Are collagen supplements really effective?

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Many people who want to improve the health of their skin, joints, and hair often take collagen supplements daily. But does this really deliver the expected results?

What is collagen and why is it important?

According to Healthline , collagen is primarily composed of the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids form three strands, creating the characteristic triple helix structure of collagen.

Collagen is found in connective tissue, skin, tendons, bones, and cartilage. It provides structural support to tissues and plays a vital role in cellular processes, including tissue repair and immune response.

More and more people are taking collagen supplements daily in the hope of improving their skin, hair, and joints (Image: Health.Osu).

Connective tissue cells called fibroblasts produce and maintain collagen. As people age, collagen fragments, fibroblast function declines, and collagen production slows down.

These changes, along with the loss of another important structural protein called elastin, lead to signs of aging such as sagging skin and wrinkles.

What causes collagen loss?

As you age, collagen production naturally decreases. Furthermore, collagen becomes fragmented and more loosely distributed. These changes lead to characteristic signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dry, sagging skin. The integrity of collagen in the skeletal system also decreases with age, resulting in reduced bone strength.

The loss and damage of collagen as you age is inevitable. In addition, certain dietary and lifestyle factors can accelerate this process.

For example, smoking degrades collagen and causes skin aging, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Excessive alcohol consumption has also been shown to accelerate skin aging by reducing collagen production and damaging the skin's repair mechanisms.

Additionally, diets high in added sugars and ultra-processed foods can lead to premature aging by contributing to a process called glycation, which reduces collagen metabolism and hinders collagen's ability to interact with surrounding cells and proteins.

Excessive sun exposure also reduces collagen production. Therefore, applying sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure can help prevent early signs of skin aging.

What foods are rich in collagen?

Foods that provide collagen to the body (Illustrative image: Istock).

The body naturally produces collagen. Additionally, you can obtain it through food sources. Collagen is found in all animals and is concentrated in certain parts of the body, such as the skin and joints.

Here are a few examples of foods rich in collagen:

- Bones, skin, and ligaments of animals, such as chicken skin and pork trotters.

- Certain types of seafood, such as fish skin and jellyfish.

- Products made from animal parts such as bones and ligaments, including bone broth.

Since your body naturally produces collagen from amino acids, you can support collagen production by ensuring you eat enough protein from foods like poultry, fish, beans, and eggs.

Besides amino acids, your body needs other nutrients to produce and maintain collagen.

For example, vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, so a deficiency can lead to decreased collagen production. Eating plenty of foods rich in vitamin C can help support healthy collagen production. For instance, try eating citrus fruits, bell peppers, leafy greens, and berries.

Furthermore, adopting a diet rich in beneficial plant compounds can also help improve skin health by reducing inflammation and protecting the skin from collagen degradation.

What are the benefits of collagen supplementation?

According to the Cleveland Clinic , there is currently a lack of randomized controlled trials of dietary supplements (the gold standard for testing drug effectiveness).

A few studies have been conducted showing that collagen peptides may be effective in improving skin moisture and elasticity. They may also be effective in reducing pain and improving joint function in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Things to know about the science behind dietary supplements.

First, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate collagen supplements like drugs. The FDA does not require randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials like drugs do to be approved.

Manufacturers of dietary supplements are not required to prove their products are safe or effective before bringing them to market.

Secondly, many studies conducted with dietary supplements are funded by the dietary supplement industry, or the study authors have financial ties to the dietary supplement industry.

Third, it remains unknown whether collagen supplements deliver the results advertised on the label.

Finally, remember that consuming collagen peptides—from food or supplements—cannot be directed toward the intended intended use. Your body uses these peptides for its own needs, whether it's collagen or protein.

Further research is needed before drawing any definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of supplements in promoting healthier skin.

It's important to note that you don't necessarily need collagen supplements to support your body's collagen levels or bone health.

In fact, you can help your body produce collagen and maintain healthy collagen and bone tissue simply by incorporating enough high-quality protein, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin C, and zinc into your diet.

A balanced diet with a little more protein is especially helpful for maintaining muscle and bone tissue as you age. Researchers recommend consuming about 0.8g per kilogram of body weight for this purpose.

To support this, combine this high-protein diet with physical activity, especially strength training and weight-bearing exercises.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/bo-sung-collagen-co-thuc-su-hieu-qua-20251020113847139.htm