Ingredient Guide

Collagen

Collagen is a structural protein made from amino acids that gives strength, support, and elasticity to skin, bones, tendons, cartilage, and other connective tissues. Supplementing with collagen is popular for supporting joint comfort, skin hydration, and healthy hair and nails as natural levels decrease with age.

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Collagen

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Ingredient guide

Collagen

What it is: Collagen is a fibrous protein found in animals and humans, making up the main structural component of connective tissues like skin, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and bones.
What it does: Collagen supports tissue strength and flexibility, helps maintain healthy skin elasticity and moisture, and plays a key role in joint cushioning and bone stability.
How it is used: Collagen is often used in supplements to support joint function, aid skin hydration and appearance, and promote healthy hair and nail growth, particularly in those experiencing age-related decline in natural collagen.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Naturally abundant in animal skin, bones, and connective tissues from chicken, fish, or beef, collagen supplements typically come as hydrolyzed collagen peptides, gelatin, or undenatured collagen in powder, capsule, or liquid forms.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Collagen is included for its potential to maintain skin elasticity, support joint movement, and encourage overall connective tissue health as the body's own collagen production decreases over time.
What to know before use: Most collagen supplements are animal-derived and unsuitable for vegetarians or vegans; those with specific protein allergies (such as fish or egg) should check the collagen’s source before use.
Interesting Fact

Collagen: Your Body’s Most Abundant Protein

Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the human body, making up about one-third of total protein content. It forms a crucial part of connective tissues, such as skin, tendons, and bones. While your body naturally produces collagen, this supply gradually decreases with age, which is why collagen is commonly added to supplement formulas.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Collagen

What is collagen and how is it used in supplements?

Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids and is the main structural component of connective tissues like skin, joints, and bones. In supplements, hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides) is most common, as it is broken down for easier digestion and absorption. People take collagen supplements to support skin elasticity, hydration, and joint comfort as natural collagen production decreases with age.

Are there different types of collagen in supplements, and which type should I look for?

Yes, the most common types found in supplements are type I, II, and III collagen. Type I and III are primarily used for skin, hair, and nail support, sourced from bovine or marine collagen. Type II, generally sourced from chicken, is mainly used to support joint and cartilage health. Choosing a type depends on your specific health goals.

Can you get collagen from non-animal sources or is it always animal-derived?

Collagen itself is only found in animal connective tissues, so all collagen supplements are animal-derived—commonly from bovine (cow), marine (fish), or chicken sources. There are no true plant-based collagen supplements, but some products contain plant ingredients that may support the body’s own collagen production rather than providing collagen directly.

Is it necessary to take vitamin C with collagen supplements?

Vitamin C is important for the body’s natural collagen synthesis, as it acts as a cofactor in the formation of healthy collagen fibers. While some collagen supplements include added vitamin C, it can also be obtained from food or separate supplements to help support the effectiveness of collagen supplementation.






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