Reviewed by Younghun Cho
Pharmacist's Verdict
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a popular supplement that provides a source of protein and may offer modest benefits for skin hydration, elasticity, and joint comfort, but it is not a complete protein and evidence for all claims is still developing.
Ingredient Analysis
Hydrolyzed Collagen (Peptides)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Provides a good source of protein, which is essential for many body functions.
- Generally well-tolerated and easy to mix into beverages or food, as it is largely tasteless and odorless.
- May help improve skin hydration and elasticity, making skin appear smoother.
- Some studies suggest it can support joint comfort and reduce mild joint pain.
- May contribute to stronger hair and nails, although evidence for this is less robust.
Cons
- Evidence for many of the highly promoted benefits, especially for hair and nail growth, is not as strong as claimed and often comes from studies funded by supplement manufacturers.
- Collagen is not a 'complete' protein because it lacks tryptophan, an essential amino acid, meaning it shouldn't be your sole protein source.
- Can be an expensive way to get protein compared to other dietary sources like lean meats, dairy, or plant-based proteins.
- Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as it is derived from animal sources (typically bovine or marine).
- Some individuals may experience mild digestive issues like bloating or stomach upset.
References
- 1.FDA Drug Label — NOAVIA Retinol Moisturizer
FDA DailyMed: NOAVIA Retinol Moisturizer · FDA
- 2.Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
de Miranda RB, Weimer P, Rossi RC, International journal of dermatology, 2021 · PubMed
- 3.Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Pu SY, Huang YL, Pu CM, et al., Nutrients, 2023 · PubMed
- 4.Exploring the Impact of Hydrolyzed Collagen Oral Supplementation on Skin Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Dewi DAR, Arimuko A, Norawati L, et al., Cureus, 2023 · PubMed
- 5.Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge.
Martínez-Puig D, Costa-Larrión E, Rubio-Rodríguez N, et al., Nutrients, 2023 · PubMed
- 6.Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications.
León-López A, Morales-Peñaloza A, Martínez-Juárez VM, et al., Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2019 · PubMed
