Over the last few years, collagen has become the wellness world’s favourite supplement — we're all stirring it into coffees, popping it in pill form, slurping down supplement sachets and slathering it on in cream form in the hopes of having plump, line-free skin forever. But in what scientists are calling the strongest look yet at the evidence, a major new review suggests some of the key collagen selling points may not actually be as robust as we thought. Wahh!
Researchers reviewed 113 clinical trials involving nearly 8,000 people to assess what happens when you take collagen daily as a pill or powder. The conclusion? The boffins were highly confident that collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity and hydration over time, but found no convincing evidence that collagen will stop wrinkles, despite the bold anti-ageing claims often used to market it.
The study, published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, also found collagen may help beyond skin. The analysis suggests it can ease “wear and tear” symptoms linked to osteoarthritis, including joint pain and stiffness — another reason it’s become popular with gym-goers and anyone trying to stay active as they age.
Collagen is a protein your body makes naturally, helping support skin, nails, bones and connective tissues like tendons and cartilage, but production starts to decline from early adulthood, while existing collagen breaks down faster. Smoking and sun exposure can accelerate that process, and around menopause women can lose even more collagen, with researchers estimating about a third.
One of the lead investigators, Prof Lee Smith from Anglia Ruskin University, said the review pulls together the most robust evidence to date, stressing: “Collagen is not a cure-all, but it does have credible benefits when used consistently over time, particularly for skin and osteoarthritis.” The team also suggests collagen may be better framed as long-term “maintenance” for ageing or sun-damaged skin, rather than an anti-wrinkle fix.
Importantly, the researchers note many collagen studies in the past have been funded by the supplement industry, offering up somewhat of a skewed view, and they set out to do an independent deep-dive.
They also could not confirm whether certain types (marine, bovine or vegan alternatives) work better than others.
