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See our Top Picks for Wrinkles and Joints
Latest Update
Collagen to Reduce Fatigue?
Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.
Updated September 26, 2024 ⓘ Published July 13, 2023
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Summary
What is collagen?
Collagen is a type of protein found in the skin (types I and III collagen), joints (type II collagen) and other parts of the body. It uniquely contains the amino acid hydroxyproline, along with other amino acids. Collagen in supplements is typically hydrolyzed, i.e., broken down to amino acids and/or chains of amino acids (peptides) to improve absorption as well as the ease with which it mixes into liquids, such as cold water. The specific composition of these "collagen hydrolysate" or "collagen peptide" products can vary somewhat depending on how they are hydrolyzed (which typically involves heat and enzymes). Gelatin also contains collagen, but is not soluble in cold water (see What It Is).Health benefits of collagen:
Collagen appears to modestly reduce wrinkles and slightly improve the appearance of cellulite. It may also modestly improve joint pain and/or flexibility in osteoarthritis, help with tendons, and possibly help with the treatment of pressure ulcers, burns, and bleeding gums. These effects can require two to six months of daily use (see What It Does).What did CL's tests of collagen supplements find?
ConsumerLab's tests showed that products contained their expected amounts of collagen, ranging, per daily serving, from about 2.9 grams to 20 grams among powders, and from 1.8 grams to 6 grams for tablets and capsules. A cartilage-based product contained a much smaller amount (10 mg) but this is appropriate for that particular ingredient (see What CL Found).
Best collagen supplements?
Among the products Approved in testing, ConsumerLab selected a Top Pick for skin (wrinkles) and a Top Pick for joint pain. In addition to passing tests for quality, these products contained brands used in clinical studies that suggest benefits and, for powders, had superior taste when mixed in liquid.How much collagen should I use?
Typical daily dosage of hydrolyzed collagen is 1 to 10 grams. Dosing with UC-II, a cartilage-based product, is much lower. Collagen may be taken with or without food. There is no "vegan collagen," as plants do not produce collagen. However, there are some supplements that contain certain vitamins, amino acids, and other ingredients used in building collagen. For details see ConsumerTips.Collagen supplements safety and side effects:
Collagen supplements are generally well-tolerated, but mild side effects including gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness and rash can occur. People with allergies to specific sources of collagen (such as fish) should avoid collagen products derived from these sources. Stop taking collagen before certain bone-related blood tests. Although there is theoretical concern that collagen and gelatin (including gelatin capsules) derived from cows could be contaminated with the infectious agent that causes “mad cow disease,” these ingredients are not derived from high-risk tissue and are subject to regulations that make this unlikely. For details, see Concerns and Cautions.
+— 68 sources
In addition the results of its expert testing, ConsumerLab uses only high-quality, evidence based, information sources. These sources include peer-reviewed studies and information from agencies such as the FDA and USDA, and the National Academy of Medicine. On evolving topics, studies from pre-print journals may be sourced. All of our content is reviewed by medical doctors and doctoral-level experts in pharmacology, toxicology, and chemistry. We continually update and medically review our information to keep our content trustworthy, accurate, and reliable. The following sources are referenced in this article:
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Make sure you're choosing the best collagen supplements approved in our tests!
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Alphabetical list of collagen supplement brandscompared in this review
Alaya Multi Collagen
Ancient Nutrition Collagen Peptides - Unflavored
Besha Inc Collagen Peptides
Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Peptides - Unflavored
GNC Women's Collagen
Great Lakes Gelatin Co. Collagen Hydrolysate - Unflavored
Living Well Nutraceuticals My Daily Collagen
NativePath Collagen Peptides
Sparkle Wellness Collagen For Healthy Joints
Sports Research Marine Collagen Peptides - Unflavored
Trunature Verisol Collagen
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides - Chocolate
Youtheory Collagen
You must be a member to get the full test results along with ConsumerLab.com's recommendations and quality ratings for collagen supplements. You will get results for 10 collagen supplements selected for testing by ConsumerLab plus four others that passed the same testing in CL's voluntary Quality Certification Program.
