According to collagen statistics, the vast majority of the protein in our bodies is collagen. It is secreted by various cells and is present in the muscles, bones, tendons, and skin. Collagen is an essential protein that plays several important roles, and its depletion could cause a number of health problems.
Although the body typically makes enough collagen, several collagen supplements are available today to boost its production. Synthetic collagen is used in the food and beverage industry as a gelling agent and in the medical fields for wound dressing.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about collagen, its supplements, benefits, potential side effects, market value, and so much more. But first, check out our top 10 stats which have been cherry-picked from the article!
Top 10 Collagen Statistics and Facts
- All collagen in the body starts as procollagen.
- As the body ages, it produces less collagen.
- Consuming high amounts of refined carbs and sugar can damage collagen production.
- Collagen is naturally found in the connective tissues of chicken skin.
- Vitamin C and proline can aid the body in producing collagen.
- Collagen supplement brands can be trusted if they have a third-party label from USP or NSF.
- Collagen supplementation may cause allergic reactions.
- Collagen supplements can increase muscle mass and strength.
- Collagen supplements may aid in reducing the risk of heart-related conditions.
- In 2019, the global collagen market was valued at over $3.5 billion.
General Collagen Facts and Statistics
1. Collagen is the most bountiful protein in the body.
(Healthline)
Collagen accounts for approximately one-third of the body’s protein composition. It provides structure to the bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and skin. It also aids in blood clotting.
2. All collagen in the body initially starts as procollagen.
(Healthline)
The body creates procollagen by combining two amino acids known as proline and glycine. Collagen and vitamin C facts show that it goes through processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi body with the help of vitamin C.
3. There are about 16 types of collagen in the body.
(Healthline)
However, there are four major types—type I, II, III, and IV. Type I accounts for 90% of the total collagen and is made up of condensed fibers.
4. Bovine collagen boosts levels of type I and III collagen in the body.
(Healthline)
Bovine collagen, derived from cows, is useful in boosting skin moisture and elasticity, and reducing wrinkles. However, according to available collagen vitamins facts, marine collagen could boost types I and II, enhancing the cartilage with a lower risk of infection transmission and a higher absorption rate.
5. Collagen has been used to create glue for thousands of years.
(Healthline)
Collagen is now employed in the production of the strings of musical instruments, body lotions, and shampoos. It has a number of uses in the food industry, including making casings for sausages and gelatin.
6. Collagen is used in the medical field for dressing severe burns.
(Healthline)
The use of collagen is also commonplace in plastic surgery, where it’s employed as filler meant to improve skin contours and fill out depressions. Collagen-based membranes can promote the growth of specific types of cells and have been used in vascular prostheses.
7. As the body ages, it produces less collagen.
(Healthline)
As time passes by, your body produces lower-quality collagen, and in smaller quantities. By the age of 40, you can lose up to 1% of your collagen each year. This causes weakening of the cartilage and looseness of the skin.
8. Consuming collagen-rich foods may or may not increase collagen levels in the body.
(Healthline)
When you eat collagen foods, the protein is broken down into amino acids and reassembled. So, consuming collagen doesn’t automatically mean high collagen levels in the body.
9. Consuming high amounts of refined carbs and sugar can damage collagen.
(Healthline)
Added sugar inhibits collagen’s ability to repair itself, and this could cause wrinkles. Additionally, ultraviolet radiation from the sun and smoking can decrease collagen production.
Common Nutrients and Foods High in Collagen
10. Collagen is naturally found in the connective tissues of chicken skin.
(Healthline)
Large amounts of collagen can be found in pork and chicken skin. Bone broth is incredibly rich in collagen as it is made by boiling animal bones.
11. The bones and ligaments of fish are made of collagen.
(Healthline)
Several parts of fish and shellfish, including the head, eyeballs, and scales, are very rich in collagen. Some people also claim that marine vitamin collagen is one of the most easily absorbable forms of collagen.
12. Beans contain high amounts of amino acids required for collagen production.
(Healthline)
Beans are rich in protein and nutrients like copper, which is necessary for the production of collagen.
13. Cashew nuts contain copper and zinc that can boost collagen production.
(Healthline)
Collagen statistics show that leafy greens can enhance the precursor to collagen in the skin. This includes swiss chard, spinach, kale, and other salad greens that contain chlorophyll, which boosts collagen production.
14. Vitamin C and proline can aid the body in producing collagen.
(Healthline)
Vitamin C, proline, copper, and glycine can all increase collagen production in the body. Large amounts of these nutrients can be found in citrus fruits, egg whites, pork skin, and sesame seeds.
