Collagen
Also known as collagen hydrolysate, collagen peptides, hydrolyzed collagen
Key takeaways
- Hydrolyzed collagen supplementation shows positive effects on skin anti-aging across 1,721 patients (PMID: 37432180).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 281 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Collagen is a structural protein supplement used primarily for skin and joint health. Research evidence is mixed, with some positive data for skin anti-aging, while many other listed studies relate to medical procedures (like cross-linking or surgical devices) rather than oral supplementation.
By condition
Skin Anti-Aging
Moderate
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 RCTs suggests that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation can improve skin hydration and elasticity.
Effective doses
Not specified in the provided abstracts.
Safety & interactions
No specific safety interactions or contraindications were provided in the source abstracts.
Limitations
The majority of the provided search results refer to clinical procedures (e.g., corneal cross-linking, vascular closure) rather than oral collagen supplements, limiting the available evidence for dietary supplementation.
Top-rated Collagen products
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How it's sold
Data aggregated from 1,174 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 281 sources, sorted by quality
**Robertson et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Robertson Lindsay, Andras Alina, ... Jackson Ralph. Vascular closure devices for femoral arterial puncture site haemostasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-Mar-07;3(3…
This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1721 patients to assess the effects of hydrolyzed collagen (HC) supplementation on skin hydration and elasticity. The results show…
**Ng et al., 2021** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Ng Sueko M, Ren Mark, ... Kuo Irene C. Transepithelial versus epithelium-off corneal crosslinking for progressive keratoconus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021-Mar-23;3(3):CD0…
**Dwan et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Dwan Kerry, Phillipi Carrie A, ... Basel Donald. Bisphosphonate therapy for osteogenesis imperfecta. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014-Jul-23(7):CD005088. doi:10.1002/1465185…
**Ervin et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Ervin Ann-Margret, Law Andrew, Pucker Andrew D. Punctal occlusion for dry eye syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-Jun-26;6(6):CD006775. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006775…
**Roehrs et al., 2023** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Roehrs Hellen, Stocco Janislei Gd, ... Dias Fernando Al. Dressings and topical agents containing hyaluronic acid for chronic wound healing. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.…
**An et al., 2017** | Osteoporos Int | Meta Analysis An T, Hao J, ... Zou M. Efficacy of statins for osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int. 2017-Jan;28(1):47-57. doi:10.1007/s00198-016-3844-8 Our meta-analysis …
**Beverly et al., 2023** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Beverly Anair, Ong Giok, ... Estcourt Lise J. Drugs to reduce bleeding and transfusion in major open vascular or endovascular surgery: a systematic review and network…
**Phillipi et al., 2008** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Phillipi Carrie A, Remmington Tracey, Steiner Robert D. Bisphosphonate therapy for osteogenesis imperfecta. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008-Oct-08(4):CD005088. doi:10.1…
**Rudic et al., 2011** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Rudic Jelena S, Giljaca Vanja, ... Gluud Christian. Bisphosphonates for osteoporosis in primary biliary cirrhosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011-Dec-07;2011(12):CD009144…
Frequently asked questions
What is collagen and what is it used for?
Collagen is a structural protein supplement primarily used to support skin and joint health. It is commonly taken to help maintain skin elasticity and hydration, though research evidence for other uses remains mixed.
Does collagen work for skin anti-aging?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation can improve skin hydration and elasticity. A systematic review of 26 randomized controlled trials involving over 1,700 patients found positive effects on skin anti-aging markers.
What is the effective dose of collagen for skin health?
The provided evidence summary does not specify an effective dose for collagen supplementation. Consumers should consult a healthcare provider to determine appropriate dosing, as specific amounts were not documented in the source materials.
Is collagen safe to take with other medications?
No drug interactions have been documented for collagen in the provided evidence. However, because specific safety interactions were not detailed in the source abstracts, individuals on medications should consult a healthcare provider before use.
Are there any side effects or safety concerns with collagen?
The provided evidence does not list specific side effects or contraindications for collagen. Generally, safety data is limited in the provided sources, so pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider before using this supplement.
Who should avoid taking collagen supplements?
While no specific contraindications are listed in the provided evidence, individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have specific allergies should consult a healthcare provider before use. The evidence does not provide sufficient data to rule out risks for these groups.
Does collagen help with joint pain?
While collagen is used for joint health, the provided evidence summary focuses primarily on skin anti-aging with moderate evidence. Research regarding joint pain specifically is not detailed in the provided sources, so claims about its efficacy for joints are not supported by this specific data.