Knowledge · Natural Compounds

Collagen

Collagen is the most common structural protein in the body; human studies show benefits for joints, skin, tendons and muscles.

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We evaluated 235 human studies on Collagen, including 122 randomised controlled trials and 30 meta-analyses or systematic reviews; the controlled studies include 7,680 participants in total. As of 4 October 2026.

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1. What Is Collagen? Occurrence, Origin and Forms

Collagen is a structural protein and the most abundant protein in the human body. It forms the scaffold of skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone and blood vessels. Traditionally it is taken in through gelatin-containing foods such as bone broths and aspics, and today also through collagen preparations.

Collagen occurs in the connective tissue of humans and animals, especially in skin, tendons, cartilage and bone. For preparations it is obtained from animal hides, bones and cartilage as well as from fish skin and fish scales.

The starting material is animal collagen, which is processed into gelatin by heating or into shorter collagen peptides by enzymatic cleavage. Studies mainly examine orally taken collagen peptides, gelatin and undenatured type II collagen from cartilage.

Forms and Preparations Studied

  • Collagen peptides (hydrolysed collagen)
  • Gelatin
  • Undenatured type II collagen
  • Collagen-containing foods such as bone broth
  • Collagen in skin creams and other topical preparations

Not covered on this page:

  • Elastin
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Whey protein
  • Creatine

2. What Does Collagen Do? Results by Area

AreaResult in controlled studiesStrength of evidenceStudiesParticipants
Joints and joint painmostly improvedhigh11 meta-analyses · 40 controlled · 23 other3,432
Skin and skin elasticitymostly improvedhigh8 meta-analyses · 32 controlled · 26 other2,042
Musculaturemixedhigh5 meta-analyses · 32 controlled · 9 other1,343
Bone densitymixedhigh3 meta-analyses · 12 controlled · 9 other797
Tendons and ligamentsmostly improvedhigh3 meta-analyses · 9 controlled · 5 other291
Hair and nailsmostly improvedmoderate0 meta-analyses · 3 controlled · 5 other125
Other investigationsmostly improvedhigh6 meta-analyses · 56 controlled · 28 other2,596

How to read the table: counted are human studies whose results concern the area. “High” means at least one meta-analysis and two controlled studies showing improvement, or at least three controlled studies of which three quarters show improvement, with at least 300 participants in total. “Moderate” means at least two controlled studies showing improvement, as a majority, or one meta-analysis alongside controlled studies. “Low” means one controlled study showing improvement. Where an area has no controlled study, the strength of evidence is at most “low” (result “reviews only” or “observational data only”). Everything else is “unclear”. A study counts as showing improvement when at least half of its outcomes in this area improved. Reviews of combination products do not count as meta-analyses; results that only describe side effects or shares of users do not count as an effect. The same study is counted only once.

3. What the Studies Show in Detail

Collagen, Joints and Joint Pain: Human Studies

In joint pain and knee osteoarthritis, several controlled studies and meta-analyses showed improvements in pain and function with oral collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen) 69313458. Non-denatured type II collagen improved knee mobility compared with placebo in three randomized controlled studies 537386. Individual studies examined combination preparations, such as a liquid nutraceutical with hydrolyzed fish collagen, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and other substances 42, or a collagen hydrolysate with minerals and vitamins 54; these findings cannot be attributed to collagen alone. The overall reliability is high, but many studies were small and short, and information on manufacturer funding is missing for several preparations.

