A comprehensive review of studies on the health effects of collagen supplements has found benefits such as relief from osteoarthritis symptoms and better skin health, but no evidence of anti-ageing effects on wrinkles.

Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University in the UK investigated the effects of collagen supplements due to their surge in popularity in recent years, driven by claims relating to anti-ageing, beauty and wellbeing. 

The study cites a market analysis report by Grand View Research that found the global collagen supplements market size was valued at US$1.99 billion (€1.84 billion, £1.55 billion) in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.5 per cent from 2022 to 2028.

Lee Smith, professor of public health at Anglia Ruskin University and co-author of the study, said: “Collagen is not a cure-all, but it does have credible benefits when used consistently over time, particularly for skin and osteoarthritis. Our findings show clear benefits in key areas of healthy ageing, while also dispelling some of the myths surrounding its use.”

The results of the study found that longer supplementation is linked with greater improvements in skin elasticity and hydration outcomes, but there were no statistically significant differences in skin roughness, according to the report. 

This means that supplements provide sound foundational dermal support for holistic skin maintenance, because they improve turgor, tone and moisture. They should not, however, be seen as a “quick fix” for wrinkles.

The review, which brought together evidence from 16 reviews, 113 randomised controlled trials and nearly 8,000 participants around the world, found collagen supplements reduce pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis and they also provide modest benefits for muscle mass and muscle architecture.

The research did not find any meaningful improvements in post-exercise muscle recovery, soreness or tendon mechanical properties. The authors of the research suggest such supplements should therefore not be viewed as a fast-acting sports performance supplement.

Read more about the study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal here.