Benefits of Collagen for Skin, Sleep, Mood & More

Heather Dessinger

This post contains affiliate links.
Click here to read my affiliate policy.
Collagen in a bowl on counter

Most of us think of skincare as something we slather on instead of eat or drink, but in some parts of Asia one nutrient has been revered for its ability to support youthful-looking skin. For centuries, collagen-rich foods and drinks have been thought to help skin maintain elasticity while boosting hydration, and modern research seems to support this traditional use.

The benefits of collagen are more than skin deep, though. In this article we’ll take a look at its benefits for sleep, mood, muscle growth, bone health and more, plus why supplementation may be helpful as we get older.

First, though, I want to remind you that none of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA, this article is not medical advice, and it is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition. As always, please talk with your healthcare provider about any supplements you are considering. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s dive in.

So, what is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and is often referred to as the “glue” that holds us together. (1) It’s made up of amino acids like glycine and proline that serve as building blocks for our skin, bones, cartilage, ligaments, blood vessels and more.

As we get older, our collagen starts breaking down faster than we can replenish it. We start losing about 1% of our collagen volume per year starting in our twenties, which is why many people begin focusing on collagen supplements. 

Fortunately, although collagen proteins are too big to be absorbed through our skin, several studies have shown that consuming collagen does increase the amount our bodies are able to make and use. 

There are at least sixteen types of collagen in our bodies, but 80-90% of if is either Type I, Type II, or Type III. Most of the collagen supplements available contain one or more of Type I, II, and III.

Benefits of Collagen

We’ll dive more into the differences between different options later in this article, but first let’s look at the research-backed benefits of collagen.

1. Skin Elasticity & Hydration

Collagen makes up about 75% of the dry weight of your skin, so it’s no surprise that it plays a huge role in skin’s resilience, suppleness, elasticity, and hydration. (2)

In one study, women who took 2.5–5 grams of a collagen supplement for 8 weeks experienced a significant increase in skin elasticity and hydration when compared with those who did not take it. (3)

Another study found that women who stirred a collagen supplement into their drink daily for 12 weeks experienced more skin hydration and elasticity, plus a significant reduction in wrinkle depth. (4)

In another study that used Type II collagen (like this brand) instead of Type I (the most common) for 12 weeks, researchers reported 76% less dryness, 12% fewer visible wrinkles, improved blood flow to the skin, and a 6% higher collagen content. (5)

In another study conducted at the Tokyo University of Agriculture & Technology, researchers looked at the effects of UV exposure on mice that were separated into three groups. Mice were either:

  1. Not exposed to UV light
  2. Exposed repeatedly with increased intensity over time
  3. Exposed repeatedly with increased intensity over time, and fed gelatin

When results were measured, the mice who were exposed to UV light without gelatin experienced a 53% average drop in collagen levels. Interestingly, the mice that were exposed to UV light and received the gelatin supplement actually experienced an average collagen increase of 17%. (6)

2. Healthy Hair & Strong Nails

Although most of the research on the external benefits of collagen focus on skin, the same “glue” plays a role in hair and nail health, too. In one study, participants who were given 2.5 grams of collagen peptides for six months experienced:

  • an increased nail growth rate of 12% 
  • a 42% decrease in the frequency of broken nails
  • a 64% improvement in brittle nails (7)

3. May Improve Sleep & Mood

Collagen is rich in glycine, which is an amino acid that’s considered helpful for sleep in a few ways. In one study, for example, when glycine was taken about 30 minutes before bed, the participants fell asleep faster and also experienced improved sleep quality (especially REM sleep).

Glycine also helps our bodies make serotonin, which is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is thought to regulate mood, happiness and anxiety. (8) 

Also, serotonin is a building block for melatonin, aka the “sleep hormone.” Research suggests that a deficiency in serotonin can lead to a deficiency in melatonin, too. (9)

4. Supports Joint Health

Collagen is the glue that holds together our cartilage, which helps protect and cushion our joints. Several studies have shown that collagen supplements reduce joint discomfort in athletes and other groups.

In this small(ish) study, 73 athletes who took 10 grams of collagen hydrolysate (collagen that has been broken down to make it more digestible) had less joint discomfort than athletes who didn’t take it. (10)

Similar results have been found in typical adults and other populations. (11) (12)

5. Muscle Growth & Repair

In several studies like this one, participants who took 15 grams of collagen while exercising for 12 weeks showed more of an increase in muscle mass and strength than participants who took a placebo pill. (13)

Collagen is rich in the amino acids arginine and glycine, which are both building blocks for creatine (a compound that helps build muscle and fuels performance).

6. Supports Gut Health

In addition to helping with sleep, the glycine found in collagen also helps balance inflammation in the digestive tract. (14)

Some research has also concluded that it has a protective effect when the gut is exposed to certain types of toxins. (15)

7. May Support Cardiovascular Health

Collagen provides building blocks that make blood vessels soft and supple. Without enough of it, they can become weak and stiff.

