Research

Collagen

31 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

2
Meta-analyses
4
Systematic reviews
22
RCTs
3
Other studies
Meta-analyses (6%)
Systematic reviews (13%)
RCTs (71%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2025·International wound journal·George Theodorakopoulos, David G Armstrong

Collagen-ORC Versus Standard Treatment in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Trials.

Meta-analysisn = 314Inflammation

Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs comparing collagen-based dressings, particularly collagen-ORC, to standard care for diabetic foot ulcers. Collagen-combination treatments were associated with a higher probability of complete wound closure, though evidence is limited by study size and heterogeneity.

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2024·International Journal of Nutrology·M. S. Rocha, Lorenna Lemos de Aquino, L. Barbosa, et al

Clinical studies and meta-analysis on the effects of collagen, vitamin, and nutrient supplementation for the rejuvenation of collagenic fibers: a systematic review

Systematic reviewSkin Hair Health

Systematic review of clinical studies and meta-analyses on the effects of collagen, vitamins, and nutrients on collagen fiber rejuvenation. Oral supplements containing collagen peptides, vitamins, and nutrients improve skin properties and collagen structure, reducing skin vulnerability in the elderly.

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2020·Journal of cosmetic dermatology·Meisam Barati, Masoumeh Jabbari, Roya Navekar, et al

Collagen supplementation for skin health: A mechanistic systematic review.

Systematic reviewSkin Hair Health

This systematic review assesses the effects of collagen supplements on skin health parameters, focusing on mechanisms of action. The review found that oral administration of collagen improves skin health, with beneficial effects reported consistently across studies.

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2019·Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD·Franchesca D. Choi, Calvin T. Sung, Margit L.W. Juhasz, et al

Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications.

Systematic reviewn = 805Skin Hair Health

Systematic review of 11 randomized-controlled trials with 805 patients on oral collagen supplementation for dermatological applications. Collagen supplements showed promising results for improving skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density, with potential anti-aging benefits and wound healing effects.

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2026·International wound journal·Jinzhu Mao, Mengyao Yang

Efficacy of AOPT Combined With Collagen Dressings on Facial Flushing and Skin Barrier Function in Patients With Rosacea.

RCTn = 150Skin Hair Health

RCT evaluating the efficacy of AOPT combined with collagen dressings on facial flushing and skin barrier function in 150 patients with rosacea. The combination treatment showed higher effectiveness, reduced erythema, improved skin barrier function, and decreased systemic inflammation compared to AOPT alone.

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2025·Journal of physiological anthropology·Jun Yan Ng, Xuan Min Gail Yan Ng, Qi Yi Ambrose Wong, et al

Dietary interventions in skin ageing: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisSkin Hair Health

This meta-analysis assessed the effects of dietary components like collagen, carotenoids, lipids, fatty acids, and polyphenols on skin ageing. Collagen was found to reduce wrinkles and pigment spots, while lipids and fatty acids improved skin elasticity. Polyphenols strengthened barrier integrity, and carotenoids reduced redness.

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2024·Nutrients·Katja Žmitek, Janko Žmitek, Hristo Hristov, et al

The Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Collagen and Vitamin C and Their Combination with Hyaluronic Acid on Skin Density, Texture and Other Parameters: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

RCTn = 87Skin Hair Health

This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of dietary supplementation with hydrolysed collagen and vitamin C, with and without hyaluronic acid, on skin parameters over 16 weeks in 87 women aged 40-65. Both test products improved dermis density, skin texture, and reduced wrinkle severity, but did not significantly affect skin elasticity or hydration. The addition of hyaluronic acid did not show superior effects compared to collagen alone.

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2024·Nutrients·Miguel López-Yoldi, José I Riezu-Boj, Itziar Abete, et al

Anti-Obesity Effects of a Collagen with Low Digestibility and High Swelling Capacity: A Human Randomized Control Trial.

