Collagen

What is collagen used for?

Updated 9 Nov 2026

Short answer

Collagen is most studied for bone and joint health and for hair and skin. In osteoarthritis, a 2024 review of 35 trials found a small to moderate drop in pain and better function.[1] For skin, reviews of 19 and 26 trials found better hydration and elasticity, but a 2025 review found no effect in trials not funded by companies.[2][3][4] With strength training, for fitness, a 2024 review of 19 trials found more fat-free mass.[5] For bone density, one 12-month trial found a small rise.[6]

Sources (6)

  1. Efficacy and safety of collagen derivatives for osteoarthritis: A trial sequential meta-analysis. Liang CW, Cheng HY, Lee YH, Liao CD, Huang SW Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 2024. PMID 38218227
  2. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. de Miranda RB, Weimer P, Rossi RC Int J Dermatol, 2021. PMID 33742704
  3. Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pu SY, Huang YL, Pu CM, Kang YN, Hoang KD, Chen KH, et al. Nutrients, 2023. PMID 37432180
  4. Effects of Collagen Supplements on Skin Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Myung SK, Park Y Am J Med, 2025. PMID 40324552
  5. Impact of Collagen Peptide Supplementation in Combination with Long-Term Physical Training on Strength, Musculotendinous Remodeling, Functional Recovery, and Body Composition in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis. Bischof K, Moitzi AM, Stafilidis S, König D Sports Med, 2024. PMID 39060741
  6. Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study. König D, Oesser S, Scharla S, Zdzieblik D, Gollhofer A Nutrients, 2018. PMID 29337906

More about collagen

What is collagen?Can you get collagen from food?How long does collagen take to work?Is collagen safe?Does collagen help joint pain?Does collagen help your skin?

For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.