In one small study, half of the participants took 16 g of collagen tripeptide for 6 months. They experienced a significant improvement in arterial suppleness and an improvement in LDL cholesterol markers. (16)

Although this research is promising, more is needed to confirm these findings.

8. Wound Healing

Collagen is so helpful for wound healing that it’s used both internally (as a supplement) and topically (as a wound dressing) to support recovery.

We used to think it just provided the raw materials for wound healing, but new research suggests it does more than that. Specifically, it seems to drive several cellular functions that contribute to the healing process, including what type of cells are created, how they move around, and what kind of proteins are built. (17)

In one study, pressure ulcer patients who took collagen supplements (three times a day for eight weeks) healed twice as fast as the control group. (18)

9. Bone Health

We usually think of bone as a bunch of minerals fused together with the help of vitamin D, but actually it’s about 30% protein (mostly type 1 collagen). (19) As I mention in this article on supporting my son’s recovery after a fracture, bone is kind of like a living sponge with mineral crystals embedded throughout. 

Our bone mineral density decreases as we get older, but some research has found that participants who supplement with collagen have better density than those who don’t. In fact one study found that post-menopausal women who took collagen for one year actually increased their bone mineral density. 

Although this research is promising, more is needed to confirm these findings.

Powdered collagen

What are the best sources of collagen?

Collagen is found in foods such as bone broth and also supplement form. 

I like Perfect Supplements brand because it’s affordable and the company has a strong commitment to purity and transparency. They don’t just ask you to trust them when they say their gelatin and collagen are free of  pesticides, hormones, chemicals, and contaminants including glyphosate residue – they post the lab results on their product listings. 

  • Grass-Fed Bovine Hydrolyzed Collagen (Collagen Peptides) – Dissolves easily in liquids, similar benefits to gelatin but may be slightly easier to digest (Save 10% with code MOMMYPOTAMUS10)
  • Grass-Fed Bovine Gelatin – Similar in benefits to hydrolyzed collagen, but because it gels it’s useful for making jello, gummies and other snacks (Save 10% with code MOMMYPOTAMUS10)
  • Type II Collagen– Capsules for joint support  (Save 10% with code MOMMYPOTAMUS10)

Other Nutrients Needed For Collagen Production

One important thing to note is that oral collagen supplements are mostly broken down by digestion, so we’re not absorbing and just redistributing them. Instead, we’re using them like a big pile of Legos that are just the right shape and size needed to build collagen in our bodies. 

However, there are a few additional nutrients that are also required for making collagen. If we stick to the Lego analogy, they’re the hands that move the Legos into place. 

Vitamin C

Our bodies make collagen by combining two amino acids (glycine and proline) together using enzymatic processes that are activated by vitamin C. (20) That’s why even a mild vitamin C deficiency can lower collagen production. (21) 

As a bonus, vitamin C also inhibits the molecules that break down collagen (matrix metalloprotienases or MMPs for short). (22)

The best sources of Vitamin C are sauerkraut, citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, dark greens, and peppers. A note that vitamin C is destroyed when exposed to heat, so eat these foods raw to gain the maximum benefit. 

Copper & Zinc

Like vitamin C, copper and zinc also activate enzymes that are needed for collagen production. 

Good sources of copper are cashews, oysters, crab and sunflower seeds. Beef liver is also very rich in copper – I take it in capsule form daily.

Zinc can be found in oysters, poultry, meat, pumpkin seeds, cashews, almonds and dairy products.

Does collagen have side effects?

Collagen is generally well-tolerated, but some people have reported mild effects like stomach upset or heartburn when taking it. (23)

It is important to note, though, that if you’re allergic to the source of the collagen (beef, fish, etc.) you should avoid foods made with it. 

Collagen Gummies

Collagen-Rich Recipes To Try

Recipe Made With Gelatin

Recipes Made With Collagen Peptides

In addition to stirring it into your morning coffee or tea, collagen peptides can be added to:

Sources

1. Advances In Clinical Chemistry (2015) Collagens

2. Choi, Franchesca et. al. (2019) Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications

3. Proksch, E et.al. (2014) Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

4. Borumand, Maryam and Sibila, Sara (2015) Effects of a nutritional supplement containing collagen peptides on skin elasticity, hydration and wrinkles

5. Schwartz, Stephen and Park, Joosang (2012) Ingestion of BioCell Collagen(®), a novel hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract; enhanced blood microcirculation and reduced facial aging signs

6. Borumand, Maryam and Sibila, Sara (2014) Daily consumption of the collagen supplement Pure Gold Collagen®reduces visible signs of aging.

