WHAT DOES COLLAGEN REALLY DO? - Are capsules, care products and drinks a must-have?

Collagen is an endogenous protein that gives muscles, tendons, joints and bones support and ensures elasticity in the connective tissue. With increasing age, the body can no longer maintain the collagen production it used to have. Lower levels of protein eventually result in wrinkles, less elastic skin, brittle bones and joint problems. There are thousands of collagen preparations on the market in all possible forms that are intended to remedy this. But do these products really have the desired effect? In this article we will tell you whether an investment in collagen-containing care products, drinks or capsules is actually worthwhile.

Artificial vs. Natural
The collagen in care products and dietary supplements is industrially produced and therefore differs from our body's own collagen in its origin alone. It is added to a wide variety of preparations, the use of which promises more freshness, hold and youthfulness.

Skin care
Collagen in creams and other care products penetrates the body through the skin and is said to help against wrinkles. However, this does not work, because the collagen does not get beyond the top layer of skin and can therefore not contribute to elasticity and wrinkle reduction in the long term. However, collagen-containing skin care often also contains many other important ingredients that are important for the care of stressed skin.  

Drinks
If drinks contain collagen, the manufacturers promise that regular intake can compensate for the lack of endogenous collagen. This should ultimately reduce wrinkles. From a scientific point of view, there is no clear evidence for the effectiveness, but also none that prove the opposite.   

Capsules
In addition to reducing wrinkles, collagen-enriched capsules are also said to bring back youthfulness to joints, bones and muscles by directing collagen to where it is most needed in the body. However, it is not quite that simple, because collagen is composed of several amino acids and only these individual components actually make it to the joints or bones that have a lack of endogenous collagen.

Pros vs. Cons
Vegetarians and vegans have to take a close look, because most of the collagen in commercial preparations is of animal origin. There is also no concrete information about possible damage from long-term use of collagen. However, there are many users who swear by collagen – no matter what form it is. If a rejuvenation of the skin can actually be seen or felt, then the respective product was certainly not a mistake.