amino acid · for skin elasticity & wrinkles
Collagen
Small collagen fragments reach the bloodstream and are thought to tell skin cells to make more collagen.
Say that in clinical terms
Small collagen-derived peptides (e.g., Gly-Pro-Hyp) absorbed into the bloodstream are proposed to signal dermal fibroblasts to synthesize new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, improving skin firmness and reducing wrinkle depth.
How strong is the research?
Across 23 trials, collagen improved hydration, elasticity and wrinkles.
5 papers read, 4 supporting, 1 against.
Tested as: hydrolyzed collagen peptides; most positive trials used the patented bioactive collagen peptide Verisol (GELITA AG) at 2.5-5 g/day for 8 weeks; one independent-brand trial used 1 g/day of a different, fish-derived low-molecular-weight collagen peptide for 12 weeks
How much to take
1–5 g
Before you take it
- No NIH/IOM Tolerable Upper Intake Level established for collagen peptides at any dose
- No clinically significant drug interactions documented at standard supplement doses (2.5–15 g/day); persons taking anticoagulants, antihypertensives, or immunosuppressants should consult a physician before use
- Insufficient clinical safety data for use during pregnancy and lactation — avoidance is recommended in the absence of safety studies, not because harm is documented
- Minor GI side effects (bloating, early satiety) reported in the first 1–2 weeks of use, particularly at higher doses; typically transient and self-limiting
- Hypersensitivity risk in persons with known allergies to source animal proteins (bovine, porcine, or marine depending on collagen source); source should be confirmed on product labeling