7. Hexsel, Doris et. al. (2017) Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails

8. Breus, Michael (2019) 4 Sleep Benefits of Glycine

9. Leu-Semenescu, Smaranda et. al. (2010) Sleep and rhythm consequences of a genetically induced loss of serotonin

10. Clark, Kristine et. al. (2008) 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain

11. Schauss, Alexander (2012) Effect of the novel low molecular weight hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract, BioCell Collagen, on improving osteoarthritis-related symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

12. Bello, Alfonso and Oesser, Steffen (2006) Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: a review of the literature

13. Zdzieblik, Denise et. al. (2015) Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly sarcopenic men: a randomised controlled trial

14. Zhong, Zhi et. al. (2003) L-Glycine: a novel antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cytoprotective agent

15. Effenberger-Neidnicht, Katharina et. al. (2014) Glycine selectively reduces intestinal injury during endotoxemia

16. Tomosugi, Naohisa et. al. (2017) Effect of Collagen Tripeptide on Atherosclerosis in Healthy Humans

17. Brett, David (2008) A Review of Collagen and Collagen-based Wound Dressings

18. Kwon Lee, S et. al. (2006) Pressure ulcer healing with a concentrated, fortified, collagen protein hydrolysate supplement: a randomized controlled trial

19. Feng, Xu (2009) Chemical and Biochemical Basis of Cell-Bone Matrix Interaction in Health and Disease

20. Boyera, N et.al. (1998) Effect of vitamin C and its derivatives on collagen synthesis and cross-linking by normal human fibroblasts

21. Schagen, Silke K. et. al. (2012) Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging

22. Saokar Telang, Pumori (2013) Vitamin C in dermatology

23. Moskowitz, R W (2000) Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease

Related Posts

About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world. 

Leave a Comment

15 thoughts on “Benefits of Collagen for Skin, Sleep, Mood & More”

  1. Could you tell me how much per day is recommended? I have purchased grass fed, organic gelatin but am unsure of how much I need to consume a day to get the best from it and also how much children need per day to benefit properly.

    Reply
    • Hi Kim, I don’t think there’s a “right number” that’s ideal for every person. I usually drink 1-3 tablespoons every day in water and try to get it into our meals/snacks whenever I can.

      Reply
  2. They were saying you can use as much as you’d like and the body will get rid of what it’s not using. Also It doesn’t cause harm, the body just disposes of what its not using.

    Reply
  3. I’m eager to start with powdered gelatin, but I’m curious if there’s anything wrong with getting “too much” or if there is such a thing (moderately speaking, I won’t go nuts with it). I’ve read SO many good things about it, but I only occasionally get it. Thanks for the reminder! And love that you referenced Liar Liar!! Have a great day!

    Reply
  4. What a great use for gelatin! Totally makes more sense than rubbing collagen-containing products on your skin…Plus, then you get gut benefits as well. I’m not very organized with gelatin gummies and it’s harder to drink broth when it’s so blazing hot! I really like that you just stir it into water. Guess I’ll just start doing it that way.

    Reply
    • My ND says bovine molecules are too big for break down. She recommended marine collagen. Just starting the brand Naka.

      Curious if you have used marine before and have any comparison?

      Reply
  5. I’m an 85 year old great-grammy, and loved reading all your comments, ideas, as well as recipes. Just read about Micah’s birth and it brought back very long ago memories!

    Thank you MOMMYPOTAMUS for some great ideas and your ability to help me stay young (at least at heart)!

    Reply
  6. I have been referred to you by a friend .i am interested to learn about collagen as I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. May I have more information please.
    Thank you. Jennifer.

    Reply
  7. Gelatin does contain histamines as do many long cooked or fermented foods. If you eat a lot of these things and still don’t feel well or feel worse then you could be sensitive to histamines. Over the course of 6 months I ate 1 can of the gelatin in chia puddings, broth, tea, you name it and I was sick for a while (diarrhea, dark dark circles, asthma, outdoor allergies, itchy skin all over and insomnia) until I figured out that I needed to lay off the extra histamines. That is the only reasons so far I’ve found to be aware of how you feel after you start adding gelatin to your diet. Go slow

    Reply
    • People are using the word GELATIN here, but GELATIN and COLLAGEN are NOT the same thing.
      Gelatin will gel things using hot water.
      Collagen is water soluble, meaning it will mix with water and will NOT GEL.
      This post is about COLLAGEN. The water soluble mix with water won’t gel product.
      Most companies that make collagen also make gelatin, maybe where the confusion comes from.
      Don’t get these two confused and use the wrong product. Both are beneficial.

      Reply
  8. The Perfect Supplements brand collagen is sourced from Brazilian cows. Brazil is notoriously and unashamedly cutting down rainforest in order to create more pasture for cattle. Please rethink your support of this company and source your collagen and gelatin from pasture-raised cattle in New Zealand or Europe. Thanks for all you do! Your articles and recipes are wonderful.

    Reply