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What are Collagen Capsules?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

Collagen capsules are small pills that are filled with natural or artificial collagen. Manufacturers claim that any collagen lost due to old age will be restored simply by taking a collage pill. These pills are popular around the world, though there is some speculation as to whether or not they actually work.

Presently, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that collagen capsules work. Even though it is true that skin tends to sag and wrinkle due to a loss of collagen, taking a pill does not necessarily restore that lost collagen. Collagen is a type of protein that occurs naturally, and as people age, it becomes weak, which can lead to sagging and wrinkled skin. Replacing this protein is not easy to do.

Collagen capsules.
Collagen capsules.

Capsules that contain collagen are not made from the same material that is produced by the human body. Instead, most contain bovine or porcine collagen. Some may even contain a mixture of animal-derived collagen and silicone. When artificial collagen is ingested, it cannot co-mingle with collagen that is naturally produced by the human body, which is why most scientists do not believe that collagen capsules can effectively replace lost collagen.

A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of this protein.
A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of this protein.

On occasion, artificial collagen pills may cause an allergic reaction, so it is important for anyone considering taking them to speak with a medical professional first. Additionally, the person should pay careful attention to the ingredients included in these pills, since some ingredients may be harmful.

Consumers should also be careful not to purchase pills that are filled with gelatin instead of pure collagen. Gelatin that is used on a regular basis in kitchens across the world is derived from animal collagen. This fact has prompted some manufacturers to fill collage capsules with gelatin, which is not the kind of collagen that the human body produces.

Collagen capsules are not made from the same materials that are produced by the human body.
Collagen capsules are not made from the same materials that are produced by the human body.

Capsules that contain collagen can be purchased online or through a reputable health food store retailer. Shoppers should not purchase pills of any kind from an individual, since they could be dangerous. Anyone who experiences a rash or swelling after ingesting a collagen capsule should seek medical attention immediately.

Many studies have shown that replacing lost collagen is difficult, and many believe that this is only possible through eating a healthy diet. Further, an active lifestyle may help to keep skin tight. Even though these pills have not been proven effective, the supplements are still popular throughout the world.

Discussion Comments

anon326991

A year ago I was due for a hip replacement. I have been taking 6 grams of collagen a day and my hip has been completely repaired. I can even lie down on my right side in bed without any pain. I should add I am in my late 80's.

bluedolphin

@turquoise-- Bovine collagen is collagen that comes from cows and porcine collagen is collagen from pigs.

There is also marine collagen, that comes from certain types of fish.

I don't know if any of these are better than the others. But if you're going to buy collagen capsules, it should specify on the packaging which animal the collagen was sourced from.

turquoise

What's bovine and porcine collagen?

literally45

@turkay1-- No, there are very good and pure collagen capsules out there that work.

I've been taking one with type I collagen derived from fish. I have been getting great results from it. My skin is firmer, softer and more plump. I wouldn't be getting these results if my body wasn't absorbing the collagen.

I agree with you that not all supplements are the same. Everyone should do their share of research before investing in one. Health forums can be a great resource to find out which collagen capsules work.

candyquilt

I'm unsure about collagen capsules mainly because most don't even specify what type of collagen they contain. There are more than twenty types of collagen and they all serve different purposes. Some benefit the skin while others benefit joints and so forth.

So taking any random collagen capsules is not a good idea. The chances of it actually working for your needs is slim.

Of course, whether collagen tablets and capsules are actually absorbed by the body is a whole other question.

ddljohn

I can't believe some companies actually sell gelatin as collagen. So people are paying for jello!

How can we tell if the collagen supplement we're looking at is collagen and not gelatin?

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    • Collagen capsules.
      By: Agamtb
      Collagen capsules.
    • A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of this protein.
      By: Alila
      A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of this protein.
    • Collagen capsules are not made from the same materials that are produced by the human body.
      By: Daria Filiminova
      Collagen capsules are not made from the same materials that are produced by the human body.
    • Collagen capsules are purported to be able to restore collagen lost due to old age.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Collagen capsules are purported to be able to restore collagen lost due to old age.