The market for collagen supplements, ranging from powders to gummies and pills, has surged in recent years, driven by marketing claims that these products can reduce wrinkles, enhance hair shine, and alleviate joint pain. However, determining whether there is substantive scientific evidence to support the promise of prolonged youthfulness remains a challenge for consumers.
Dr. Xand van Tulleken, who has dedicated the past three years to investigating the complex wellness industry for his book Make Me Well: A Quest to Understand the Confusing World of Wellness, provides a detailed analysis of collagen in a dedicated chapter. In discussions with Madeleine Finlay, Dr. van Tulleken explains the biological functions of collagen within the body, outlines natural dietary sources as alternatives to costly supplements, and addresses the difficulties inherent in verifying wellness claims.
https://www.theguardian.com/science/video/2026/sep/15/is-collagen-a-lie-video
My skin feels smoother, but I cannot prove it is not just the extra water I am drinking now.
The supplement industry thrives on confusion. It is exhausting trying to separate actual science from marketing hype.
Does Dr. van Tulleken mention if hydrolyzed collagen is absorbed any better than regular gelatin?
Wait, so all these expensive pills are basically overpriced placebo? That is genuinely surprising.
I switched to bone broth after reading this. Save your money and eat real food instead!