5 Proven Health Benefits of Collagen Peptides

5 Proven Health Benefits of Collagen Peptides

Unlike many supplements out there collagen has been clinically proven to help with things like weight loss and fat loss. 

​These benefits (and others) stem from the fact that so many people are deficient in collagen due to deficiencies in their diet. 

If you want to improve the quality and texture of your skin, heal your GI tract, lose weight and improve inflammation then you should seriously consider using collagen peptides.

Let’s start with the basics and go from there: ​

What are Collagen Peptides?

In order to understand why Collagen peptides may dramatically improve your health, you need to first understand what collagen is.

Collagen is a structural protein that is involved in the function and integrity of multiple systems in your body including your skin, your hair follicles, your gastrointestinal tract, your joints bones, and muscular tissue. 

It’s easy to see what symptoms you might present with if you have a deficiency of collagen in your body.

If your skin is lacking collagen you will end up with sagging and aged skin.

If your joints lack collagen you will end up with inflammatory degenerative joint pain.

If your muscles lack collagen you will develop sarcopenia, weight gain, and ​have a lower-than-normal metabolism. 

a figure of collagen fibers being broken down into its most basic components of amino acids.

If your GI tract lacks collagen you will end up with increased intestinal permeability.

When you consider these factors it’s easy to understand why having adequate amounts of collagen in your body is critical to overall health.

​But why do so many people suffer from deficiencies in collagen? 

Here’s the deal:

If we consumed enough collagen in our diets then we really wouldn’t have a need to supplement with it, right?

But as you know, the standard diet nowadays is depleted of many nutrients – collagen included.

What’s more interesting is that collagen is found in certain foods that we simply don’t eat very much.

It’s found in the ligaments, cartilage, and bone marrow of certain animals.

Nowadays it’s popular to avoid organ meats or pretty much anything that isn’t a lean form of protein.

As a result, we have dramatically reduced our intake of collagen as a protein and these symptoms are allowed to flourish. 

The good news is that you can replace this lost collagen with certain supplements (in addition to food sources) and impact your quality of life greatly. 

Health Benefits of Using Collagen

​Few supplements have the ability to dramatically improve your health and collagen peptides are one of those supplements. 

Does that mean that they will work for everyone?

No, not necessarily.

If you are already consuming organ meats or drinking bone broth then the chances of collagen peptides helping you dramatically are slightly lower.

However…

If you have never taken collagen before, or if you have any of the following symptoms, then you should seriously consider using Collagen peptides:

  • Premature signs of aging (especially in your 30’s and 40’s, you really shouldn’t have wrinkles at this age)
  • Issues with weight loss (weight loss resistance or hormone imbalances making weight loss difficult)
  • Issues with your gastrointestinal tract including IBS, constipation, diarrhea, gas/bloating, symptoms of leaky gut or acid reflux
  • Joint pain or arthritic pain (especially a history of ankle/hip/knee pain) -> arthritis and joint pain always indicates an underlying problem
  • Issues with hair loss, hair breakage, or changes to your hair volume (proper diet and supplements can almost always improve your hair)
  • Issues with your skin ranging from acne, sensitive skin, rashes, or dry skin
  • Known or suspected inflammation in the body (or a history of autoimmune disease)

​I’ve also included several documented and PROVEN health benefits of using collagen peptides that you can read more about below: 

After that, I will discuss my favorite collagen supplements and the same ones I recommend for my personal patients. 

#1. Improves your Hair, Skin & Nails (and reduces the signs of aging)

One of the main reasons that women (and men) tend to look to collagen is because it has been scientifically proven to help reduce the signs of aging (1).

Studies have shown that consuming collagen peptides improves a layer of your skin known as the dermis. 

As you age several things happen that result in wrinkle formation in the body:

First, the amount of collagen and elastin diminishes over time. 

As these proteins diminish your skin begins to sag and loses its plumpness. 

This process results in wrinkles, age spots, and changes to your skin texture. 

What’s interesting is that this process occurs more rapidly in the setting of collagen deficiency (especially due to your diet). 