15. Consuming garlic may boost collagen production.
(Healthline)
Garlic has been found to contain high amounts of sulfur that aid in synthesizing collagen and preventing its breakdown. However, with collagen from natural sources like garlic, you may need high amounts to reap its benefits, and this may cause heartburn.
16. Ginseng can promote the growth of collagen in the skin.
(Healthline)
Ginseng is readily absorbed by the skin without causing any adverse reactions. Studies have shown that ginseng can protect the skin from sun damage and maintain its original shape by boosting collagen production.
17. Aloe vera increases collagen levels when applied topically or taken orally.
(Healthline)
Aloe vera gel works for treating cuts and burns because of its cell-growth-stimulating properties, which aid in enhancing collagen production in the skin. It can be used in its pure form or through products that contain it.
Collagen Supplement Statistics and Facts: Dosage and Side Effects
18. There are two popular types of collagen supplements.
(Healthline)
Hydrolyzed collagen and gelatin are two types of collagen supplements that are gaining popularity worldwide. These supplements are easily absorbed because they have already been broken down into smaller peptides.
19. Collagen supplements are available in pill or powdered form.
(Healthline)
However, collagen supplement facts show that the powder form is easier to add to foods. It can be directly mixed into soups, smoothies, and baked goods without changing their texture.
20. Most collagen supplements are derived from animals.
(Healthline)
We get most of these supplements from cows, pigs, and fish. They are typically made up of the top three types of collagen—I, II, and III, or a combination of the three.
21. There is no official recommended dosage for collagen supplements.
(Healthline)
Collagen supplement dosage recommendations for powdered supplements prescribe taking 1–2 scoops daily, while pill supplement manufacturers typically suggest taking 1 or 2 pills per day. Thus the amount of collagen supplements you should take depends on which form you’re taking and why. Most supplements have the recommended dose on the packs.
22. Collagen supplement brands can be trusted if they have a third-party label from USP or NSF.
(WebMD)
Since the FDA does not regulate supplements, consumers must take precautionary measures to avoid scams. Collagen supplement statistics indicate that it is best to look out for companies that get their tissues and bones from free-range, cage-, and antibiotic-free sources.
23. Collagen supplementation may cause allergic reactions.
(Healthline)
While they might be safe for most people, these supplements can cause an allergic reaction if you’re allergic to the materials they are derived from. Additionally, they may also cause mild side effects like heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Some collagen supplements may also have an unpleasant taste because of the source materials used in their production.
Essential Benefits of Collagen Supplements
24. Collagen supplements may aid in preventing bone loss.
(Healthline)
The bone mass deteriorates with age as collagen levels drop, and this may cause osteoporosis. In one study, women who took 5 grams of collagen every day for 12 months experienced a 7% increase in their bone material density.
25. Collagen supplements can increase muscle mass and strength.
(Healthline)
According to a 2019 collagen for energy study, a combination of strength training and collagen peptide supplements can boost muscle mass and energy in recreationally active men.
26. Collagen supplements may offer protection against arthritis.
(Healthline)
According to results from a 2017 animal study, collagen supplementation may act as a deterrent to post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) development and progression.
27. Collagen supplements may aid in reducing the risk of heart-related conditions.
(Healthline)
Collagen vitamins statistics show that it gives structure to the arteries, and a lack of it may cause atherosclerosis. A study with 31 healthy adult participants found that taking 16 grams of collagen daily for six months can significantly reduce artery stiffness and increase the HDL “good” cholesterol levels by 6%.
28. Collagen peptide supplements may improve skin elasticity.
(Healthline)
Reports from collagen for beauty facts indicate that collagen supplementation improved skin elasticity and appearance in women. Also, collagen is added to topical treatments to aid in reducing lines and wrinkles.
29. Collagen supplements may improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
(Healthline)
While there are no scientific studies on the impact of collagen supplements on brain health, some people claim it may help the mood. They also claim collagen supplement use may treat leaky gut syndrome and promote weight loss.
30. Collagen supplements may increase the strength of hair and nails.
(Healthline)
Collagen supplementation may increase hair and nail strength by preventing brittleness. Although this is yet to be scientifically proven, there are claims that it may also stimulate the growth of hair and nails.
Global Collagen Supplements Market Value: Facts and Statistics
31. In 2019, the global collagen market was valued at over $3.5 billion.
(Global Market Insights)
Thanks to the increasing demand for collagen in the medical sector and healthcare, the global collagen market is expected to exceed $6 billion in 2026.