RCTn = 64Physique Nutrition

RCT of 64 subjects with overweight/obesity testing collagen supplementation (20 g per day) for 12 weeks. Collagen significantly reduced body weight, BMI, systolic blood pressure, and fatty liver index, and increased fat-free mass compared to control. It also reduced hunger and increased fullness and satisfaction.

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2022·International journal of rheumatic diseases·Masoumeh Jabbari, Meisam Barati, Maryam Khodaei, et al

Is collagen supplementation friend or foe in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis? A comprehensive systematic review.

Systematic reviewn = 10Joint Bone Health

Systematic review evaluating the effects of collagen supplementation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. The review included 19 articles, with mixed findings on the efficacy and adverse effects of collagen supplementation compared to routine treatments. The studies had a high risk of bias, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.

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2021·International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism·Dana M Lis, Matthew Jordan, Timothy Lipuma, et al

Collagen and Vitamin C Supplementation Increases Lower Limb Rate of Force Development.

RCTn = 50Physical Performance

RCT of 50 healthy male athletes examining the effects of vitamin C-enriched collagen supplementation on rate of force development (RFD) during a strength training program. The HC + C group showed improved RFD in squat and countermovement jump compared to placebo.

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2025·BMC musculoskeletal disorders·Ahmet Serhat Genç, Ali Kerim Yılmaz, Berna Anıl, et al

The effect of supplementation with type I and type III collagen peptide and type II hydrolyzed collagen on pain, quality of life and physical function in patients with meniscopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

RCTn = 32Joint Bone Health Physical Performance

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of a collagen supplement containing type I, II, and III collagen on pain, quality of life, and physical function in 32 patients with meniscopathy. The study found significant improvements in pain, quality of life, kinesiophobia, and foot function scale scores after eight weeks of supplementation.

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2025·International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism·Christopher D Nulty, Robert M Erskine

Collagen Supplementation Augments Strength Training-Induced Gains in Tendon Size and Rate of Force Development in Elite Female Master Field Hockey Athletes.

RCTn = 22Physical Performance Joint Bone Health

RCT of 22 elite female field hockey Master athletes examining the effects of 8 weeks of eccentric resistance exercise with hydrolyzed collagen supplementation. Collagen supplementation enhanced gains in patellar tendon cross-sectional area and peak rate of force development, suggesting improved physical performance.

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2024·Joint diseases and related surgery·Ahmet Serhat Genç, Ali Kerim Yılmaz, Berna Anıl, et al

Effect of supplementation with type 1 and type 3 collagen peptide and type 2 hydrolyzed collagen on osteoarthritis-related pain, quality of life, and physical function: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

RCTn = 31Joint Bone Health Physical Performance

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study assessed the effect of Naturagen 4 Joint product, containing type 1, 2, and 3 collagen, on osteoarthritis-related pain, quality of life, and physical function in 31 patients. Eight weeks of collagen supplementation improved osteoarthritis-related pain and quality of life scales, with significant positive effects on some functional tests.

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2024·International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism·Thorben Aussieker, Tom A H Janssen, Wesley J H Hermans, et al

Coingestion of Collagen With Whey Protein Prevents Postexercise Decline in Plasma Glycine Availability in Recreationally Active Men.

RCTn = 14Recovery

This randomized, double-blind, crossover study assessed the impact of coingesting collagen with whey protein on plasma glycine availability during recovery from exercise in 14 recreationally active men. Coingestion of collagen with whey protein prevented the decline in plasma glycine availability, suggesting a beneficial strategy for postexercise recovery.

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2023·International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism·Luuk Hilkens, Nick van Schijndel, Vera C R Weijer, et al

Jumping Exercise Combined With Collagen Supplementation Preserves Bone Mineral Density in Elite Cyclists.

RCTn = 36Joint Bone Health

Open-label randomized study with 36 elite road-race cyclists assessing the effect of jump training and collagen supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD). The intervention group preserved femoral neck BMD, while the control group experienced a decrease. No significant differences were observed for BMD at other skeletal sites.

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2019·Nutrients·Liane Bolke, Gerrit Schlippe, Joachim Gerß, et al

A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study.

