How long until I see results?

Skin: 8-12 weeks. Joints: 12+ weeks. Hair/nails: 3-6 months. This is a slow burn.

Isn't collagen just expensive protein?

Sort of. It's protein with a specific amino acid profile. The peptide signals may matter beyond just amino acids. Studies show it works better than equivalent generic protein.

supplement

47,000+ trials analyzed

59,000+ interactions

Not FDA evaluated

Collagen: Complete Guide

Structural protein for skin, joints, and gut. Actually works for skin elasticity. Takes 2-3 months.

Quick Summary

Structural protein for skin, joints, and gut. Actually works for skin elasticity. Takes 2-3 months. 5-10g hydrolyzed collagen daily. Best form: Hydrolyzed Peptides.

Proven Benefits

Forms Available

Use Cases

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body (30% of total protein). It provides structure to skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Your body makes it, but production drops ~1% per year after 25. Supplements provide amino acid building blocks.

Who Should Consider Collagen?

Anyone over 30 wanting skin benefits
People with joint pain or stiffness
Athletes with connective tissue concerns
Those recovering from injuries
People wanting gut lining support

How It Works

Hydrolyzed collagen (peptides) gets broken down into amino acids during digestion, then absorbed. These amino acids (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline) may signal your body to produce more collagen. Not a direct delivery system, but the signal appears to work.

Forms Comparison

Different forms of Collagen have varying absorption rates and best uses. Here's how they compare:

Form	Bioavailability	Best For
Hydrolyzed Peptides	90%	Best absorption. Dissolves in anything. Standard choice.
Undenatured Type II	Different mechanism	Joint-specific. Works via immune modulation, not building blocks.
Marine (fish)	85%	Type I dominant. Good for skin. Pescatarian option.
Bovine	85%	Type I and III. Good all-around. Most common.

Our recommendation: Hydrolyzed Peptides for most people due to superior absorption and tolerability.

Benefits & Evidence

Collagen has 1 strongly-evidenced benefits and 2 moderately-evidenced benefits.

Skin elasticity/hydration

strong evidence

2019 meta-analysis: significant improvement vs placebo

Joint comfort

moderate evidence

Reduces activity-related joint pain in athletes

Nail/hair strength

moderate evidence

Improved brittle nail syndrome in studies

Gut lining support

emerging evidence

Glycine content may support intestinal barrier

Dosing & Timing

Recommended Doses

Standard Dose5-10g hydrolyzed collagen daily

Clinical Dose10-15g for skin/joint benefits

Maximum Daily30g daily (no benefit beyond ~15g in studies)

Timing

When to TakeAny time. With vitamin C improves synthesis. Empty stomach or with food both work.

With Food?Not required

Duration8-12 weeks minimum to see skin results. Joint benefits may take longer.

Side Effects & Interactions

Possible Side Effects

Mild bloating initially. Occasional
Bad taste (some products). Product-dependent

Interactions to Know

Vitamin C enhances collagen synthesis (take together)
Generally safe with all supplements
No significant drug interactions

Frequently Asked Questions

Both work. Marine is Type I dominant (skin focus). Bovine is Types I and III (skin + gut). Pick based on source preference, not efficacy.