StudyDesign · participantsPreparation · dose · duration · comparisonResult
1 Ravindran et al. 2026systematic review · 7,983 participantscollagen supplements (form not specified); vs. placebo/control (not reported)osteoarthritis: improved
3 Zahed et al. 2025systematic review · 1,264 participantsCollagen meniscus implant, matrix-based meniscus repair, oral collagen supplementation; Follow-up up to 10 years; vs. Comparison of the three collagen interventions with each otherLysholm score after collagen meniscus implant: improved (80 to 95); Subjective IKDC score after collagen meniscus implant: improved (77-95); Partial resorption on MRI after collagen meniscus implant: worsened (79%-92% of cases)
6 Simental-Mendía et al. 2025meta-analysis · 870 participantsOral collagen supplements (form not specified); vs. PlaceboFunction score: improved (MD, -6.46 (95% CI -9.52, -3.40); I2=75%; p=0.00001); Pain score: improved (MD, -13.63 (95% CI -20.67, -6.58); I2=88%; p=0.00001)
9 Lin et al. 2023meta-analysis · 507 participantsCollagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen; vs. PlaceboPain relief: improved (SMD: -0.58; 95% CI -0.98, -0.18, p = 0.004)
17 Gupta et al. 2025systematic reviewUndenatured type II collagen (UC-2); 40 mg daily; short- and mid-term (exact duration not reported); vs. no comparator; review of preclinical and clinical studiesinflammation and pain: improved; function and range of motion (ROM): improved
18 Brueckheimer et al. 2025systematic reviewOral type I hydrolyzed collagen; vs. Control groups of included RCTsPain reduction and clinical parameters: improved; Physical mobility and ankle function: improved
24 Jabbari et al. 2022systematic reviewCollagen supplementation: intact, hydrolyzed and type II collagen; vs. routine treatments or controlsefficacy in OA and RA: unclear; adverse effects of collagen supplementation
25 Khatri et al. 2021systematic reviewCollagen peptide supplementation (COL), partly combined with exercise; 15 g/day COL (reported for collagen synthesis); vs. Usual care/control or isonitrogenous higher quality proteinJoint functionality and joint pain: improved

Further studies in this area: 26 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 42 46 48 53 54 58 59 63 65 68 70 73 75 76 86 91 93 105 107 111 113 127 144 149 150 152 153 158 166 167 172 173 175 176 177 178 204 212 214 215 219 220 221 223 224 226 227 228 230 231 232 233

Collagen, Skin and Skin Elasticity: Human Studies

For skin and skin elasticity, several controlled studies and meta-analyses showed improvements in skin elasticity after oral collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen) 24571343. Skin moisture also improved in several controlled studies and meta-analyses with collagen peptides 245134344. For wrinkles, a series of randomized controlled studies with collagen peptides found an improvement 41323434749. Skin roughness and dermal density improved more with collagen peptides than with placebo in several randomized controlled studies 44475067. A systematic review and a randomized controlled study also report more collagen in the dermis 7110. In contrast, three randomized controlled studies found no difference from placebo in skin elasticity, skin thickness or skin moisture 515684. For skin firmness, hydrolyzed collagen was inferior to an eggshell membrane (MKARE®) in a randomized controlled study 145. Two randomized controlled studies tested combination preparations: with acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, biotin and vitamin E 66 and, funded by the manufacturer, with wheat germ oil, ceramides and lutein 77.

StudyDesign · participantsPreparation · dose · duration · comparisonResult
1 Ravindran et al. 2026systematic review · 7,983 participantscollagen supplements (form not specified); vs. placebo/control (not reported)skin elasticity and hydration: improved
2 Pu et al. 2023meta-analysis · 1,721 participantsHydrolyzed collagen (HC) supplementation; varying supplementation duration analyzed in subgroups; vs. placebo groupskin hydration: improved (Z = 4.94, p < 0.00001); skin elasticity: improved (Z = 4.49, p < 0.00001)
4 de et al. 2021meta-analysis · 1,125 participantsOral hydrolyzed collagen supplementation; 90 days; vs. PlaceboSkin hydration: improved; Skin elasticity: improved; Skin wrinkles: improved
5 Dewi et al. 2023meta-analysis · 967 participantsOral hydrolyzed collagen supplementation; 12 weeks; vs. PlaceboSkin moisture levels: improved; Skin elasticity: improved
7 Choi et al. 2019systematic review · 805 participantsOral collagen supplements: hydrolysate, tripeptide, dipeptide; Hydrolysate 2.5–10 g/d; tripeptide 3 g/d; 8–24 weeks (hydrolysate); 4–12 weeks (tripeptide); vs. PlaceboSkin elasticity and hydration: improved (notable improvement); Dermal collagen density: improved; Skin aging: improved
10 Howell-Morris et al. 2020systematic review · 430 participantsOrally administered collagen peptides, one study combined with antioxidants; 570 mg/d to 10 g/d; 8 weeks to 6 months; vs. Randomised controlled trials, mostly with control measures for confoundersDermal thickness: improved (significant improvement); Dermal collagen or pro-collagen content: improved (two of the studies showed improvement); Dermal elasticity: improved (three of the studies showed improvement)
13 Bassila et al. 2026systematic review · 25 participantsOral hydrolyzed collagen (HC); vs. Placebo or active comparatorsSkin hydration: improved (improved in 10 of 15 trials); Skin elasticity: improved (10 of 13 trials); Wrinkle depth or volume: improved (9 of 10 trials)
21 Rahman et al. 2024systematic reviewmarine collagen, partly enriched with amino acidsskin aging and skin health: improved

