Collagen supplements can help with healthier joints and smoother skin—but does the latest version live up to the hype?Collagen supplements can help with healthier joints and smoother skin—but does the latest version live up to the hype?
A new generation of collagen supplements is here: Collagen tripeptides are the smallest version of collagen possible and said to be more easily absorbed by the body and more effective at stimulating the body’s own collagen production—but is that the case?
I may have had unrealistic expectations when I first tried with collagen supplements. After taking them for months, I expected to look 10 years younger when I looked in the mirror. To say I was disappointed was an understatement. I experimented with different formulas—marine collagen, bovine collagen, collagen peptides, collagen powder, capsules, gels, and even gummies—but I still wasn’t convinced. The results were yet to live up to the promises.
Controversial in supplement form, what’s undeniable about collagen is its importance in the structure of the skin and function in our bodies. Often referred to as the skin’s “scaffolding,” collagen accounts for around 30% of the body’s total protein, supporting the skin as well as bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and other connective tissues. Yet as we get older, our natural collagen production declines from around our mid-20s. This contributes to reduced skin firmness and elasticity, the appearance of fine lines and impacts joint and connective tissue health.
With this in mind, it’s no wonder that collagen supplements have become popular. But despite their quick adoption, there is still much uncertainty about their effectiveness, absorption and whether they deliver meaningful benefits.