Taking collagen has been shown to INCREASE the collagen in your dermis (2) which reduces tenting of the skin and directly impacts wrinkles. 

Collagen peptides improve collagen production in the dermis

In addition, taking collagen also improves your hair quality, and texture and can improve your nails. 

Why?

Because collagen is an integral part of the integrity of these tissues in your body.

Deficiencies in collagen may result in your nails becoming dry, brittle or weaker than usual.

Collagen deficiency may result in a reduction in the quality of your hair and may increase hair loss as well.

This is especially important if you suffer from hormone imbalances that may lead to accelerated hair loss like hypothyroidism or estrogen dominance. ​

Most women who take collagen do notice an overall improvement in the quality and texture of their hair, in addition to an improvement in nail strength. 

It’s important to note that not ALL women notice this improvement, but it’s a very pleasant side effect. ​

It should also be noted that sun damage also rapidly accelerates aging, and as little as 1% of skin photodamage can result in making you look 1 year older than your stated age.

If you are interested in improving your skin make sure to use a high-quality Vitamin C serum like this one in addition to collagen peptides.

#2. Improves gastrointestinal function

Aside from the aesthetic benefits that collagen peptides provide they also provide significant benefits to your GI tract.

Collagen peptides have been shown to increase the integrity of your epithelial lining and tight junctions (3) (AKA they help improve GI function and heal a condition known as leaky gut). 

Why is this important?

​Your GI tract acts as a protective barrier and prevents the absorption of harmful bacteria and endotoxins that can seriously wreak havoc in your body. 

Stress and a poor diet increase the “leakiness” of your GI tract (also known as intestinal permeability) and over time you may develop the signs or symptoms of this condition.

Various symptoms like acne, depression, weight gain, IBS, mood disorders, and autoimmune conditions are all thought to stem from this condition known as leaky gut. ​

a schematic showing the connection between the brain, the gut, and the microbiome.

The image above shows the connection between your brain (stress) and the GI tract and how this connection leads to the condition known as leaky gut. 

What’s more concerning is that this condition happens quite frequently. 

​Collagen peptides help your body naturally increase the integrity of these tight junctions.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above then you should consider using collagen peptides to help.

Note, though, that changing your diet should ALWAYS be the first step if you believe you are suffering from leaky gut. ​

The combination of dietary changes and additional supplements can really improve your GI tract and function.

#3. May reduce inflammation and improve joint pain

Joint pain and recovery from workouts are other big reasons to consider using collagen peptides.

Because collagen is required for proper joint tissue integrity, it’s easy to see what may happen if you are deficient.

Deficiency results in joint pain and systemic or localized inflammation.

Symptoms of this condition range from localized joint pain and swelling (think of targeted areas like your knees or ankles) but also extend to systemic inflammation as well.

It’s important to realize that collagen can help treat degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) but it can also be helpful in treating autoimmune arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. 

Taking supplemental collagen (4) has been shown to reduce morning stiffness and pain during motion in patients who suffer from inflammatory arthritis. 

The exact mechanism behind why this occurs is not well understood but it seems to reduce local immune function and inflammation which “cools” off your joints.

Another important benefit is that collagen may reduce SYSTEMIC levels of inflammation. 

This type of inflammation is far more serious than local inflammation because systemic inflammation damages tissues all over your body.

Systemic inflammation also contributes to weight gain and thyroid dysfunction which can lead to fatigue and other problems. ​

Athletes who work out frequently and suffer from joint pain, as a result, may find increased recovery times while using collagen (5).

While I don’t recommend that you work out that much, some people do for a living, etc. so taking collagen in this setting may be necessary. ​

#4. Boosts metabolism by increasing lean muscle mass (helps with weight loss)

​Next up (and probably the most important) is how collagen can help you with weight loss. 

This is a bold claim so let me explain:

We already discussed how ​collagen plays an important role in muscle development and that’s how it can help increase your metabolism. 

As you may already know, your metabolism is the single most important factor when it comes to weight maintenance.

