Overview

Collagen peptides are small proteins from animal products.

Collagen peptides are used for aging skin, osteoporosis, brittle nails, muscle strength, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Don't confuse collagen peptides with collagen type I (native), collagen type II (native), or gelatin.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Proteins

Primary Functions:

Aging skin, osteoporosis, brittle nails

Also Known As:

Collagen Hydrolysate, Collagen Peptidesi, Collagène Dénaturé, Collagène Hydrolysé

How Does It Work?

Collagen peptides are very small pieces of collagen. Collagen is one of the materials that make up cartilage, bone, and skin. When taken by mouth, collagen peptides seems to build up in the skin and cartilage. This may help improve some skin and joint conditions.

Uses

• Aging skin. Taking collagen peptides by mouth seems to improve skin hydration and skin elasticity in older people. Taking collagen peptides might also lessen wrinkles, but this benefit is probably only modest.
• Osteoarthritis. Taking collagen peptides by mouth may slightly relieve pain and improve joint function in people with knee osteoarthritis. It may take about 3-5 months of daily treatment before benefit is seen.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

• For aging skin: Usually, 2.5-10 grams of collagen peptides have been taken by mouth daily for 8-12 weeks. Specific products that have shown some benefit in clinical research include Peptan-F or Peptan-P by Rousselot, Wellnex by Nitta Gelatin, and VERISOL by Gelita AG. Combination products containing collagen peptides and other ingredients that have shown some benefit include Gold Collagen Active by Minerva Research Labs and BioCell Collagen by BioCell Technology.
• For osteoarthritis: 10 grams of collagen peptides taken daily in one or two divided doses has been used for 3-5 months. A specific combination product containing collagen peptides and other ingredients (BioCell Collagen by BioCell Technology) has been used in a dose of 1 gram twice daily for up to 10 weeks.

Collagen Peptides Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take collagen peptides?

Some studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity, (i.e., wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging. Others have shown that consuming collagen can increase density in bones weakened with age and can improve joint, back and knee pain.

What do collagen peptides do?

Collagen is a major component of your skin. It plays a role in strengthening skin, plus may benefit elasticity and hydration. However, several studies have shown that collagen peptides or supplements containing collagen may help slow the aging of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness.

What are the side effects of taking collagen?

Possible Side Effects

There are some reports that collagen supplements may cause mild digestive symptoms or a bad taste in the mouth. Also, those with a fish, shellfish, or egg allergy should avoid collagen supplements as many of them are made from these ingredients.

What supplements help with collagen?

One study suggests that hyaluronic acid can help boost collagen production in the human body. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body, but it decreases as we age. Eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can increase the levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body as both are important for skin.

Does collagen make you poop?

Collagen contains the amino acids proline and glycine which are the building blocks of your intestinal lining, making it essential in repairing a damaged intestine. Having an intact intestine ensures your poop stays where it's meant to be (i.e. doesn't leave your digestive tract and enter your bloodstream).

Is collagen bad for kidneys?

Well, based on all the literary evidence, the short and simple answer is NO! To put it straight, there is no evidence that taking even extremely high daily doses of Collagen over long periods of time will have any negative impact on healthy kidneys.

Can collagen cause weight gain?

Researchers concluded that gelatin increases satiety, which can lead to subsequent reduced energy intake, thereby promoting weight loss. To put this into simple terms, collagen protein promotes fullness and keeps our body feeling satisfied after a meal.

What is the best time to take collagen?

Some recommend consuming collagen on an empty stomach before your stomach acid has the chance to break down the collagen peptides. Others believe it's best to take to take collagen right before going to bed since your body replenishes your skin as you sleep. The truth is: collagen can be taken at any time of the day.

What is the best way to take collagen?

You can bake with it, cook with it or even put it in ice lollies. It really is totally up to you and there are so many options to try. But one of the most convenient ways to take collagen powder is to simply stir it into a glass of water or juice. You won't have to hold your nose to knock it back, either.

Can taking collagen cause anxiety?

Ingesting collagen as your main form of protein can potentially lead to a deficit in tryptophan. A decrease in tryptophan results in lower serotonin levels and has the potential to cause feelings of anxiety, irritability, and depression (particularly if you already suffer from a mood disorder.)

Is collagen worth taking?

Does collagen work? Some studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity, (i.e., wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging. Others have shown that consuming collagen can increase density in bones weakened with age and can improve joint, back and knee pain.

What are the side effects of using peptides?

Peptides Side Effects

• Itchiness at the injection area.
• Increased water retention(a common sign of overdosage)
• Increased hunger.
• Dry mouth.
• Tinglingor numbness.
• High blood pressure.
• Extreme kidney pain.
• Joint pain.

What destroys collagen?

One of the worst enemies of collagen is excessive sun exposure. Direct UV exposure can harm collagen fibroblasts. Long-term sun exposure can cause collagen and elastin to breakdown and degrade, faster than normal. Help your skin out by always wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

What food is high in collagen?

A: Protein-rich foods, like meat, eggs, fish and seafood, beans, and dairy will all supply your body with a range of amino acids needed to make collagen. (3) Bone broth and gelatin are other foods that are collagen-rich.

How can I rebuild collagen in my face?

How To Restore Collagen In The Face?

• Facial Massage. Massaging the skin can help stimulate collagenproduction and strengthen muscle memory.
• Collagen
• Vitamin C creams.
• Don't smoke.
• Stay hydrated.

Does collagen make you pee a lot?

Collagen is a natural protein that forms connective tissues in the body. ... The Japanese scientists acknowledge many patients had some minor complications after the collagen procedure, such as problems with urination or too-frequent urination.

How long before you see results from taking collagen?

As previously mentioned, it is hard to say just how long it will take before you will see results from your collagen supplement. Typically, you might start to see some results after about 4 weeks of daily supplementation. After a couple months you should be able to see noticeably different skin with great improvement.

Can collagen cause gas and bloating?

Too much collagen all at once can promote bloating or constipation, so start off easy.

Can you take collagen everyday?

Some studies have shown that taking collagen supplements may help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce joint pain overall ( 2 , 9). ... If you want to try taking a collagen supplement for its potential pain-relieving effects, studies suggest you should start with a daily dosage of 8–12 grams.

Can Collagen be harmful?

Localized scleroderma affects the skin. Collagen is a protein that makes up connective tissues, such as the skin. When you have too much collagen, your skin can stretch, thicken, and harden. It also can cause damage to internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Clinical Studies