Saturday, January 20, 2018

Oral Collagen Benefits: Fact or Myth






I have seen estimates of more than 60 studies now published on the efficacy of taking collagen orally.   Most of the studies are regarding bone and joint health; however, more in the past five years are about oral collagen and the skin.  Many of the studies are industry-sponsored like the one shown above, though they claim to be randomized, placebo-controlled.  The data so far is showing a modest 15-2% improvement in skin elasticity, and increase in the important structural elements of the skin like collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).   I am excited that there seems to be some anti-aging benefit to taking oral collagen peptides, but I would like to see more unbiased non-industry-sponsored studies.

The nice thing as no significant adverse effects are being reported from taking oral collagen.  So taking oral collagen may help your skin, and is unlikely to cause harm.

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