And the majority of your metabolism is dependent upon mitochondrial function and muscle mass in your body. 

Anything that results in decreased muscle mass will therefore further reduce your metabolism and may impair energy production in your body.

​Your metabolism is a reflection of the amount of energy and heat that you produce and the majority of that energy is produced by your MUSCLES. 

So how does collagen fit in?

Taking collagen (especially when combined with exercise) helps increase skeletal muscle gains resulting in an increased metabolism over time. ​

a graph showing how collagen peptides help with weight loss by reducing fat mass.

Taking collagen has also been shown to directly reduce fat mass while simultaneously increasing fat-free mass (6) (muscle mass). 

This combination may not result in weight loss on a scale but it DOES result in fat loss on your body. 

This means taking this supplement may reduce your waist size, etc. without altering the scale. 

This same mechanism occurs when taking fish oil

#5. Increases stomach acid and improves absorption of nutrients

Lastly, collagen has been shown to help increase stomach acid. 

This helps your body because stomach acid is required for the proper absorption of nutrients. 

Low stomach acid (whether induced by certain over-the-counter medications or from hormone imbalances like thyroid hormone) can cause deficiencies in vitamins like B12 and nutrients like Iron. 

These deficiencies result in systemic symptoms such as fatigue or low energy levels. 

Part of the reason that many patients report an improvement in energy when taking collagen has to do with this increased absorption. 

Imagine if you are taking several vitamins every day, but your body simply isn’t absorbing them very well due to decreased stomach acid. 

Once you normalize stomach acid you can then begin to absorb those nutrients. 

This effect, by the way, seems to be mediated through specific proteins found within collagen known as proline and glycine (7).

The Best Collagen Peptide Supplement

If you decide to use collagen peptide as a supplement make sure you find a high-quality brand so that you can get the desired benefits listed above. 

How to Supplement with Collagen Peptides

  • Take 1-2 scoops per day
  • Start out with 1 scoop per day for general health
  • Use 2 scoops per day for weight loss, hair issues, and/or leaky gut
  • Continue using collagen peptides daily for at least 6 months or until desired results are achieved then you can reduce the dosing schedule to a few times per week

Get Collagen peptides here.

Back to you

Bottom line?

Collagen peptides can dramatically improve various aspects of your health ranging from GI health to weight loss.

Due to the fact that most people simply don’t eat collagen-rich foods, you can almost count on a deficiency in your body.

Now it’s your turn:

Have you used collagen peptides in the past?

Did they work for you?

Why or why not?

Leave your comment below! 

Scientific References

#1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4206255/

#2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26362110

#3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28174772

#4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12837047

#5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18416885

#6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4594048/

#7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3773366/

5 reasons to use collagen peptides

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About Dr. Westin Childs

Hey! I'm Westin Childs D.O. (former Osteopathic Physician). I don't practice medicine anymore and instead specialize in helping people like YOU who have thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, and weight loss resistance. I love to write and share what I've learned over the years. I also happen to formulate the best supplements on the market (well, at least in my opinion!) and I'm proud to say that over 80,000+ people have used them over the last 7 years. You can read more about my own personal health journey and why I am so passionate about what I do.

P.S. Here are 4 ways you can get more help right now:

#1. Get my free thyroid downloads, resources, and PDFs here.

#2. Need better symptom control? Check out my thyroid supplements.

#3. Sign up to receive 20% off your first order.

#4. Follow me on Youtube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram for up-to-date thyroid tips, tricks, videos, and more.

23 thoughts on “5 Proven Health Benefits of Collagen Peptides”

  1. Been using this product for about 2 months now and I like it. Improvement in hair n nails for sure. But haven’t seen much improvement in joint pain. I do weight training about 5 days a week and been feeling some knee pain lately Haven’t seen much on any Glucosamine read. Any thoughts ?
    Any blogs about someone with Hashimotos but weight trains what can be taken for muscle recovery, muscle growth and repair? Since I believe whey protein isolate may have been considered a no no for people with Hashimotos??

