Published May 1, 2022

Whether you know someone who is taking a collagen supplement or you are thinking about picking one up, our dietitians are here to answer frequently asked questions about collagen peptide supplements.

What is collagen, and what does it do?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body¹ and plays a significant role as a structural protein; it's the glue that holds together bones, joints, and muscles.² For this reason, collagen peptides have been studied in various skin and joint conditions. Research is still emerging, but collagen peptides are currently used for aging skin, brittle nails, osteoarthritis, and more.²

Where collagen comes from, and what to know about collagen supplements.

Collagen is extracted from the hide (skin) of bovine and fish, and the cartilage of poultry, through a process called hydrolysis, which breaks down a compound into two or more simpler compounds with the addition of water. Collagen supplements can be found in liquid, capsule, or powder form. For better absorption, look for collagen peptides labeled as hydrolysate or hydrolyzed collagen. Consider looking for supplements that have a third-party certification, which indicates the product was properly manufactured, contains the ingredients listed on the label, and does not contain harmful levels of contaminants.³ Third-party certification does not guarantee product safety or effectiveness.

Who should use collagen peptide supplements?

Although research is still emerging about the potential benefits, people with concerns about skin elasticity, joint pain, and aging skin may consider adding collagen peptide supplements to their routine.¹

That said, it is important to remember that supplements do just that—supplement the foods you eat. They fill a gap in your eating habits but should not replace or be relied on as your sole source of nutrition for that nutrient or food group. Check with your physician before adding any new supplements to your regimen.

Are collagen peptide supplements considered vegan?

No; since collagen is an animal-derived product, it is not suitable for a vegan eating style. But if you are a vegetarian and your dietary choices include fish, marine collagen could be an option for you. Depending on the reason behind your dietary choices, you may support buying collagen to reduce food waste since collagen is derived from the parts of animals that would otherwise be discarded, like the skin.

What can a collagen-boosting food do for me?

If a food is touted as a collagen booster, it contains amino acids or nutrient components needed to nurture collagen production in some way. For example, vitamin C is a cofactor to collagen, meaning vitamin C must be available for collagen production to start.⁴

It’s important to remember that the foods we eat work in a synergistic way. This is great news because it means you do not need to focus on individual nutrients. Instead, you can concentrate on following a balanced eating style. Your lifestyle factors, along with your balanced eating pattern, will likely work together to achieve your health and wellness goals.

Check out these Publix Aprons^® recipes: Mediterranean-Style Seafood Stew and Peruvian-Style Chicken and Rice Soup. These recipes use bone broth, which can provide collagen and some of the same amino acids that are found in collagen peptides like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.²

What are some unique ways to incorporate collagen peptide supplements into my eating pattern?

Collagen peptide supplements are perfect for the times you need extra ease and convenience, such as during travel. Add collagen peptides to your oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, pancakes, and drinks such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. And try our Aprons recipe for Very Berry Gummies.

For the love of you.

Choosing how you eat is uniquely personal. It’s about your needs, your preferences, and your goals. As your wellness ally, we’re in your corner with fresh ideas, recipes, and wellness icons that make it easier to shift toward wiser food choices. It’s all about you, at your very best.

Sources

¹Harvard: T. H. Chan School of Public Health. Collagen. The Nutrition Source. Accessed February 1, 2022.

²Santa Cruz, Jamie. Dietary Collagen — Should Consumers Believe the Hype? Today's Dietitian 21, no. 3 (March 2019): 26.

³U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. September 3, 2020.

⁴Ellis, Esther. Antioxidants - Protecting Healthy Cells. EatRight.org. March 25, 2021.