Further studies in this area: 23 27 42 43 44 45 47 49 50 51 56 57 60 61 66 67 69 74 77 78 84 88 101 104 110 121 142 145 148 156 157 159 160 161 173 174 180 184 188 190 192 194 196 197 198 200 201 202 205 210 211 213 214 218 220 222 225 229

Collagen and Musculature: Human Studies

With strength training, fat-free mass increased more with collagen peptides than with placebo in a meta-analysis and several randomized controlled studies 852628187117. Muscle strength increased more than with placebo in two studies 6287, but not in three others 819297. Muscle soreness after exertion was lower than with placebo in one randomized controlled study 125, but not in another 85. Muscle protein synthesis did not increase more with collagen than with placebo 94116 and remained behind whey protein, yeast protein and α-lactalbumin 25133137. Muscle cross-section did not grow more with training under collagen than under placebo in three randomized controlled studies 8192112, but calf muscle thickness did in one study 97. Anabolic signaling pathways in muscle were more activated after strength training with collagen peptides than with placebo 151; a multi-component protein preparation increased type II muscle fibers more than collagen 162. The findings come predominantly from small, short studies in trained or older adults; some tested combination preparations with chicken essence 3839, vitamins and minerals 54 or whey protein 95.

StudyDesign · participantsPreparation · dose · duration · comparisonResult
1 Ravindran et al. 2026systematic review · 7,983 participantscollagen supplements (form not specified); vs. placebo/control (not reported)muscular health: improved
8 Bischof et al. 2024meta-analysis · 768 participantsCollagen peptide supplements (hydrolyzed collagen); at least 8 weeks (one 3-week trial for maximal strength only; 1 week without exercise for recovery); vs. Control group (RCTs)Fat-free mass: improved (SMD 0.48, p < 0.01); Muscle architecture: improved (SMD 0.39, p < 0.01); Maximal strength: improved (SMD 0.19, p < 0.01)
11 Inacio et al. 2024systematic review · 286 participantsCollagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen, low molecular weight (2000-3500 daltons); vs. Placebo or controlMuscle stress after acute strenuous resistance training: improved
12 Buchalski et al. 2026systematic review · 257 participantsCollagen supplementation, type not specified; 5-30 g/day, some with vitamin C ≥50 mg; 3-15 weeks, combined with resistance/plyometric training; vs. PlaceboMuscle strength: no difference (no additive effects of collagen); Muscle cross-sectional area: unclear (GRADE C)
18 Brueckheimer et al. 2025systematic reviewOral type I hydrolyzed collagen; vs. Control groups of included RCTsMuscle health: unclear
19 Sun et al. 2025meta-analysisCollagen peptides, partly with vitamin D and calcium; vs. Control groups without collagen peptidesMuscle performance: improved (SMD 0.60 [0.05, 1.15])
25 Khatri et al. 2021systematic reviewCollagen peptide supplementation (COL), partly combined with exercise; 15 g/day COL (reported for collagen synthesis); vs. Usual care/control or isonitrogenous higher quality proteinMuscle protein synthesis (MPS): no difference
38 Chen et al. 2023randomised controlled · 160 participantsHydrolyzed type II collagen (HC-II) or chicken essence with added HC-II (EC-HC-II); 24 weeks; vs. Glucosamine HCl and placebo, all with resistance trainingFat-free mass at 24 weeks (EC-HC-II vs. placebo/glucosamine): improved (p = 0.02); Grip strength at 24 weeks (EC-HC-II vs. glucosamine): improved (p = 0.002)

