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A few weeks ago on Instagram, I received a concerning message saying collagen supplements were a scam…why would I recommend something like that??
This person claimed to have a doctorate with all this information about collagen in the body. We decided this would be a great post for you!
So, are collagen supplements a hoax??
Let’s look at scientific research and experience!
Are Collagen Supplements a Hoax? Science Based TRUTH and Experience!
First, I want to let everyone know (in case you are new to Chemistry Cachet), I do not recommend any product to readers without personally trying it out. With that being said, there are many things out there science proves or shows to work, but DON’T. On the other hand, there are many things out there science doesn’t have enough data on, but I have found DO work.
This is the great thing about our website. Not only do we share with you the science behind something, but I TEST it out to see if it does work or not.
I feel a little like a human ginea pig LOL! But, I really enjoy getting to take the guessing games away for you, so you can have better information, not just the text book version.
Let me give you an example.
I have rheumatoid arthritis. When I was pregnant, my doctors and all the articles online written by experts said I would go into remission. Typically by the second trimester! Well, I didn’t. In fact, mine got really bad.
We wrote a post all about it to share with people who might experience the same thing. I have had so many women write me saying they were so thankful to read my post. They really thought something was wrong with them because they weren’t going into remission like the doctors said. So, even though experts and science said one thing, the opposite can be true.
Experience is so valuable! Science is important too, but experience is really what gives us the best ideas. This is why when you read a scientific paper, they share with you the hypothesis, what they expect to happen. Then experiment, testing out the theory. Then, the results, what really happened.
This gets us back to collagen. Are collagen supplements a hoax?
What does collagen do in the body?
Years ago, we published an article about the function of collagen in the body. Please head over to this post and read up about that.
Regardless of your stance on supplements, you cannot deny that collagen is an important component in our skin and joint tissues. Collagen keeps skin healthy and youthful. As we age, collagen diminishes.
Collagen is also very important for bone health!
What do experts say about taking oral collagen?
Over the years, I have read many articles online about oral collagen. There have been so many studies about taking it for joint and skin health. Here are some results.
SciELO published this great systematic review about using a collagen supplement for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis therapy. Their results were positive showing collagen was important for this treatment, and most importantly for pain.
This article on PubMed from Case Western Reserve University, Division of Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospitals of Cleveland says, “Its high level of safety makes it attractive as an agent for long-term use in these chronic disorders.” Plus, a positive therapy.
Another research found on PubMed from Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology conducted a study on using collagen as a supplement for skin. The results include “significantly increased skin hydration.” They even use the word efficacious, meaning successful at producing results!
On PubMed, this research from Skin Pharmacology and Physiology shows positive results on women’s skin in regards to elasticity.
What have collagen supplements done for me?
I started taking collagen supplements many years ago. About 6 years ago or more now. I tried many types, but started using Neocell when I saw it was non-gmo, grass fed bovine sourced…and affordable!
This is the results I have seen:
- less joint pain
- shiny, healthier hair
- skin hydration
- less dark circles
- less wrinkles around eye area
- tighter skin all over
- brighter skin
While pregnant, I stopped taking all supplements. I just continued with my prenatal. I was shocked at how much my skin aged! Especially the delicate skin around my eyes which is my problem area. After I finished nursing my daughter, I started taking my collagen supplement again. I had friends coming up to me asking what I had done to my face! They thought I got botox or something due to the difference in my face after getting back on collagen. It makes that much of a difference for me!
The supplement I take is so affordable too! Why wouldn’t you try it out?
What do Chemistry Cachet readers say about collagen?
I love asking readers what their experience is on things! It is so awesome to get feedback from all of you. I made a questionnaire and sent out to readers so we can get true responses! Here is a few of the answers below. I got so many responses, I chose just a few to share with you!
“Within a few weeks I went from not being able to walk up stairs to being completely pain free. I know it’s not a cure but am hoping it lasts for a long time! Learned of this from reading your blog Alexis – thanks for what you do!”
“It makes my skin look younger and clear. I am in my 60s now, but started taking it about 5 years ago. It has helped my neck wrinkles tremendously”
“After reading your post on Neocell collagen, I started taking it. It has helped my knees. My skin looks so good, I get complimented all the time. I really love using this now”
“Since taking collagen my hips and hands are no longer painful. My hair and nails are stronger and grow much faster. My husband commented too how fast his hair and nails grow.”
“I have much less pain in my joints in the morning”
“I was recently diagnosed with hypercalcemia due to overactive parathyroid gland. My bones and joints were so painful. After just TWO DAYS of collagen I felt a difference. I still need to have parathyroid removed but pain is no longer an issue. I swear by collagen.”
“significant relief of knee pain caused by arthritis and cartilage deterioration “
“Since starting a collagen regimen the pain in my elbow and knees has become less of an issue in my life. The everyday pain I once had has been reduced to occasional pain. It has definitely helped me manage osteoarthritis.”
There were just a few responses from readers that said it didn’t seem to help either the skin or the joints.
