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If you’re at all interested in skin care or beauty, you’ve probably heard about collagen peptides (or seen them advertised to you on your social media feeds). The latest trend that’s taken the skincare and beauty spaces by storm, collagen peptides are a dietary supplement marketed to promote healthy, glowing skin. But as with any beauty or health trend, you should have a level of skepticism about any supplement you’re putting into your body, especially when it rises at such a rapid pace as this.
First of all, what are collagen peptides and how exactly do they work? Collagen is a group of proteins that our body actually naturally produces on its own. It supports the makeup of our bones, skin, and cartilage, and helps our tissue be more elastic (which is why collagen peptides claim to make your skin tighter and brighter). While our body makes this protein on its own, it greatly slows down as we age, which is why many people opt for collagen peptides as an anti-aging supplement.
Signe Svanfeldt, Head of Nutrition at Lifesum and health advisor to Gympass, says that because collagen peptides are a relatively new product on the health food market, there isn’t too much evidence supporting their benefits. But, there is some encouraging data. “Two potential benefits are the relief of joint pain for people with osteoarthritis and increased skin hydration and elasticity,” she says. Both are things that the naturally occurring collagen in our body does as well.
Many health companies have the budget for flashy marketing and promotional campaigns, and in turn set their products at steep price points to match the demand. As a result, the biggest side effect of taking collagen peptides could be on your wallet. “Just like there aren't any strong proven benefits of taking collagen peptides, there hasn’t been any solid evidence regarding side effects related to collagen peptides, other than it might be an unnecessary expense.” Svanfeldt says. “You should alway consult with a doctor or health professional before considering starting to eat a supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.”
The research on collagen peptides at this moment in time is fairly neutral, which means that all we really know about them is that they are an extra expense for something that our bodies produce on their own. Aside from that, the FDA doesn’t regulate dietary supplements like they do regular medications, which means it’s up to you to look closely at the ingredients and make sure they are in alignment with your own dietary restrictions and sensitivities.
“It is always important to read the nutritional information carefully when considering starting to take a supplement, especially if you have a known food allergy.” Svanfeldt says, “If you eat a plant-based diet, you probably don’t want to eat collagen as it is mostly made of cattle.”
At the end of the day, there isn’t enough evidence to know for sure whether or not collagen peptides are harmful to the body. If you are going to give collagen peptides a try, the most important thing to do is look at the ingredients and make sure it doesn’t have any additives you are allergic to or try to avoid. And of course, before beginning any new supplement or regimen, consult your doctor about the potential harmful effects.