Further studies in this area: 39 52 54 62 80 81 85 87 92 94 95 97 105 112 114 115 116 117 119 120 122 125 126 128 133 137 141 143 151 162 164 181 206 208 209 214 223 224

Collagen and Bone Density: Human Studies

A meta-analysis found higher bone density at the femoral neck and spine with collagen peptides, especially together with calcium and vitamin D 19. In a randomized controlled trial in postmenopausal women with osteopenia, collagen peptides in addition to calcium and vitamin D improved bone density and bone turnover more than calcium and vitamin D alone 8990. In premenopausal female endurance runners, a bone formation marker increased with collagen peptides, but not in the control group 118. A calcium-collagen chelate slowed the loss of whole-body bone density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia more than calcium and vitamin D alone 102. In contrast, a randomized controlled trial in older adults after total hip replacement found no differences in bone formation and bone resorption markers 98. A randomized controlled trial in sarcopenic men found no difference in bone mass 87, and a randomized controlled trial in young healthy men found no differences in bone formation and bone resorption markers 132. In part, collagen was tested in combination: in a meta-analysis partly with vitamin D and calcium 19, in a study in children in one group with calcium 79, and in two studies with chicken essence 3839. The optimal form, dose and duration of intake as well as the transferability to men and younger healthy individuals remain open, since the positive findings predominantly concerned postmenopausal women and the participant numbers of the individual studies were small.

StudyDesign · participantsPreparation · dose · duration · comparisonResult
1 Ravindran et al. 2026systematic review · 7,983 participantscollagen supplements (form not specified); vs. placebo/control (not reported)bone health: improved
16 Kuhlman et al. 2026systematic revieworal collagen peptide supplementation; vs. heterogeneous study designs, some neutral findingsbone turnover markers (P1NP, CTX): improved; bone mineral density (whole body, femoral neck, lumbar spine): improved
18 Brueckheimer et al. 2025systematic reviewOral type I hydrolyzed collagen; vs. Control groups of included RCTsBone health: unclear
19 Sun et al. 2025meta-analysisCollagen peptides, partly with vitamin D and calcium; vs. Control groups without collagen peptidesBone mineral density (femoral neck and spine): improved; Bone turnover markers: improved (SMD 0.40-0.58); Bone mineral density with vitamin D and calcium: improved (SMDs 0.40-0.56)
21 Rahman et al. 2024systematic reviewmarine collagen, partly enriched with amino acidsbone damage (tissue engineering): improved
38 Chen et al. 2023randomised controlled · 160 participantsHydrolyzed type II collagen (HC-II) or chicken essence with added HC-II (EC-HC-II); 24 weeks; vs. Glucosamine HCl and placebo, all with resistance trainingBone mass: unclear
39 Chen et al. 2020randomised controlled · 160 participantsFlexC-II (type II collagen hydrolysate) or BEC-FlexC-II (with chicken essence); 24 weeks; vs. Glucosamine HCl and placebo, all with resistance trainingLeft hip bone mass (BEC-FlexC-II, subgroup): improved (P = 0.01; P = 0.049)
79 Martin-Bautista et al. 2011randomised controlled · 60 participantscommercial hydrolyzed collagen (Gelatine Royal); 4 months; vs. placebo (G-I), collagen (G-II), collagen+calcium (G-III)serum IGF-1: improved (p < 0.01); plasma tALP: improved (p < 0.05); serum bALP: improved (p < 0.05)

Further studies in this area: 87 89 90 95 98 102 118 132 154 181 182 199 207 219 220 232

Collagen, Tendons and Ligaments: Human Studies

In tendons, the cross-sectional area increased more with strength training under collagen peptides than with training alone in a systematic review and several randomized controlled trials, sometimes with vitamin C 229297119122. Tendon stiffness improved in individual randomized controlled trials with collagen peptides plus vitamin C 122126136, while other controlled trials found no difference here 22929799. The findings are based predominantly on small, short studies in healthy, training men.

