Collagen
OTHER NAME(S): collagen, collagen hydrolysate, collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen), collagen type I (native), collagen type II (native), collagen type III (native)
Overview
Collagen is a dietary supplement that is available over the counter. Most collagen products are made from animals or fish. People often take collagen for skin and joint health, but its benefits are not well defined. Collagen is usually well tolerated. Before taking collagen, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is collagen used for?
Collagen is used for many different reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use collagen include the following.
- Aging skin
- To improve bone health
- Osteoarthritis
- Other joint problems
Note: The FDA has not reviewed collagen for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does collagen work (mechanism of action)?
Collagen is the most common protein found in your body. It is important for the structure and health of your joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, hair, skin, and nails. Your body makes collagen from the proteins found in your diet.
There are many different types of collagen in your body, each with its own unique structure. Collagen types 1, 2, and 3 all play an important role in the structure of your skin, joints, and bones. Most collagen products contain one or more of these three types of collagen.
As you age, your body makes less collagen. This can make your skin less elastic and your joints stiffer. Taking collagen can help boost your collagen levels, so it is sometimes used to help with aging skin, bone health, and joint problems. Some people report that their skin and joints feel healthier after using collagen. But its benefits for reducing the impact of aging are not well defined. It is possible that certain types of collagen may work better for different uses, but the research is not clear.
Collagen is a very large protein. When you take collagen by mouth, your body may not absorb it very well. Collagen is also too large to be absorbed when applied to your skin. Because of this, many collagen supplements contain collagen that has been broken down into smaller pieces, called peptides. Collagen peptides are made by a process called hydrolysis, so they are sometimes called hydrolyzed collagen or collagen hydrolysate. Your body can use these smaller pieces to make collagen and increase collagen levels. But the benefits of collagen peptides are not well defined.
How should I store collagen?
You should store collagen according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of collagen?
Collagen seems to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of collagen that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of collagen?
While less common, the most serious side effects of collagen are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Collagen may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using collagen and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use collagen?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use collagen.
- Collagen
- Collagen hydrolysate
- Collagen peptides
- Hydrolyzed collagen
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific collagen products they stock.
What should I know about collagen before using it?
Collagen is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep collagen out of the reach of children.
Collagen comes from animal or marine sources. Most collagen dietary supplements come from chicken, pigs, or cows. Some collagen products come from fish skins. If you have any dietary restrictions, it is important to read the product label carefully to understand where the ingredients came from.
Some dietary supplements are labeled as vegan collagen, but these products do not actually contain collagen. Collagen is hard to make in a lab and is only found in animals and fish. Instead, these products contain ingredients that your body needs to make collagen, such as the amino acids that make up collagen protein. Some products contain “collagen boosters,” which are chemicals such as vitamin C, zinc, and copper; these may help your body make more collagen. It is not clear if any of these ingredients can boost your collagen levels. Read the product label carefully to understand which ingredients it contains.
If you are using collagen powder, use a proper measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the label carefully and measure the amount stated on the label. Mix the powder with a glass of liquid, such as water or juice.
The FDA has not tested collagen products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using collagen?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if collagen is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Fish Allergy.Some collagen products are made from fish skins. If you are allergic to fish, read the product label carefully and talk to your health care provider before taking collagen.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how collagen could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if collagen passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does collagen interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between collagen and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect collagen.
Does collagen interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between collagen and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between collagen and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with collagen is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking collagen with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much collagen?
If you or someone else has used too much collagen, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Collagen is usually made from chicken, cows, pigs, or fish. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take collagen safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology: “Effect of collagen supplementation on knee osteoarthritis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.”
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences: “Main and minor types of collagens in the articular cartilage: the role of collagens in repair tissue evaluation in chondral defects.”
- National Cancer Institute NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: “Collagen.”
- Nutrients: “Effects of oral collagen for skin anti-aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis.”