    Reply
  2. Would it be beneficial for men as well? I go jogging a lot and occasionally I would have slight pain on my knee. Also, I work overnight sometimes and I can see some signs of aging on my skin.

    Reply
  3. I’ve been taking grass fed collagen hydrolysate, not this brand, for several months to help the strangely sagging, wrinkled skin on my arms, especially in my forearms. I look like a 70-year-old. I’m 54 and my TSH was tested recently at 4.7 with estrogen dominance. I think I probably also have high cortisol. I started on progesterone cream and low dose levothyroxine and am waiting for additional testing from endo. Can estrogen dominance and hypothyroidism cause your arm skin to look like it has lost all elasticity with sagging, wrinkling, and loss of tone? All of this has been accelerating in the last year. I think I’ve had undiagnosed hypothyroidism for years. If I find the root cause, can any of this skin “wasting” process be reversed? It’s very devastating. Does not seem to affect other women in my family. Love to hear your input on this. THANKS

    Reply
  4. I have been taking collagen peptides for about 6 months. I also take 50mcg of Synthroid (for several years). My recent TSH level was .01. I’ve never been that far out of the norm. I’m usually between 1.65 and 2.50. Could collagen have that much effect on boosting my thyroid production? If so, should I cut back on Synthroid or on collagen? Thanks!

    Reply
  5. I started taking this two weeks ago, I have already noticed a change in my skin nails and hair.. but I also have had stomach burning… I wonder if this is normal related and it will pass or if I cannot take this?

    Reply
  6. I started taking Grass Fed Collagen Peptides about a month ago in evening tea. I’ve noticed a few negative results and have been searching for an idea if it’s related to Collagen. I have started getting some cystic acne around chin and jawline. Also noticed some weight gain. However, skin does seem stronger and fresher. Even maybe less dimpling.

    Reply
  7. I like Great Lakes Gelatin better. Vital Proteins is so expensive and I feel its more about marketing than quality. GLG is a family-owned company and that it is really important to me.

    Reply
  8. I am a 52 year old woman. I lift weights and eat a lean diet and I look the best I ever have in my entire life. I started supplementing my diet with collagen peptides for a little over year. I also take B12 ever day. I have had hair loss, actual small bald spots on my head. My hormones were all over the place. I was always complaining that my stomach felt gassy and bloated and I had wrinkles and saggy skin… well after a year on the peptides, my skin looks amazing, my hair dresser cannot believe how much my hair has filled in, and grown. (It’s past my shoulders now) and my recovery time after the gym is very quick. My body no longer suffers. And I have all lean muscle from lifting weights and a six pack! People ask me all the time, what do I do that keeps me like this… I tell them, a lean diet with healthy carbs, collagen peptides every day, and consistency in the gym.. that’s it. People cannot believe that I’ll be 53 in February !

    Reply
  9. All the usual suspects … hypothyroid, autoimmune, thinning hair, fragile nails and osteoporosis. I have been using a brand of peptides that claims to have 5 different forms. I think some are good for hair and skin and others should help the bones but I haven’t found anything to explain where the different forms come from.
    The only thing I have noticed is that at my last dental cleaning, I was informed that my gums had improved with more “bounce back”. Of course, they thought I was obeying a better brushing regiment.

    Reply
  10. Hi Westin,

    I have osteoporosis. I have been on vital proteins for over a year now. One scoop in the morning With coffee and one at night in my chamomile tea. I have seen improvements in my nails, hair and joints. I’m hoping there is improvement in my bone density. Do you have any personal stories on bone density or clinical research saying it improves bone density?

    Reply
  11. I have been taking this exact collagen you mentioned and about half hour after taking it I have to poor or a semi diarrhea everytime this didn’t happen before I started this. It’s frustrating why is this happening

    Reply
  12. Hello Dr Childs,

    Which collagen are you recommending as I found 2 different recommendations on your site? Which is better; Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder or Great Lakes Gelatin, Collagen Hydrolysate. However, is there a concern of lead in the Great Lakes brand as I read or no? If you can let me know. Thank you!

    Reply

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