Source: Fox News
Summary
A review of 16 systematic reviews and 113 randomized controlled trials found that collagen supplements improve skin elasticity and hydration, and provide relief from osteoarthritis-related joint pain and stiffness. However, the study found no meaningful improvements in post-exercise muscle recovery, soreness, or tendon mechanical properties. The researchers suggest that collagen should not be viewed as an “anti-wrinkle ‘quick fix,'” but as a foundational dermal support for individuals seeking holistic skin maintenance.
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The advice sounds familiar.
Collagen supplements have been touted as a cure-all, but this review suggests that they have credible benefits when used consistently over time, particularly for skin and osteoarthritis. The findings dispel some of the myths surrounding its use, but also highlight the need for more high-quality clinical trials examining long-term outcomes, optimal dosages, and differences between collagen sources.
The review’s conclusion that collagen is not a cure-all, but a targeted support tool, aligns with what some experts see in clinical practice. The study’s limitations, including the varied quality of the studies and the need for more data, are acknowledged.
Experts say more data and studies are needed to build on the findings, and that diet plays a crucial role in skin health. The review’s findings are seen as a step in the right direction, but not yet sufficient to routinely recommend collagen supplements.
As always, the search for a quick fix continues, but the reality is that skin health is complex and multifaceted.
