What can you tell me about collagen supplementation?

Collagen supplementation has some evidence of improving skin appearance, but the size and basis of the benefit are uncertain; it is not an essential protein, and it does not replace complete protein for muscle building. 1

• Supplement use need not be daily unless it addresses foundational nutrition: The discussion includes studies using collagen daily, but does not establish that everyone needs to take it daily. Collagen can also come from foods such as bone broth. 2
• Supplement choices can vary with diet and individual needs: The guest notes that collagen may be more relevant for people who rarely eat connective tissues, while outcomes and dietary responses can vary between individuals. 3 4
• Overall diet and food quality may affect the need for supplements: The dermatologist raises the possibility that some reported benefits reflect participants having restrictive diets or insufficient protein before supplementing, and emphasizes high-protein, complete-protein, anti-inflammatory eating for skin health. 5 6