Do collagen supplements work? New study confirms the benefits
Summary
Dr Jenna Macciochi unpacks a landmark umbrella review from Anglia Ruskin University — the most comprehensive collagen research available to date, analysing over 113 studies involving nearly 8,000 people — which confirms hydrolysed collagen peptides support skin elasticity, joint mobility, gut health, muscle strength and healthy ageing. She also offers practical guidance on how to choose a high-quality collagen.
In This Article
- Collagen benefits: The latest research explained
- Collagen: Why scientific evidence matters
- How to choose a high-quality collagen?
- How long does collagen take to work?
- True Collagen: Science-backed collagen from Ancient + Brave
Collagen science has hit the headlines with a new study highlighting the many wellbeing benefits of collagen peptide supplementation. Released by Anglia Ruskin University and analysing over 113 scientific studies involving almost 8,000 people, this significant collagen research has confirmed that hydrolysed collagen peptides can benefit skin elasticity, joint mobility, gut health and more. No wonder it was featured by the BBC.
Collagen benefits: The latest research explained
At Ancient + Brave, we're long-term believers in the wellbeing benefits of hydrolysed collagen for skin, joints and healthy ageing. So much so that we even conducted a landmark clinical trial on hydrolysed collagen peptides — the BECOME Study — which showed that collagen supplementation helps support everything from skin elasticity to hair strength, as well as sleep, gut health, joint functionality and overall wellbeing.
Now, even more evidence in support of collagen supplementation has come to light, thanks to researchers at Anglia Ruskin University. The most comprehensive scientific review of collagen supplementation available to date, their research has further verified that:
- Collagen can support better skin hydration
- Collagen can support skin elasticity
- Collagen can help lessen osteoarthritis pain and stiffness
- Collagen can help build strength and muscle, supporting healthy ageing
Collagen: Why scientific evidence matters
As with many things in the world of wellness, there are a lot of misconceptions around collagen, which has led to some mistakenly considering it a cure-all, quick fix. The truth is, whilst hydrolysed collagen peptides offer many benefits for skin, hair, joints and more, these benefits unfold over time — making dosage, high-quality ingredients, and the ritual of consistent consumption key to seeing results.
Evidence-based studies like our own BECOME collagen trial and the Anglia Ruskin University collagen review are essential for helping us to provide clarity around collagen's role in supporting overall wellbeing — allowing manufacturers to deliver effective, reliable formulas and consumers to make an informed choice on which collagen is right for them.
How to choose a high-quality collagen?
Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best collagen for you:
Size: Collagen peptides are typically too large to be absorbed by the body, meaning they need to be hydrolysed into smaller units. True Collagen and Wild Collagen have both been thoughtfully crafted using 100% hydrolysed collagen peptides <5,000 Daltons, which are easy for the body to absorb and utilise.
Serving: Consistency matters more than exact precision, but for optimal results, consider taking 5–10g of collagen daily.
Source: There are different forms of collagen, with the most popular forms being hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides (used in True Collagen) and hydrolysed marine collagen peptides (used in Wild Collagen). Both deliver similar whole-body benefits; the best choice for you will come down to your dietary preferences.
Type: There are 28 different types of collagen, with Type I and Type II being most commonly used in health supplements. Type II collagen is best for supporting joint health and is the form used in our Noble Collagen ritual. For skin, nail and whole-body health, choose Type I collagen — the form used in all our other collagen supplement products.
How long does collagen take to work?
Everyone's different, and some may see results sooner than others, making consistency all the more important. Our BECOME Study assessed outcomes at 6 and 12 weeks, with meaningful improvements visible from week 6 and greater gains by week 12 — a helpful benchmark when setting your own expectations.
True Collagen: Science-backed collagen from Ancient + Brave
Clinically proven to support whole-body health, True Collagen is our bestselling Type I hydrolysed collagen peptide powder. Carefully crafted to seamlessly dissolve into hot and cold drinks, its odourless, tasteless, science-backed formula is highly absorbable — giving you a simple, effective daily collagen ritual you can trust.
References:
1. https://academic.oup.com/asjopenforum/advance-article/doi/10.1093/asjof/ojag018/8446510
2. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cge82vq9x9ro
Featured products: True Collagen, Wild Collagen, Noble Collagen, Radiant Collagyn