StudyDesign · participantsPreparation · dose · duration · comparisonResult
8 Bischof et al. 2024meta-analysis · 768 participantsCollagen peptide supplements (hydrolyzed collagen); at least 8 weeks (one 3-week trial for maximal strength only; 1 week without exercise for recovery); vs. Control group (RCTs)Tendon morphology: improved (SMD 0.67, p < 0.01)
12 Buchalski et al. 2026systematic review · 257 participantsCollagen supplementation, type not specified; 5-30 g/day, some with vitamin C ≥50 mg; 3-15 weeks, combined with resistance/plyometric training; vs. PlaceboTendon cross-sectional area: improved (3 of 4 studies reported significantly greater increases); Tendon stiffness/Young's modulus: improved (15-30 g/day)
15 Latini et al. 2026systematic reviewHydrolyzed collagen peptides, oral or injectable, some multicomponent; vs. Control groups in randomized trials (placebo/rehabilitation)Pain, function, analgesic use, imaging outcomes: improved
22 Boldt et al. 2023systematic reviewCollagen supplementation; vs. Exercise alonePain mitigation: improved; Tendon cross-sectional area: improved; Tendon thickness: improved
65 López-Vidriero et al. 2019randomised controlled · 72 participantsProgen, oral nutritional supplement; 90-day follow-up; vs. no additional therapy (control group)Graft maturation (MRI, grades 3 and 4): improved (61.8% vs 38.2%; P < .01)
92 Jerger et al. 2023randomised controlled · 50 participantsspecific collagen peptides (SCP) vs. placebo; 5 g daily; 14 weeks; vs. placebo plus identical resistance trainingpatellar tendon cross-sectional area: improved (p < 0.05); tendon stiffness: no difference (p < 0.01)
97 Jerger et al. 2022randomised controlled · 40 participantsspecific collagen peptides (SCP) vs. placebo; 5 g SCP daily; 14 weeks; vs. placebo (5 g) plus identical resistance training programAchilles tendon cross-sectional area: improved (+11.0%); tendon stiffness: no difference
99 Balshaw et al. 2023randomised controlled · 39 participantsbioactive collagen peptides (CP) vs. placebo; 15 g once daily; 15 weeks; vs. placebo during standardized lower-body resistance training (3x/week)patellar tendon cross-sectional area: no difference (0.365 ≤ P ≤ 0.877); vastus lateralis aponeurosis area: no difference (0.365 ≤ P ≤ 0.877); patellar tendon stiffness: no difference (0.365 ≤ P ≤ 0.877)

Further studies in this area: 119 122 126 136 163 186 189 206 223

Collagen, Hair and Nails: Human Studies

For nails, nail color in healthy women improved earlier under collagen peptides than under placebo in a randomized controlled trial 57. In a randomized controlled trial with hydrolyzed collagen and vitamin C, hair appearance improved compared with placebo, with no confirmed difference in hair count 148. Collagen with hyaluronic acid, biotin, and vitamins C and E was associated with less hair loss in a non-randomized study 160. The strength of evidence is moderate, but the findings come from small samples and sometimes short intake periods; it remains open whether the effect is due to collagen alone or to the added substances.

StudyDesign · participantsPreparation · dose · duration · comparisonResult
57 Vleminckx et al. 2024randomised controlled · 85 participantscollagen peptide dietary supplement (5 g) vs. placebo (maltodextrin 5 g); 5 g daily; 84 days (assessments at day 28 and 84); vs. placebo (maltodextrin 5 g), both groups used standardized face creamnail color: improved
148 Reilly et al. 2024randomised controlledAbsolute Collagen (AC), hydrolysed collagen with vitamin C; 12 weeks; vs. PlaceboScalp scaling (trichoscopy): improved (11.0%); Total number of hairs: no difference (27.6%); Clinical grading score for hair healthy appearance: improved (31.9%)
160 Trehan et al. 2024controlled · 40 participantsSkin Radiance Collagen (SRC), collagen with antioxidants; 56 days; vs. Placebohair fall: improved (28%)
173 Goresh et al. 2025cross-sectional study · 171 participantsOral marine collagen, mostly powder form (80.4%); Use for 4-8 weeks in a subset of users; vs. No control arm; users vs. non-users or by duration of useHair/nail improvement: improved (13, 23.2%); Hair/nail improvement with 4-8 weeks use vs. shorter (73.7% versus 26.3%, p=0.033)
180 Bhardwaj et al. 2025study · 38 participantsAI-personalized kits with topical serums, shampoos, oral supplements and marine collagen peptides; 24 weeks; vs. no control arm, before-afterhair growth, coverage and thickness: improved (P<0.001 for all); hair shedding: improved (decreased by 37.3% at 12 weeks and 32.4% at 24 weeks); hair texture (scanning electron microscopy): improved
185 Hexsel et al. 2017study · 25 participantsbioactive collagen peptides (BCP, VERISOL®); 2.5 g once daily; 24 weeks, then 4-week off-therapy; vs. no control group (open-label)nail growth rate: improved (increase of 12%); frequency of broken nails: improved (decrease of 42%); global clinical improvement in brittle nails: improved (64%)
211 Biełach-Bazyluk et al. 2026reviewOral collagen supplements, mostly collagen peptides, some multi-ingredient formulations; short study durations; manufacturer-fundedhair thickness and strength, nail growth: improved
217 Zaraa et al. 2025reviewnail dietary supplements, including collagen peptidesclinical appearance, strength and brittleness of nails: improved

