From the Guidelines
Oral collagen supplements have limited evidence supporting their benefits, and their use should be approached with caution, considering the inconsistent and limited research available, as stated in the 2022 study published in The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 1. When considering the use of oral collagen supplements, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the lack of strong evidence. The 2022 study 1 mentions that while some supplements, such as turmeric, ginger extract, glucosamine, chondroitin, and vitamin D, may be helpful in reducing pain and improving function for patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis, the evidence is inconsistent and limited. Some key points to consider when evaluating oral collagen supplements include:
- The potential benefits for skin, joint, and bone health, although these are not strongly supported by evidence
- The importance of exercising clinical judgment and considering patient preference when deciding whether to use oral collagen supplements, as recommended in the 2022 study 1
- The need for further research to clarify the efficacy and potential harm of oral collagen supplements
- The potential for collagen peptides to stimulate the body's own collagen production, although this is not strongly supported by evidence It's crucial to approach the use of oral collagen supplements with caution, considering the limited evidence available, and to prioritize other evidence-based treatments for conditions like osteoarthritis, as recommended in the 2022 study 1.
From the Research
Benefits of Oral Collagen
- Oral collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin qualities such as elasticity and hydration 2, 3, 4
- Collagen supplementation can enhance skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration when orally administered 3, 4
- Oral collagen supplements may help to delay the aging process, reducing wrinkling and roughness of the skin 3, 4
- Collagen treatment has been found to be effective in improving osteoarthritis symptoms, including a significant reduction in stiffness and pain 5
- The use of oral collagen supplements is generally considered safe, with no reported adverse events 3
Dermatological Applications
- Oral collagen supplements have been used to treat various dermatological conditions, including skin aging, pressure ulcers, xerosis, and cellulite 3
- Collagen supplementation has been found to increase skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density 3
- Further studies are needed to elucidate the medical use of oral collagen supplements in skin barrier diseases such as atopic dermatitis 3
Comparison with Topical Collagen
- Both oral and topical collagen supplements have been found to be effective in reducing or delaying the aging process, with no significant differences between the two types of collagen 4
- Oral and topical collagen supplements can contribute to improving skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration, as well as reducing wrinkling and roughness of the skin 4