Does ingesting collagen by taking collagen pills or capsules help to build collagen?
The short answer to this is no. There is no evidence that I know of that taking these supplements (collagen pills) improves your skin. But here’s what IS relevant!
Collagen – what is relevant:
Collagen in our bodies is in a LOT of different tissues including our skin, ligaments, arteries, tendons, muscles etc. It’s very important to the strength of a lot of different tissues. If you’re super curious, you can read about a group of genetic diseases called Ehlers-Danlos which are all characterized by different types of collagen weakness.
This means we need to keep our collagen strong. Collagen pills and capsules are broken down in our intestines, and there’s no proof that they end up in our skin, or anywhere else.
What does work:
On the other hand, protein and vitamin C especially are used to make collagen naturally in our bodies. Please make sure you are getting some protein at every meal. If you work out hard, a recovery “meal” or drink with some protein and carbs is recommended to replenish your muscles efficiently. Read up on protein for your size, weight and muscle mass. You don’t need tons of Vitamin C. An extra 250-1,000 mg should be fine.
I love your question because skin is an organ, a very large organ. The healthier we are, the healthier it is.
Hope this helps, Dr. I