If you notice the chart above, this shows most readers have seen a difference in skin. The majority also saw a difference in joint pain! Now, I will say these results aren’t 100% accurate because a few voted they didn’t take collagen and also answered no to the next two questions. So, the results would be higher without that. Either way, it is a good way to see how readers have benefited! Thanks to those would filled out the anonymous form.
What did instagram readers say?
You can head over to instagram to follow us for more behind the scenes, but we always ask instagram readers their input for upcoming posts and success stories. I polled instagram readers with a quick yes or no just to see. This was the response from over 300 votes:
Why I started using collagen:
My rheumatologist when I lived in California mentioned it to me. This was 12 years ago. I also had a holistic practitioner mention it to me for joint damage. Things I noticed right away were the incredible results in my skin (like I mentioned above). It also helped the osteo arthritis pain in my left knee.
Do the different types of collagen work differently?
I get asked this all the time. Readers have wondered why I recommend a certain type as opposed to others. (Neocell Type 1 & 3). Type 1, 2, 3, and 4 are the most common ones you will encounter. However, most doctors say this is the part that is a scam. It doesn’t matter WHAT type or form of collagen you take, it all breaks down the same in your body.
This article on Well and Good has some quotes from a Dr. Bitz. He claims that not matter what type of collagen you are ingesting, the body treats it the same. I have spoken with various doctors and scientists about this too. When you take a collagen supplement, it is helping your body rebuild collagen.
So, don’t get caught up on what “Type” of collagen to take. Your body will use it just the same.
I have taken all the types of collagen including supplements with all forms of collagen. I did not see any difference between them! This is why I continue to stick to the basic and affordable option.
With that being said, feel free to try different types! Everyone reacts differently to things. I have found the same benefit sticking to the brand I mentioned above.
Can’t You Get Collagen From A Balanced Diet?
There are many people who say you should get everything you need from a well-balanced diet. Including collagen. Well, this can be true, but for those who have health issues or on special diets know it is hard to get the nutrients you need. This is the reason we take vitamins and supplements.
Collagen comes from animal products, so if you eat a lot of meat, you might be getting a good amount of collagen.
Personally, I don’t eat a ton of meat, so I notice a significant difference when I add in a collagen supplement.
And why not? It doesn’t harm anything plus I see amazing results!
So, what type of collagen supplement should you really be taking? What About Vitamin C?
Again, I have recommended neocell for over 5 years now. I am not paid or sponsored by them, but it is affordable and has worked best for me! I like Neocell because it is Non-GMO and grass fed. Those are two labels you need to look for over anything else. Don’t get caught up in expensive collagens!
Also, check out some of our other articles on collagen. Most recently, an experiment taking collagen with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Your body must have vitamin C for proper collagen buidling!
Always Talk With Your Doctor
I am under the care of multiple doctors who help me figure out if the supplements are safe. I also have a friend who is a pharmacists, and she has important tips too. Please, discuss ALL supplements with your doctor or medical professional.
Whenever I get questions about things, or this comment from Instagram in particular, I really urge people to consult with a medical doctor. Don’t make assumptions. If you take different pharmaceuticals, you need to check with your doctor!!
Are Collagen Supplements a Hoax: In Conclusion
So, are collagen supplements a hoax? To conclude this in-depth post, you can see there are many scientific studies showing collagen supplements are helpful. You have heard from Chemistry Cachet readers that collagen has helped them! I also have personal success using collagen as a supplement!
Don’t get caught up in expensive collagen products! I take this affordable one because it works just as well. As we have seen, your body will use a collagen supplement the same no matter what type it is. Make sure your collagen is non-gmo and grass fed though. This ensures a pure product, not anything harmful!
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Hello my guinea pig friend…lol. This is very interesting info. I have been wondering about collagen for several years… I’m interested to see if it will take the edge off the get-out-of-bed and knee joint pains I’ve been experiencing. I will ask my RA dr. Of course, these could be “getting older aches too”. ?
It doesn’t do anything for RA pain sadly, but it is great for the osteo arthritis type pain from lack of cartilage! Definitely worth checking out 🙂 thanks Laurie!!
Why are Collagens labelled differently? Does 1 and 11 have the same ingredients as 1V? One is labelled for skin and hair, and so forth. It seems specific? Also is it FDA approved? Vitamins are not. Perhaps I am wrong? There are too many articles and no wonder people are confused. Your opinion please. Thanks.
p.s. My Dr says try it, if it helps take it, if not then don’t. Thanks Doc, that really cleared it up for me.
Hi Lynn! This is covered under the section “Do the different types of collagen work differently?” All types of collagen are shown on the label as collagen. The added information about types 1, 2, 3, etc are what many scientist say is the part that doesn’t matter. Your body will use any type of collagen in one way, to promote and make more collagen. Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA although they don’t make any claims on how things work. Here is some more information about the FDA guidelines for vitamins: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fortify-your-knowledge-about-vitamins
There are many articles out there, but the truth is very simple. Collagen is proven to help with skin, hair, and joint health. You don’t have to get caught up in the collagen types or expensive collagen
I make chicken broth and bison broth. I drink 1 cup every day. Would I get enough collagen?
