Trial 1
In the first trial, 81 participants with osteoarthritis were randomly selected to receive placebo tablets or one of three gelatine (collagen hydrolyse) preparations. Participants in the active treatment groups were treated daily with 10 g of each gelatine product (0.5 g each tablet) for two months.
All three gelatine preparations were significantly better than the placebo in reducing pain at the end of the trial period, but they didn’t cause any radiological or laboratory changes.
The most common side-effect was heaviness in the stomach.
Trial 2
This trial included 389 people with osteoarthritis across 20 sites in the UK, USA and Germany. Participants were randomised to receive either 10 g of collagen hydrolysate or placebo tablets for 24 weeks.
- Collagen hydrolysate had no significant effect on reducing pain and improving physical function in the total study group.
- There was a beneficial effect in participants who had severe symptoms at the start of the study.
- Collagen hydrolysate was relatively well tolerated.
Trial 3
In this trial, 250 people with osteoarthritis of the knee were randomised to receive either 10 g collagen hydrolysate or a placebo daily for six months.
- Those who received collagen reported a greater reduction in pain.
- The most frequently reported side-effects were:
- migraines
- headaches
- gastrointestinal effects.
Trial 4
Trial 4 included 29 people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Participants were given either a collagen formulation (Fortigel®) or a placebo for 24 weeks.
At the end of the study, there were no reported differences in the following:
- pain
- stiffness
- function
- walking.
Trial 5
In the final RCT, 52 participants with osteoarthritis of the knee were given 10 mg bioactive undenatured type II collagen or glucosamine hydrochloride plus chondroitin once a day for three months.
- There were no differences in pain or functional scores across the trial, but there were differences at some time points which favoured the collagen group when function was measured in a second way.
- There was no difference in the proportion of reported side-effects between the groups.
FAQs
Collagen is considered to be well tolerated with no major side-effects. Minor side-effects include: a feeling of heaviness in your stomach. mild diarrhoea.
Does collagen drink actually work? ›
At this time, there isn't enough proof that taking collagen pills or consuming collagen drinks will make a difference in skin, hair, or nails. Our bodies cannot absorb collagen in its whole form. To enter the bloodstream, it must be broken down into peptides so it can be absorbed through the gut.
How long does it take native path collagen to work? ›
The Collagen Loading Phase is when you'll skyrocket your body to better health. In this phase, you'll want to take 20 to 40 grams of collagen daily for 6 to 8 weeks.
Does taking collagen really work? ›
Some research has found that taking daily collagen powder could help make your bones denser, slowing the aging process that makes them brittle and helping your body produce new bone. Skin elasticity and hydration. Collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity in older people.
Is taking collagen hard on your liver? ›
Helps support your liver and detox systems - Glycine helps protect your liver from toxins and can help repair any liver damage. Protects your heart and cardiovascular health - Proline another component of collagen may help repair arteries and clear fat deposits from them. It's also been shown to reduce blood pressure.
Who should avoid collagen? ›
Collagen supplements may not be safe for: People with fish, shellfish, or egg allergies (collagen supplements may contain these allergens as ingredients)16. People with a Kosher or Halal diet. People with a vegetarian or vegan diet.
What are the first signs that collagen is working? ›
While there is no set time frame for Type 1 collagen peptides to start working, some individuals report noticing changes within a few weeks of consistent use. These initial changes usually include improved skin hydration, reduced joint discomfort, and increased nail strength.
Should I take collagen at night or in the morning? ›
In summary
Collagen can be taken at any time of the day with or without food; as a protein-rich breakfast or before meals to support weight loss; before and after workouts for optimum performance, results and recovery and before sleep for a more regenerative and restful night.
What collagen does Jennifer Aniston use? ›
Jennifer-approved Vital Proteins collagen powder has over 150k 5-star ratings at Amazon - and you can shop it at both Amazon UK and Amazon US.
What is the best form of collagen to take? ›
Collagen peptides are usually considered the best form of collagen for ingestion. Hydrolyzed collagen should be taken if a person wants to take a collagen supplement. Hydrolyzed collagen means the collagen has been broken down into small peptides, which are easy for the body to digest.
There is no study demonstrating that the supplements will prevent wrinkles. Collagen supplements do appear safe. But I'm generally wary of unnecessary or ineffective supplements. So instead, my advice is to spend your money on two products that are backed by much better evidence: sunscreen and retinoids.
Is it OK to take collagen every day? ›
Using collagen daily is generally considered safe, but there is a lot that is unknown about specific supplements. There are no reported side effects for collagen supplements. If you experience any gastrointestinal distress it may be due to one of the other ingredients in the product you're using.
Does collagen affect the kidneys? ›
For those prone to developing kidney stones, it may be better to avoid consuming high amounts of collagen from foods or supplements. However, for most adults, consuming moderate amounts of collagen as part of a healthy diet is unlikely to cause kidney stones.
At what age should you not take collagen? ›
There is no maximum age because collagen is just amino acids, the collagen molecule is durable and translates well to collagen peptide supplements, and rarely would an allergy and/or intolerance be triggered. Collagen powder is versatile, practical, and easy for all ages to consume.
What are the symptoms of too much collagen? ›
When you have too much collagen, your skin can stretch, thicken, and harden. It also can cause damage to internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