Collagen: Further Outcomes in Studies

Fat mass decreased more with collagen peptides than with placebo in several randomized controlled trials 52556487, but not in others 8085106. Quality of life improved in several controlled studies with collagen peptides or non-denatured type II collagen 46150166. For bioavailability, several controlled studies showed higher plasma amino acid levels after collagen peptides 94116140. Individual controlled studies found improvements in inflammatory markers 118144, while another found no difference here 124. Taken before sleep, collagen peptides reduced nighttime awakening in a randomized controlled trial, but not sleep duration or sleep quality 134. In another, easily fatigued adults felt less tired after sleep 147. The findings apply to the respective forms and preparations studied, mostly collagen peptides as a drink or capsule over several weeks; the transferability to other collagen forms, the role of combination preparations and the long-term clinical relevance of the observed changes remain open.

StudyDesign · participantsPreparation · dose · duration · comparisonResult
1 Ravindran et al. 2026systematic review · 7,983 participantscollagen supplements (form not specified); vs. placebo/control (not reported)oral health and cardiometabolic parameters: unclear
8 Bischof et al. 2024meta-analysis · 768 participantsCollagen peptide supplements (hydrolyzed collagen); at least 8 weeks (one 3-week trial for maximal strength only; 1 week without exercise for recovery); vs. Control group (RCTs)48 h recovery in reactive strength following exercise-induced muscle damage: improved (SMD 0.43, p = 0.045)
9 Lin et al. 2023meta-analysis · 507 participantsCollagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen; vs. PlaceboAdverse events (OR: 1.66; 95% CI 0.99, 2.78, p = 0.05)
12 Buchalski et al. 2026systematic review · 257 participantsCollagen supplementation, type not specified; 5-30 g/day, some with vitamin C ≥50 mg; 3-15 weeks, combined with resistance/plyometric training; vs. PlaceboEccentric rate of force development/deceleration impulse: improved (One study reported improvements); Jump height: no difference (unaffected)
13 Bassila et al. 2026systematic review · 25 participantsOral hydrolyzed collagen (HC); vs. Placebo or active comparatorsQuality of life: unclear (variable improvements)
14 Fan et al. 2026systematic reviewGlycine-, collagen- or other glycine-containing supplements; vs. Placebo or alpha-lactalbumin as active comparatorCirculating glycine concentrations: improved; Sleep-related outcomes (glycine trials): improved; Polysomnographic awakenings: improved
17 Gupta et al. 2025systematic reviewUndenatured type II collagen (UC-2); 40 mg daily; short- and mid-term (exact duration not reported); vs. no comparator; review of preclinical and clinical studiesoverall quality of life (QoL): improved
20 Inacio et al. 2024systematic reviewHydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides; 50-500 μg/mLfibroblast stimulation: improved (50-500 μg/mL); bioavailability at lower molecular weight: improved (<3 to 3000 KDa)

Further studies in this area: 25 32 36 41 43 46 52 55 57 59 62 64 65 68 71 72 73 76 80 82 83 85 87 91 94 95 96 98 100 103 105 106 108 109 110 112 116 118 123 124 129 130 131 133 134 135 138 139 140 142 144 146 147 150 152 155 165 166 168 169 170 171 173 179 181 183 187 191 193 194 195 197 203 206 209 211 213 216 218 224 231 232

4. How Is Collagen Dosed? Preparation, Dose and Duration in Studies

The studies predominantly used oral collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen) as a drink, powder or capsule, sometimes over several weeks to months. Non-denatured type II collagen was tested in capsule form, gelatin in individual studies on muscle soreness and recovery. Several studies examined combination preparations, for example with vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D, chicken essence or other active ingredients; the exact doses and intake durations are given in the study cards and tables.

