Collagen is a type of protein naturally found in the body that plays an important role in building and supporting many tissues, from bones and cartilage to skin, hair, eyes, and the digestive system, says Sonya Angelone, RDN, who practices in San Francisco. Unfortunately, our natural collagen production decreases as we age. Supplementing with collagen may not only support healthy aging, but also protect skin, gut, bone, and joint health.
When you take a collagen supplement or eat foods rich in collagen, you’re typically consuming collagen that comes from an animal, says Ryanne Lachman, RDN, an integrative and functional nutritionist in Cleveland. (However, vegan-friendly forms of collagen are now available.) Collagen peptides are often sold in powdered or capsule form, and collagen can also be consumed in bone broth.
While collagen is generally safe, talk to your healthcare team before adding a supplement to your diet.
1. Support Healthy Aging
But your body produces less collagen as you get older, she says. While no scientific evidence confirms that collagen supplements help promote healthy aging, collagen peptides added to your diet may serve to replace what your body begins to lack as you age and support your overall health.