an exception because most of the studies that suggest a benefit have been done with supplements.”
She adds that these products might offer collagen in a form that is easier for the body to absorb.
Some studies support the effectiveness of hydrolysed type I collagen on skin ageing, through inducing collagen production, reducing wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, external and increasing hydration and collagen density in the skin.
But, as consultant dermatologist Dr Ophelia Veraitch, external explained on Dr Xand’s Con or Cure, these studies may not be reliable.
“There are a very small number of strong skin stem cell labs in the world and none of them have produced papers saying that ingesting collagen supplements can lead to stem cells cycling within the skin.”
Mahto adds, “Most of the human studies have been carried out by the people selling the products, so there could be bias.”
Likewise, there’s currently little research which proves these collagen products could improve joint pain.