Preparation or formDoseDurationStudy
collagen hydrolysate (CH)10 g CH daily6 months31
Artneo complex containing undenatured chicken type II collagen, one capsuleone capsule once daily180 days32
Food supplement of collagen hydrolysate1200 mg/day6 months33
Specific collagen peptides (SCP)5 g daily12 weeks34
specific bioactive collagen peptides derived from type I collagen, mean molecular weight 3 kDa5 g per day12 weeks35
Collagen peptide (CP)10 g/day12 weeks36
CollaSel PRO® hydrolyzed collagen type I and III10 g/day8 weeks37
Hydrolyzed type II collagen (HC-II) or chicken essence with added HC-II (EC-HC-II)—24 weeks38
FlexC-II (type II collagen hydrolysate) or BEC-FlexC-II (with chicken essence)—24 weeks39
Liquid formulation with 10 g collagen hydrolysate (CH-Alpha)25 mL liquid containing 10 g collagen hydrolysate daily24 weeks40
Collagen hydrolysate CH-a (low Pro-Hyp/Hyp-Gly) or CH-b (high Pro-Hyp/Hyp-Gly)10 g per day, twice daily16 weeks41
Liquid nutraceutical with hydrolyzed fish collagen and other active ingredients—90 days42
Bioactive collagen peptides (Peptpure®)2.5 g/day or 10 g/day12 weeks43
CollaSel Pro® hydrolyzed collagen peptide, without addons10 g daily8 weeks44
specific bioactive collagen peptides (BCP)2.5 g BCP daily orally6 months45

5. Is Collagen Safe? Side Effects in Studies

The studies predominantly report good tolerability of oral collagen peptides without serious adverse events 71331444749505558; non-denatured type II collagen was also well tolerated 86. A systematic review names mild to moderate gastrointestinal complaints as the most common side effect of collagen preparations in osteoarthritis 30; another reports more frequent side effects from individual studies on osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis 24. Individual studies found no significant differences in adverse events compared with placebo 933. Details on the frequency and type of side effects are shown in the table.

StudyReported side effects
3 Zahed et al. 2025No major adverse events; CMI had higher revision surgery rates
7 Choi et al. 2019No reported adverse events
9 Lin et al. 2023No significant difference in adverse events (OR 1.66; 95% CI 0.99–2.78; p = 0.05)
13 Bassila et al. 2026Generally well tolerated, low incidence of adverse events
17 Gupta et al. 2025UC-2 is described as safe
20 Inacio et al. 2024no toxicity reported
23 Al-Atif et al. 2022no side effects of oral supplements reported
24 Jabbari et al. 2022high adverse effects of collagen reported
29 Liu et al. 2018No differences versus placebo except for diacerein
30 Van et al. 2012mostly mild to moderate gastro-intestinal complaints
31 Benito-Ruiz et al. 2009CH is stated to be safe
32 Alekseeva et al. 2024good safety profile, no details reported

6. What Remains Open: Limits of the Evidence

  • Many studies were small and short; long-term data on benefits and safety are still pending.
  • For several preparations, information on manufacturer funding is missing, which makes it difficult to assess the results.
  • The positive findings on bone density come predominantly from postmenopausal women; transferability to men and younger healthy individuals is open.
  • Several studies involved combination preparations, so the contribution of collagen alone cannot be determined.
  • For non-denatured type II collagen and collagen in skin creams, no controlled studies are available in some areas.