In this comprehensive review of collagen supplements you'll learn:
- Which collagen supplements failed or passed ConsumerLab's tests
- CL's Top Pick collagen supplements for skin (wrinkles) and for joint pain
- How collagen supplements compare on the amounts of collagen they contain, impurities, quality, price, and other ingredients
- The clinical evidence for and against using collagen supplements for wrinkles and dryness in aging skin, joint pain and stiffness, and building muscle, as well as information about hyaluronic acid (an ingredient added to some collagen products)
- The differences among types of collagen (types I, II and III), forms of collagen (collagen hydrolysate,collagen peptides, gelatin, and "raw" undenatured collagen), and branded ingredients (Verisol, NeoCell, BioCell, UC-II, and NT2)
- Dosage for specific uses including wrinkles, joint pain, and building muscle
- Safety and side effects with collagen supplements
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Latest Clinical Research Updates for Collagen Supplements
Collagen to Reduce Fatigue?
September 26, 2024
Did supplementing with collagen peptides reduce fatigue? Find out what a recent study showed in the Fatigue section of our Collagen Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for collagen.
Eggshell Membrane for Osteoarthritis?
September 16, 2024
Did taking an eggshell membrane supplement (a source of collagen) improve symptoms and joint space in people with knee osteoarthritis? Find out what a recent study showed in the Joint Pain and Function section of our Collagen Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick collagen for joints and tendons as well as our Top Pick collagen for skin.
Best Source of Collagen?
September 09, 2024
What is the best source of collagen -- fish, porcine (pig), or bovine (cow)? See what a recent study found that compared how well each of these raised blood markers of collagen. It's in the What It Is section of our Collagen Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among collagen supplements.
Collagen vs. Moisturizer?
August 19, 2024
Can taking collagen noticeably improve aged skin for people already using a daily moisturizer? Find out what a recent study showed in the Aging skin and wrinkles section of our Collagen Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for collagen supplements.
Also see: Does CoQ10 reduce wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, or tighten the skin? Are there any other supplements that can help?
Collagen Sources
April 19, 2024
Wondering if your collagen is from pigs, cows, or fish? We have tested them all, as discussed in the Top Picks section of our Collagen Supplements Review.
Vegan Collagen?
December 22, 2023
Find out if VeCollal, a vegan collagen alternative, actually contains collagen and if there is evidence that it reduces wrinkles. Also see our Top Pick collagen supplement for skin.
Also, learn whether adding collagen to coffee is likely to reduce the heart benefits of coffee.
Collagen For Bone Health?
November 03, 2023
Is there evidence that collagen peptides (as in Fortibone) strengthen bones? Find out in the bone health section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen for skin and joint health.
Also see: Do any supplements or diets help prevent or treat osteoporosis?
Collagen Plus MSM for Skin?
October 31, 2023
Does taking MSM along with collagen reduce skin roughness or wrinkles as much as collagen without MSM? See what a new study found in the Aging skin and wrinkles section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among collagen supplements for skin.
Collagen for Stronger Bones?
October 06, 2023
Can collagen supplementation help strengthen bones? Find out what studies suggest in the Bone health section of our Collagen Supplements Review.
Also see: Do any supplements or diets help prevent or treat osteoporosis?
Does Collagen Affect Bone Tests?
July 11, 2023
Does collagen supplementation affect blood tests for osteoporosis? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Collagen Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among collagen supplements.
Also see: Which vitamins and supplements should be stopped before getting blood work and laboratory tests?
Collagen "Boosters"?
March 14, 2023
A CL Member asked if taking Essential Skin Food -- or other non-collagen products marketed for collagen production -- reduces wrinkles. Find out in the ConsumerTips section of our Collagen Supplements Review.
Also see our Top Pick collagen supplements for skin health and for joint pain.
Collagen and Depression?
March 10, 2023
Can taking collagen cause depression? Find out, and learn about other potential side effects of collagen, in the updated Concerns and Cautions section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among collagen supplements.
Also see: What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?
Fish Collagen?
February 22, 2023
A CL member asked whether fish or other marine sources of collagen are good alternatives to collagen from chicken, pigs, or cows, and if there are plant-based sources of collagen. Find out about fish collagen and learn about "plant-based" collagen boosters in our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among collagen supplements.
Collagen for Wrinkles?
December 20, 2022
How much did collagen supplementation reduce the severity of "crow’s feet" wrinkles around the eyes in a recent study? Find out in the Aging skin and wrinkles section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among collagen supplements for skin and for joints.
Does Collagen Reduce Gum Inflammation?
October 28, 2022
Learn if taking a daily collagen supplement after dental cleaning reduced subsequent swelling and bleeding of the gums in the Healing of skin and tendon injuries section of our Collagen Supplements Review.
See our separate article about the best toothpaste and mouthwash for reducing bleeding gums.
Collagen Concern?
