Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Jun 5
Collagen Review of 8,000 People Finds Skin, Arthritis Gains but No Sports Boost
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Jun 5

Collagen Review of 8,000 People Finds Skin, Arthritis Gains but No Sports Boost

3 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · Jun 5

Summary

  • Nearly 8,000 participants across 113 randomized trials showed collagen supplements improved skin hydration and elasticity and reduced osteoarthritis pain and stiffness, according to an Anglia Ruskin University-led review.
  • Longer use was tied to bigger gains in skin and joint outcomes, while the umbrella analysis of 16 systematic reviews found only modest benefits for muscle mass, muscle structure and tendon structure.
  • Sports claims fared poorly: the review found little meaningful effect on exercise performance, post-workout recovery, muscle soreness or tendon mechanical properties.
  • Evidence for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, oral health and dental cosmetic outcomes was mixed or inconclusive, leading researchers to call for more high-quality trials on long-term effects, dosing and collagen sources.

Insights

This study says collagen fails athletes, but could adding Vitamin C prove the billion-dollar supplement industry right?
Supplements are proven to help skin, but can a targeted diet deliver the same anti-aging benefits without the high cost?
With no FDA oversight on a $2 billion market, how can you tell if your collagen powder is a miracle or a scam?