7. Bottom Line: What Is Established About Collagen

Collagen is a structural protein and the most abundant protein in the human body by quantity. Human studies, predominantly with oral collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen), show improvements in joint pain and knee osteoarthritis, in skin elasticity and skin moisture, and in tendon cross-sectional area. Fat-free mass also increased more with strength training under collagen peptides than under placebo; muscle protein synthesis, however, did not increase more and remained behind whey protein. For bone density, hair and nails, the findings are mixed and rely on smaller, sometimes short studies, often in postmenopausal women.

Tolerability is described as good in most studies, without serious adverse events. Limitations are that many studies are small and short, several tested combination preparations, and information on manufacturer funding is often missing. The results apply in each case to the form and preparation studied — collagen peptides, gelatin and non-denatured type II collagen are different preparations and not interchangeable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How well has Collagen been studied in humans?

We evaluated 235 human studies on Collagen, including 122 randomised controlled trials and 30 meta-analyses or systematic reviews; the controlled studies include 7,680 participants in total. As of 4 October 2026.

Does Collagen help with joints and joint pain? What the studies show

We evaluated 11 meta-analyses or systematic reviews, 40 controlled studies and 23 further studies; the controlled studies include 3,432 participants in total. Result of the controlled studies: mostly improved. Strength of evidence under our published rules: high. Sources: 1369

Does Collagen help with skin and skin elasticity? What the studies show

We evaluated 8 meta-analyses or systematic reviews, 32 controlled studies and 26 further studies; the controlled studies include 2,042 participants in total. Result of the controlled studies: mostly improved. Strength of evidence under our published rules: high. Sources: 1245

Does Collagen help with musculature? What the studies show

We evaluated 5 meta-analyses or systematic reviews, 32 controlled studies and 9 further studies; the controlled studies include 1,343 participants in total. Result of the controlled studies: mixed. Strength of evidence under our published rules: high. Sources: 181112

Does Collagen help with bone density? What the studies show

We evaluated 3 meta-analyses or systematic reviews, 12 controlled studies and 9 further studies; the controlled studies include 797 participants in total. Result of the controlled studies: mixed. Strength of evidence under our published rules: high. Sources: 1161819

Does Collagen help with tendons and ligaments? What the studies show

We evaluated 3 meta-analyses or systematic reviews, 9 controlled studies and 5 further studies; the controlled studies include 291 participants in total. Result of the controlled studies: mostly improved. Strength of evidence under our published rules: high. Sources: 8121522

Does Collagen help with hair and nails? What the studies show

We evaluated 3 controlled studies and 5 further studies; the controlled studies include 125 participants in total. Result of the controlled studies: mostly improved. Strength of evidence under our published rules: moderate. Sources: 57148160173

Which collagen forms were studied in human studies?

Most studies tested oral collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen) as a drink, powder or capsule. Non-denatured type II collagen was studied in capsule form, gelatin in individual studies on muscle soreness and recovery. Collagen-containing foods such as bone broth and collagen in skin creams were less often the subject of controlled studies.

What do the studies show about joints and joint pain?

In joint pain and knee osteoarthritis, several controlled studies and meta-analyses showed improvements in pain and function with oral collagen peptides 69313458. Non-denatured type II collagen also improved mobility in several controlled studies 537386. Individual studies examined combination preparations whose findings cannot be attributed to collagen alone 4254.

How does collagen affect skin and skin elasticity?

For skin and skin elasticity, several controlled studies and meta-analyses showed improvements in skin elasticity and skin moisture after oral collagen peptides 2457134344. The findings are predominantly based on middle-aged women; several studies tested combination preparations, so the contribution of collagen alone remains open there.

Are there studies on muscles?

With strength training, fat-free mass increased more with collagen peptides than with placebo in several controlled studies 852628187117; for muscle strength, the findings are mixed. The findings come predominantly from small, short studies in trained or older adults.

How safe is collagen?

The studies predominantly report good tolerability of oral collagen peptides without serious adverse events 71331444749505558; non-denatured type II collagen was also well tolerated 86. Individual studies found no significant differences in adverse events compared with placebo 933.

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Every statement on this page carries its evidence tier — proven, plausible or hypothesis — and leads to the original work. The decision in the individual case rests with the practitioner; we provide the connections.

International Health Research · https://ih-research.com/en/knowledge/collagen/ · Last updated: 2026-10-15