September 07, 2022
Can taking too much collagen cause too much calcium in the blood? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Collagen Supplements Review.
Eggshell Membrane for Osteoarthritis?
June 07, 2022
Eggshell membrane – a source of collagen – may reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis if taken at a certain dose, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Joint Pain section of our Collagen Supplements Review.
Collagen for Joint Discomfort?
March 29, 2022
Can supplementing with low-dose collagen reduce joint pain in healthy older adults? Find out what a recent study showed in the Joint Pain section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen.
Does Collagen Increase Kidney Stone Risk?
December 24, 2021
A member asked whether supplementing with collagen increases the risk of kidney stones, since collagen can produce oxalates. Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for collagen supplements.
Can Collagen Lower Blood Sugar?
September 17, 2021
Can taking collagen supplements lower blood sugar levels? Find out what research suggests in the What It Does section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among collagen supplements.
Collagen for Wrinkles
September 07, 2021
Can taking hydrolyzed collagen in low daily doses reduce wrinkles and improve skin hydration in older women? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks among collagen supplements for skin wrinkles.
Collagen for Joint Pain?
July 24, 2021
Can collagen supplementation reduce joint pain or stiffness in the knee, hip or wrist? See what a new study found in the Joint Pain section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among collagen supplements for joints and for skin.
Hyaluronic Acid for Wrinkles?
June 28, 2021
Does supplementing with hyaluronic acid reduce wrinkles or improve skin elasticity in middle-aged men and women? See what a new study found in the Aging Skin and Wrinkles section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen supplements for skin and for joints.
Collagen and Breast Cancer?
April 23, 2021
Does supplementing with collagen increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence? Learn what the evidence shows in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Collagen Supplements Review.
Collagen for Wound Healing?
December 13, 2020
Can collagen supplements improve the healing of skin and tendon injuries? Find out in the What It Does section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen.
Eggshell Membrane + Fish Oil for Joint Pain?
August 14, 2020
Both eggshell membrane and fish oil have been shown to bring modest reduction in joint pain, but does taking these ingredients together have greater benefit? Find out what a new study showed in the What It Does section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick among collagen supplements for joints and for skin.
Fish Collagen Allergy
June 27, 2020
Be aware that some people may be allergic to fish collagen even if they don't respond to common fish allergy tests, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen supplements for skin and for joints.
Collagen for the Skin
March 28, 2020
Supplementing with collagen to improve aging skin is popular, but does it work? The latest study with collagen used a higher dose than other studies, but is a higher dose better? Find out in the What It Does section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen for wrinkles and for osteoarthritis.
Collagen for Sun Damaged Skin?
February 15, 2020
A study suggests that fish-derived collagen can improve sun-damaged skin. For details, including dosage, see the What It Does section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen.
Collagen for Knees?
February 01, 2020
Collagen supplements have been tested in many studies to reduce pain and/or improve function in osteoarthritic knees. A recent study focused on collagen peptides. Find out if they worked (and see the results for other collagen products) in the Joint Pain section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen supplements for joint pain and for wrinkles.
Collagen vs. Whey for Muscle
January 12, 2020
Does taking collagen protein increase muscle as well as whey protein? Find out what a recent study showed in the "Building Muscle" sections of both the Protein Powders Review and the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein powders and Top Picks for collagen.
Eggshell Membrane for Hair, Skin, Nails?
January 07, 2020
Does supplementing with eggshell membrane (which contains collagen and elastin) improve hair, skin, or nails? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among collagen supplements.
Eggshell Membrane for Joints?
December 07, 2019
Eggshell membrane hydrolysates, which naturally contain collagen, have been used in clinical studies to treat joint pain. Find out if they work in the Joint section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen.
Collagen Peptides vs. Gelatin
October 15, 2019
It has been generally believed that amino acids are more bioavailable from hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides) than from gelatin (which is partially hydrolyzed collagen). A new study put this to the test. See what the researchers found in the What It Is section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among collagen supplements.
Eggshell Membrane for Bad Knees?
October 11, 2019
Eggshell membrane, which naturally contains collagen, was tested as a supplement to improve knee pain, stiffness, and function. Find out if it worked in the Joint Pain section of the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen.
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Tested through CL's Quality Certification Program prior to, or after initial posting of this Product Review.
The "Updated" date indicates when new clinical or product information was most recently added. In the full review (available to CL members), the newest information is highlighted in yellow and, if a new product is added, it is footnoted in the results table, showing the date added to the review.