RCTn = 72Skin Hair Health

This randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study investigated the effects of a drinkable nutraceutical containing collagen peptides and other ingredients on skin aging and health in 72 healthy women aged 35 years or older. The supplement significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density, with effects sustained during a follow-up period.

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2019·International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism·Rebekah D Alcock, Gregory C Shaw, Nicolin Tee, et al

Urinary Hydroxyproline Is Only Suitable As a Biomarker for Acute Intake, Up to 6 hr Postingestion of Collagen Proteins in "Free-Living," Healthy, Active Males.

RCT

The study investigated urinary hydroxyproline excretion in healthy, active males after ingesting collagenous and dairy proteins. Urinary hydroxyproline was elevated for 0-6 hours after consuming collagen-containing supplements but not for dairy protein supplements, indicating it reflects acute collagen intake but not habitual intake.

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2019·Journal of agricultural and food chemistry·Tomoko Asai, Akira Takahashi, Kumie Ito, et al

Amount of Collagen in the Meat Contained in Japanese Daily Dishes and the Collagen Peptide Content in Human Blood after Ingestion of Cooked Fish Meat.

RCT

The study evaluated the collagen content in Japanese daily dishes and the presence of food-derived collagen peptides in human blood after ingestion of cooked fish meat. It found that ingestion of collagen-rich meat increases collagen peptides in blood, influenced by both collagen content and its digestibility.

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2011·European journal of gynaecological oncology·V Stafyla, E Dimakakos, A Koureas, et al

Effect of collagen powder on lymphorrhea after modified radical mastectomy. A randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 80

RCT of 80 mastectomy patients comparing the application of collagen type I (Cellerate RX powder) in the axillary cavity to standard lymphadenectomy. There was a non-significant trend towards lower overall drainage in the collagen group, with significantly less lymphorrhea in patients with more than ten lymph nodes excised.

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1997·The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume·M W Chapman, R Bucholz, C Cornell

Treatment of acute fractures with a collagen-calcium phosphate graft material. A randomized clinical trial.

RCTn = 213Joint Bone Health -

A randomized clinical trial compared the safety and efficacy of autogenous bone grafts and a composite graft material (bovine collagen and calcium-phosphate ceramic) in 213 patients with long bone fractures. No significant differences were found in healing rates or functional measures between the groups, though infection rates were higher in the autogenous graft group. The composite graft material was deemed safe and effective.

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2019·Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries·Katayoun Bagheri Miyab, Elham Alipoor, Reza Vaghardoost, et al

The effect of a hydrolyzed collagen-based supplement on wound healing in patients with burn: A randomized double-blind pilot clinical trial.

RCTn = 31

This randomized double-blind pilot clinical trial studied the effect of a hydrolyzed collagen-based supplement on wound healing in 31 male burn patients. The collagen group showed significantly higher serum pre-albumin levels and improved wound healing compared to the control group. Hospital stay was clinically reduced in the collagen group, though not statistically significant.

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2019·Nutrients·Kathrine Skov, Mikkel Oxfeldt, Rebekka Thøgersen, et al

Enzymatic Hydrolysis of a Collagen Hydrolysate Enhances Postprandial Absorption Rate-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

RCTn = 10

A randomized, blinded, cross-over study with ten healthy male subjects investigated the postprandial absorption of collagen. Subjects received either enzymatically hydrolyzed collagen protein, non-enzymatically hydrolyzed collagen protein, or placebo. The study found that enzymatic hydrolysis significantly increased the absorption rate and bioavailability of glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.

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2014·Journal of reconstructive microsurgery·Daniel Schmauss, Tom Finck, Eirini Liodaki, et al

Is nerve regeneration after reconstruction with collagen nerve conduits terminated after 12 months? the long-term follow-up of two prospective clinical studies.

