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.
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.
