Collagen has moved from the supplement aisle into chips, coffee creamers and bottled water. We asked Dr. Frank Agullo whether any of it does what the label implies.

What the Research Says

“Oral collagen has real science behind it, in a meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials with almost 1,500 participants. The supplement significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles. The most common dose was 4 grams per day, with a median of about 3.5 grams per day.”

The Finding Underneath the Headline

“The most interesting thing about this meta-analysis is that it showed only the pharmaceutical-sponsored studies had significant improvement, while the independent studies did not see any change.”

Sorted by funding source, the benefit appears only in the industry-funded trials. The authors of the paper conclude that there is currently no clinical evidence supporting collagen supplements for preventing or treating skin aging.

Why the Chips Do Not Count

“Two grams of collagen in a bag of chips sits at the bottom of any range that has been studied. And keep in mind that the studies used a daily dose for three months, every single day. A bag of chips is not really recommended as a daily dose, so somebody eating these a few times a week is only getting a fraction of the dose studied to provide results. I think the same goes for the collagen coffee creamers and waters.”

Why It Is in So Many Products

“I think the reason the collagen ended up in these products is because it has marketing power for beautification, but also it’s flavorless, and it dissolves easily into foods and fluids. It’s an easy additive.”

The Practical Advice

“In conclusion, collagen is one of the few supplements in aesthetics that actually has some science behind it, and improves hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles. Patients should take 3 to 4 grams per day for at least three months, which puts them in the range that has actually been studied.”

Three to four grams a day, every day, for at least three months. That is the range the trials tested.

For the treatments where the evidence is not split by funding source, our Med Spa offers Morpheus8 RF microneedling, chemical peels and medical-grade skincare. Our earlier piece on collagen formats compares powders, serums and gummies.

Southwest Plastic Surgery, El Paso. Call (915) 590-7900 or text 1-866-814-0038.