Collagen supplements: worth the hype?

Understanding collagen

Collagen is a protein which is widely present in our bodies. Made up of amino acids, collagen is found in our skin, muscles, tendons and cartilage. It actively contributes to the cohesion of different tissues, providing essential attributes such as strength and elasticity, crucial for tissues involved in movement and growth.

While natural collagen is found only in animal products like meat and fish, the body can produce collagen from amino acids obtained through various protein sources. So, whether you consume meat or prefer plant-based options, you can still support collagen production in your body!

The aging process

Ah, aging. The unavoidable aspect of life! Unfortunately it’s no secret that as we age, our collagen levels naturally decline, leading to signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin.

Whilst simply upping our collagen intake may seem like the go to way to maintain our youthful glow, the reality is a tad more complex.

Our bodies require a variety of proteins, not just collagen, to stay healthy. When we consume protein-rich foods like beef or lentils, our body breaks it down into amino acids and while collagen is important, our bodies are clever, and will use these amino acids wherever they are needed, rather than just heading straight to the skin to iron out fine lines. For the body, focusing exclusively on producing collagen isn't wise, as it neglects the importance of other essential proteins needed for overall health and vitality. Function wins over aesthetics!

Collagen in our diets

While natural collagen-rich foods like tough cuts of meat such as brisket are a good source of collagen, as mentioned previously, the collagen in these foods is still then broken down into amino acids, which are utilised throughout the body for various protein needs. So it doesn’t actually matter too much what kind of protein we are eating! That’s why it is important to consume a variety of protein-rich foods such as legumes, lean cuts of meat, dairy products and fish, to ensure our body has the correct supply of amino acids to produce collagen along with other essential proteins.

Do collagen supplements work?

The market is flooded with collagen supplements promising benefits for hair, skin, joints, and more. Scientific studies on their efficacy, particularly for skin health, show slight promise, however due to a lack of high quality studies, the answer remains inconclusive. Some people find that taking supplements works for them, however it's important to highlight that positive results may be down to factors other than collagen alone - other ingredients in the supplement may play a part, as will an individual's overall diet and lifestyle.