Experts say that collagen supplements shouldn’t be thought of as a “quick fix” for wrinkles, but they do have “real” benefits Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) did a new study that looked at data from 16 reviews and 113 trials with almost 8,000 patients from all over the world.
The review found that taking the supplements for a long time could make the skin more elastic and hydrated and lessen the symptoms of arthritis, like stiff and painful joints.
But they didn’t make the skin rougher in a big way It said that the products should be aimed at people who want to take care of their skin in a “holistic” way And it said that the supplements are a “legitimate” extra way for women who have gone through menopause or people with UV-damaged skin to fight ageing.
Researchers said that collagen may be best used as a basic support for the skin rather than as a “quick fix” for wrinkles. The study found that the supplements support a “inside-out model of skin rejuvenation” by acting as “agents of deeper tissue regeneration” instead of “superficial cosmetic aids.”
Strong claims
Lee Smith, a public health professor at ARU, said, “There have been bold claims made about collagen supplements, and they are often made by people who sell the product.”
For instance, manufacturers have “promised” that taking collagen supplements will make you look younger all over your body very quickly.
Collagen isn’t a miracle drug, but it does have real benefits when taken regularly over time, especially for skin and osteoarthritis. Our results show that there are clear benefits in important areas of healthy ageing, and they also put to rest some of the myths about its use.
He went on to say, “If we define anti-aging as a product or method that stops you from looking older, then I think our results do support this claim for some parameters.” For instance, having better skin tone and moisture makes you look younger.
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Costs involved
Shefalee Loth, a nutritionist at the consumer group Which?, says that people should be aware of the cost.
In response to the study, she said, “Collagen supplements are often sold with big claims about how they can make you look younger, but there isn’t much scientific evidence to back them up.”
“It’s important to remember that the nutrition and health claims register doesn’t currently have any approved health claims for collagen supplements.
Taking collagen can get expensive very quickly. For daily use, most supplements cost at least £25 a month, and studies show that they work best when taken regularly People should be careful about what brands say and think about the possible benefits and costs before using a product for a long time.
The authors of the study said that more research was needed on things like how much collagen is taken and how long it is taken, as well as whether body composition affects how well it works.
The Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum published the review.