32. The worldwide collagen market demand in 2019 reached 920 tons.
(Grand View Research)
Due to the rising collagen consumption rates in the food and beverage industry as well as the cosmetics industry, the demand is expected to increase with a CAGR of 5.9% between 2020 and 2027.
33. In 2019, bovine collagen accounted for the largest share of the market.
(Grand View Research)
The bovine collagen segment made up 35% of the global collagen market in 2019. This large share was due to the raw material’s availability and lower pricing than marine and porcine collagen. However, marine collagen vitamins are gaining immense popularity and are expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the future.
34. The worldwide marine collagen market is expected to reach $1 billion by 2026.
(Globe Newswire)
As this market continues to gain popularity, it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% between 2018 and 2026. This is a notable increase from $603.3 million in 2018. The muscle, skin, and scales segment is forecasted to grow at a larger CAGR than other sources of the marine collagen market.
35. The global collagen market from the healthcare sector was valued at $874 million in 2019.
(Global Market Insights)
Collagen statistics show that the worldwide dental application market was valued at $90 million in 2019. As the largest sector in the global collagen application segment, healthcare is expected to register a CAGR of 8% between 2020 and 2026.
36. United States consumers have spent $293 million on collagen supplements in 2020.
(WebMD)
According to Nutrition Business Journal, collagen supplement sales in the US have increased drastically compared to $50 million in 2014.
37. The Asia Pacific collagen market was worth more than $900 million in 2019.
(Global Market Insights)
Owing to the rising demand for bakery and confectionery products in the Asia Pacific market, it is projected to register a CAGR of over 9% between 2020 and 2026.
38. In 2019, Europe was the largest regional segment in the collagen market.
(Grand View Research)
The rapid growth of meat processing industries in this region contributed immensely to the market in 2019. The European market holds a significant share in the collagen market and is expected to reach $238.50 million by 2026.
FAQs
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is secreted by different cells and, in particular, by connective tissues. It is found throughout the body in places like skin, bones, muscles, and tendons.
It is a hard, insoluble protein that provides structure and gives strength to the body. There are about 16 types of collagen, with types I, II, III, and IV being the major ones. Some collagens play protective roles for organs like kidneys and others aid in restoring dead skin cells.
How should I take collagen supplements?
As there is no official daily dosage for collagen supplements, consumers are advised to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Whether you choose the pill or powdered form, these supplements can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food.
If you buy powdered collagen supplements, you can take them by mixing them with soups and smoothies. They are easily absorbed and do not affect the taste and texture of your food.
How much vitamin collagen should I take daily?
The amount of collagen you should consume depends on its form and why you are taking the supplement. It is advised that consumers read the product label and follow the manufacturer’s suggested dosage. The typical dose for powdered supplements is 1 or 2 scoops per day, and it’s the same for pills, with 1 or 2 per day being the most common recommendation by the manufacturers.
For joint pain, 40 mg of raw type II collagen can be taken daily for six months. Taking 5 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen daily can increase bone density after a year, and 15 grams taken an hour after resistance training can aid in building muscle.
How long does it take for collagen to work for the skin?
According to research, taking 2.5 grams of hydrolyzed collagen type I and a combination of types I and II can increase skin elasticity after 8 to 12 weeks.
What is the best food source of collagen?
Generally, foods containing nutrients like vitamin C, proline, glycine, and copper are the best food sources of collagen, as those nutrients are required for collagen production in the body.
Foods rich in protein like fish, seafood, meat, eggs, beans, and dairy products contain several amino acids required to make collagen. Additionally, bone broth, gelatin, cashew nuts, leafy greens, garlic, ginseng, and aloe vera can boost collagen production.
What is the best substitute for collagen?
As most collagen supplements are obtained from animal sources, many people are searching for vegan alternatives. Thankfully, collagen from genetically modified yeast and bacteria can now be made a suitable substitute for vegans.
Vegan collagen is cost-effective and safer compared to animal-sourced collagen. However, since vegan collagen is still hard to come by, plant-based foods like soy, nuts, seeds, and many legumes can be used instead.
Conclusion
Collagen is an essential protein produced by the body to maintain its normal functioning. However, collagen production slows down with age and can also be hampered by the sun or autoimmune diseases. Thankfully, certain foods and nutrients like pork and chicken skin, fish, vitamin C, etc., can boost collagen production in the body.
Today, there are several brands of collagen supplements that promise immense benefits. Collagen statistics show that these supplements can increase muscle mass, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the risk of heart-related conditions. Additionally, while these supplements are considered safe, they may cause side effects like allergic reactions, heartburn, and nausea in some people.
As the rave for collagen, especially in the beauty industry, continues to spread, the global market is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
