Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for approximately 30% of your total protein content [1]. It is a structural protein that helps provide strength and support to tissues including the skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues.
The body naturally produces collagen, but its production changes as we age. Research suggests that collagen production begins to decline in early adulthood, while factors including UV exposure and smoking can also contribute to collagen breakdown [2].
This has led to a growing interest in collagen supplementation. Most collagen supplements contain hydrolysed collagen peptides - Collagen that has been broken down into smaller peptides, providing amino acids including glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.
Researchers have investigated collagen peptides in a number of areas, including skin hydration and elasticity, joint function and bone health. Research shows that daily collagen supplementation may increase skin elasticity by up to 15% within 8 weeks [3]. However, the strength of the evidence varies depending on the outcome being studied, the type and amount of collagen used and the duration of supplementation.
Below, we look at the potential benefits of collagen supplements in more detail and examine what the current research actually tells us.
Collagen makes up 75–80% of your skin. As you age, collagen production drops by about 1% yearly after 20, leading to wrinkles and dryness. Supplementation may help restore skin elasticity and hydration.
Your cartilage is mostly collagen. Studies show collagen supplements may reduce joint pain and improve mobility, especially beneficial for athletes and those with osteoarthritis.
Bones are about 30% collagen, providing structure and flexibility. Research suggests collagen peptides can improve bone mineral density and reduce breakdown markers, crucial as you age.
Collagen provides amino acids that build keratin, the protein in hair and nails. Studies show supplementation can reduce brittleness, increase growth rate, and improve overall strength.
1–10% of muscle tissue is collagen. Combined with resistance training, collagen supplementation may help build muscle mass and strength, particularly in older adults experiencing sarcopenia.
Collagen contains glycine and glutamine, amino acids that support intestinal barrier function. This may help reduce inflammation and support digestive health, particularly in leaky gut syndrome.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your skin, acting as the scaffolding that keeps it firm, smooth, and youthful.
The outermost layer that you see and touch. Without adequate collagen support from below, this layer becomes thin, dry, and less able to retain moisture.
This middle layer contains collagen fibres that create a strong, elastic network. When collagen breaks down faster than it's produced, fine lines and wrinkles form.
The deepest layer that anchors your skin. Collagen here provides structural support that prevents sagging and maintains facial contours.
Studies show that taking 2.5 - 10g of collagen daily can improve skin elasticity by up to 20%, reduce wrinkle depth, and boost hydration within 8 - 12 weeks by signalling your body to produce more of its own collagen [4].
Your joints are cushioned by cartilage - a smooth, flexible tissue that prevents bones from rubbing together. Collagen is the main building block of cartilage, making up about 70% of its structure.
Producing less collagen as we age can lead to cartilage breakdown. This is why joint discomfort becomes more common over time. Supplementing with collagen provides your body with the raw materials it needs to maintain healthy cartilage and keep your joints moving smoothly.
Studies show that collagen supplementation may help reduce joint discomfort, improve flexibility, and support long-term joint health - especially for active individuals and those experiencing age-related changes.
Think of collagen as the scaffolding that keeps your joints strong and flexible. Without it, movement becomes uncomfortable.
Think of collagen as the rebar in concrete - it's what gives your bones their strength and flexibility. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, making bones more brittle and prone to fractures. Supplementing with collagen helps maintain bone density and resilience, keeping you strong and active for years to come.
Increases bone mineral density
Reduces fracture risk
Supports bone regeneration and repair
Your muscles are made of protein fibres that need constant repair and rebuilding - especially after exercise. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, acting as the structural scaffolding that holds muscle tissue together and supports recovery.
As we age, our natural collagen production slows down. This gradual decline can impact muscle strength, recovery time, and overall physical performance.
Supplies essential amino acids like glycine and proline that your body uses to rebuild muscle fibres after training.
Helps reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, so you can train harder and more consistently.
Strengthens connective tissue around muscles and joints, reducing injury risk during exercise.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, forming the building blocks that keep your hair strong and your nails resilient. As we age, natural collagen production declines - leading to brittle nails and thinning hair. Supplementing with collagen helps restore what time takes away.
The essential protein your body needs
Provides amino acids that strengthen hair follicles and reduce breakage
Supports hair and nail growth by nourishing the protein structures
Improves nail flexibility and prevents splitting and peeling
Boosts keratin production for healthier, shinier hair
When choosing an collagen supplement, Nutripact Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Powder provides a simple and convenient way to incorporate collagen into your daily routine. Each serving delivers a precise 10,000mg of Marine collagen, with every batch manufactured to GMP standards and independently third-party tested for quality and consistency.
Designed with everyday use in mind, Nutripact Marine Collagen Powder makes daily supplementation straightforward. With clear dosing, quality manufacturing and independent testing, it offers a transparent approach to supplementing with Collagen as part of a healthy ageing and wellness routine.
Looking to understand Collagen in more detail? Explore our Complete Guide to Collagen (2026) to learn what collagen is, how it works in the body, what current research says about its potential benefits, and what to consider before making collagen part of your daily routine.
Collagen is a structural protein that helps keep your skin firm, your joints cushioned, and your connective tissues strong. As your natural levels drop with age, you may notice changes in skin elasticity, mobility, and recovery.
The body produces many forms of collagen, but the most relevant for health and beauty are:
Most collagen supplements focus on Types I and III for skin benefits or Type II for joint support, while Types IV and V help explain collagen’s wider role in skin and tissue structure.
The best collagen depends on your goal. Type I collagen is most effective for skin, hair and nails, while Type II collagen is best for joints and mobility. Type III works alongside Type I to support skin structure, and Types IV and V help maintain deeper skin layers and connective tissue.
When comparing sources, both marine and bovine collagen are beneficial, but marine collagen may offer an edge for skin health. Its peptides are naturally smaller, which some studies suggest may make it easier for the body to absorb. Marine collagen is also rich in Type I, the form most closely linked to skin firmness, hydration and elasticity. Bovine collagen, containing Type I and III, remains a great all round option for general wellbeing and connective tissue support.
In short, choose marine collagen for skin focused results, Type II for joints, and bovine collagen if you want a versatile, budget-friendly blend.
Most people see noticeable changes within 6–12 weeks. Skin hydration may improve first, followed by nail strength, hair quality, or joint comfort.
Collagen comes from animal sources such as fish, shellfish, or bovine (cow) connective tissue. Therefore, anyone with allergies to these ingredients should avoid collagen supplements derived from those sources. Vegans and strict vegetarians may prefer plant-based “collagen boosters,” which support the body’s natural collagen production without using animal products.
Anyone with underlying medical conditions, or who takes regular medication, should speak with a healthcare professional before starting collagen.