RCTn = 45

Long-term follow-up of two prospective clinical trials on digital nerve reconstruction using bovine collagen I conduits. Improvement in sensibility was observed in 13 out of 20 reconstructed nerves at a mean follow-up of 58.1 months, with better results for nerve gaps less than 10 mm.

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1996·Casopis lekaru ceskych·M Adam, P Spacek, H Hulejová, et al

[Postmenopausal osteoporosis. Treatment with calcitonin and a diet rich in collagen proteins].

RCTn = 108Joint Bone Health

RCT investigating the effect of calcitonin and a diet rich in collagen proteins on bone metabolism markers in 108 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Calcitonin administration led to a decline in bone collagen breakdown products, and concurrent collagen protein intake enhanced and prolonged this effect.

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1988·Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons·D R Mehlisch, T D Taylor, D G Leibold, et al

Collagen/hydroxylapatite implant for augmenting deficient alveolar ridges: twelve-month clinical data.

RCTn = 77

Multicenter study of 77 edentulous patients undergoing mandibular augmentation with implants of purified fibrillar collagen combined with dense hydroxylapatite. Mean ridge height increased by 4.2 mm over 12 months. Most patients, surgeons, and prosthodontists rated the results as good to excellent. Adverse experiences like dehiscence and paresthesia resolved over time.

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2023·Biomaterials Research·Youngwon Koo, Chang Su Lim, Anjani Darai, et al

Shape-memory collagen scaffold combined with hyaluronic acid for repairing intervertebral disc

Animal studyJoint Bone Health

The study used a rat tail nucleotomy model to test a shape-memory collagen scaffold combined with hyaluronic acid for repairing intervertebral disc degeneration. The collagen-based structure alleviated mechanical allodynia, maintained water content, and preserved disc structure better than controls.

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2023·ACS biomaterials science & engineering·Mujiao Liang, Lina Dong, Zhongwei Guo, et al

Collagen-Hyaluronic Acid Composite Hydrogels with Applications for Chronic Diabetic Wound Repair.

In vitroSkin Hair Health

The study reports on 3D printing of collagen-hyaluronic acid composite hydrogels for chronic diabetic wound repair. The hydrogels, loaded with silver nanoclusters, showed good UV responsiveness, porosity, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility, effectively inhibiting bacteria and promoting fibroblast proliferation and tissue regeneration.

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1997·Archivos espanoles de urologia·J A Díaz Cabrera, M Llerena Hoyos, M Ruiz Roldán, et al

[Female stress urinary incontinence. Treatment with collagen infiltration in the urethra].

RCTn = 26Womens Health

RCT of 26 female patients with stress urinary incontinence treated with periurethral bovine collagen injection. The study found a success rate of 34.6%, with 38.4% showing improvement and 26.9% experiencing a failed procedure. Success was higher in patients with low-grade incontinence.

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1997·The Journal of urology·C P Sundaram, Y Reinberg, H A Aliabadi

Failure to obtain durable results with collagen implantation in children with urinary incontinence.

RCTn = 20Womens Health Mens Health

RCT studying the efficacy and durability of glutaraldehyde cross-linked bovine collagen injections for urinary incontinence in children. The study found that improvement in continence was temporary or inadequate in the majority of patients, with only 5% achieving dryness.

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1992·International journal of tissue reactions·E Mian, P Martini, D Beconcini, et al

Healing of open skin surfaces with collagen foils.

RCTn = 45Skin Hair Health

Controlled trial examining the application of Condress (bovine collagen sheets) on open skin surfaces, including ulcers and burns. Results showed marked reduction in healing time, increased vascular perfusion, and activation of angiogenesis and fibrogenesis, indicating promising outcomes for burn areas.

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2023·Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry·M. H. Shahrajabian, Wenli Sun

Mechanism of Action of Collagen and Epidermal Growth Factor: A Review on Theory and Research Methods.

Review

This review article provides an overview of different types of collagen and epidermal growth factors, discussing their roles and potential benefits in supplements and skin health. It highlights the various types of collagen and their locations in the body, as well as the function of epidermal growth factor in collagen production and skin health.

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