From the Guidelines
Taking collagen supplements is unlikely to improve skin quality in people with Classical Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), other forms of EDS, or Joint Hypermobility Syndrome. The fundamental issue in these conditions is not a deficiency of collagen but rather genetic mutations affecting collagen structure, production, or processing. Oral collagen supplements are broken down during digestion into amino acids and small peptides, which do not directly repair or replace the abnormal collagen in the skin. The body cannot use these supplements to correct the underlying genetic defects that cause abnormal collagen formation. While some people without these conditions may report modest skin benefits from collagen supplements, there is no evidence supporting their effectiveness specifically for EDS-related skin manifestations. Instead, individuals with these conditions should focus on gentle skin care, avoiding trauma to the skin, proper wound care, and sun protection. Managing these conditions typically requires a multidisciplinary approach focusing on joint protection, physical therapy, pain management, and addressing other systemic manifestations rather than attempting to correct the underlying collagen defect through supplementation 1.
Some key points to consider:
- The lack of evidence supporting the use of collagen supplements for EDS-related skin manifestations 1
- The importance of gentle skin care and avoiding trauma to the skin 1
- The need for a multidisciplinary approach to managing EDS and Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, including joint protection, physical therapy, pain management, and addressing other systemic manifestations 1
- The potential for other treatments, such as immunosuppressants or biologic agents, to be used in the management of EDS-related skin manifestations, although the evidence for these treatments is limited 1
Overall, the current evidence does not support the use of collagen supplements as a treatment for EDS-related skin manifestations, and individuals with these conditions should focus on other management strategies.
From the Research
Collagen Supplements and Skin Quality in EDS and Joint Hyper mobility Syndromes
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that taking collagen supplements improves skin quality in individuals with Classical EDS, EDS, or Joint Hyper mobility syndromes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the genetic aspects, clinical features, and management of EDS and hypermobility spectrum disorders, but do not mention the use of collagen supplements as a treatment option.
- Classical EDS is characterized by skin hyperextensibility, fragile and soft skin, delayed wound healing, and easy bruising, which are related to mutations in the COL5A1 and COL5A2 genes encoding type V collagen 2, 4, 6.
- While collagen supplements may be beneficial for skin health in general, there is no specific research to support their use in improving skin quality in individuals with EDS or joint hypermobility syndromes.
- Management of EDS and hypermobility spectrum disorders typically involves preventive guidelines, physical and occupational therapy, psychological support, and self-management, rather than supplements 3, 5.