We have a post coming up Thursday about bone broth, I will link it to you in this comment 🙂 Most scientific research shows there isn’t as much collagen content found in bone broth. The article has some more details on it though. I will send it your way when it goes live 🙂
Thank you. Sometimes we do so much research even from a Medical site that leaves us confused. I look forward to Thursday. Thanks. Take care.
Yes, it can be confusing! I enjoy getting to break it down in more simple terms 🙂
I found this really intereting and want to thank you for the post, I have wondered about collagen supplements
Thanks Jo-Anne!
How about this collagen product? How does that compare with the one you use,
Great Lakes Gelatin, Collagen Hydrolysate, Unflavored Beef Protein, Kosher? i’ver been using it with great results. It healed my knee. The one knee started being very stiff and unable to bend. I could not kneel with it. I started taking the above and being ginger with the knee, even wearing a volleyball knee pad to protect it when i had to kneel. After several months I noticed I did not need the pad. I have no pain at all and it moves fine!!
That’s great! Gelatin is a different form of collagen. Collagen that is boiled then cooled turns to a jello like substance. It isn’t considered a collagen supplement in this type of research, but it is a great option for joint pain! I always have some on hand to use in smoothies. It works differently in the body. Collagen supplements can work more for both joint and skin health while gelatin is really good for just joints. Either way, I think it is a great supplement!
Muscle meats usually do not contain much collagen. Particularly, not enough to offset other types of amino acids that are high in muscle meat. Most of us need more collagen added to our diets, even with plant protein. Check out Chris Masterjohn PhD
Yes I agree. Many people who say you should get everything from a balanced diet don’t understand the concentrations of collagen in animal tissues!
Great post. It’s nice to hear it really helped. Have you seen where Trudy Scott says it can affect mood issues adversely? I think I just need to try it for myself and see how I do.
I have not heard of it impacting anything with mood. I am not sure how it could with just a straight collagen supplement since it would be similar to eating a large amount of protein. Thanks Natalie!
That’s what I was thinking. It doesn’t make sense, although some weird reactions I have to things don’t always make sense. I think this is worth a try.. Thanks for sounding in!
Using caution is always a good idea with new supplements! I think trying it out to see how it works is good 🙂
Vitamin C must be taken, however, I see no mention of it further? Certain brand? I had polio and am getting some joint weakness again, so going to try this. Someone told me that animals suffer a great deal in making collagen?
Thank you so much for all the great ant, weed, fungi and health ideas. All I have tried worked great!
Hi Helen, yes vitamin C is important for collagen production. We have details in previous linked posts. This recent one about hyaluronic acid and collagen together shares my daily regimen with a link to the brand I use: Also, one of our reader favorites is our collagen concoction drink which contains vitamin c from lemons: Brand wise it doesn’t really matter nor is there a particular amount you need, it all depends on your diet too. I have had success with a vitamin C supplement as opposed to not taking one at all. I recommend people try it out to see if they notice any changes or better success with collagen results 🙂 I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions
I have an additional question – what about non-mammal sources of collagen? I am vegetarian and have looked at marine (aka fish, which I can almost wrap my head around) and plant based collagen supplements. Can they provide similar results?
Marine collagen is an option since fish also contain collagen in their bones/ligaments. I have never found it to work as well, but it can be an option for vegetarians. There is no plant based collagen, but they do make plant based collagen substitutes. These supplements claim to support collagen growth, but do not actually contain collagen. The best source is from animals, but marine collagen is the other option for those who are vegetarian.
Another question for you…I’ve heard that collagen may be difficult for our bodies to absorb and that taking it in a liposomal form is the best way. Do you have any experience with this?
To my knowledge, there is not a liposomal form of collagen available in a supplemental form, but there is one available in vitamin C form. This article from amandean products explains using the two together. I have had great success with just regular collagen and regular vitamin C supplements.
After reading your recent post about the NeoCell collagen supplement I decided to try it myself. For numerous reasons I might add. However I am having difficulty getting the powder to dissolve well in anything I’ve tried so far and it’s also getting my gag reflex stimulated trying to get it down. My question is: I saw the same company has the collagen in a tablet form that contains the same types with vitamin C included. In your opinion would the tablet form be as effective? I think I can swallow the tablets much easier than drinking the product.
Thanks!
This powder dissolves quickly in hot liquid, but it doesn’t dissolved well in anything cold. I add a scoop to my coffee or tea, and it will dissolved all the way. I think if tablets are better for you to swallow, you can definitely use them. They don’t absorbs as quickly in the body, but many people have just as much success with tablet form!
How much c do you take?
I just take a supplement, the one I am currently using is 250 mg, but they vary. You can experiment, but I think just a simple vitamin c supplement is good