Collagen Supplements

Collagen is a protein essential for supporting the structure of skin and joints. Its production slows as we age, especially following the menopause, reducing the firmness and elasticity of the skin, and potentially affecting the health of joints due to reduced collagen in the cartilage. There are a wide variety of products which claim to supplement this deficit or to boost collagen production.

We haven’t seen a wide body of reliable clinical evidence demonstrating conclusively that collagen ingested in supplements is integrated in the areas where collagen is lost, or that supplementation could reduce wrinkles or improve skin elasticity. Furthermore, there are no authorised health claims for collagen on the GB Nutrition & Health Claims Register (e.g. ‘collagen helps maintain healthy joints’ or ‘collagen helps skin to maintain firmness and elasticity’) and there are no MHRA-licensed medicines that would allow claims for collagen (e.g. ‘reduces joint pain’).

Reference to collagen can therefore be made on an availability only basis (See Availability Only), with no claims to have a health benefit whether express or implied.