Reviewed by Dr. Younghun Cho, PharmD
The score reflects its good safety profile and potential modest benefits for skin and joints, balanced against its incomplete protein profile and the cost relative to the strength of evidence for all its claims.
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
Details pending pharmacist review.
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