Collagen is on the rise! Proof of this: according to a study by Grand View Research, the global collagen market is expected to grow at an annual growth rate of 9.6% from 2024 to 2030, with revenue expected to rise to 19. 9 billion dollars by 2030. A true panacea, this food supplement would be as effective in firming the skin as in relieving joint pain. But what are the alleged benefits?
What is collagen?
Collagen is one of the body’s main proteins: it is found in the skin – to which it provides strength and elasticity! – but also in muscles, bones and even cartilage. If it is produced massively during childhood, its synthesis naturally slows down over time. “Majority compound of connective tissues such as skin, bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage, collagen is characterized by a particular triple helical structure, at the origin of the specific mechanical properties of these tissues (elasticity, robustness… )”, details Inserm.
Not one… but collagens!
The term “collagen” actually covers a large family of different collagens. “We have identified up to 28 types which differ from each other by their molecular composition, by their organization within the organism but also by their properties, confirms Dr. Laurent Grange. In rheumatology, we mainly use type II collagen. Different formulations have been developed: the most widespread being undenatured collagen and hydrolyzed collagen.
Where does the collagen in food supplements come from?
The collagen found in food supplements is mainly extracted from fish bones and skin, chicken bones or even beef which undergo treatment to increase the bioavailability of their amino acids and/or peptides.
How can this food supplement be effective in relieving osteoarthritis?
The most common joint disease in the world, osteoarthritis affects nearly 10 million French people, including 65% of those over 65. This chronic joint condition is characterized by wear and tear of the cartilage which over time cracks, becomes more fragile and has more difficulty absorbing the pressures experienced by the joint during movements. Pain, stiffness or even inflammation may then appear. Currently, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. “Treatment is only symptomatic and is mainly based on appropriate physical activity and the prescription of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)or slow-acting symptomatic anti-arthritic drugs (AASAL): chondroitin or glucosamine sulfate extracted from soya and avocado, confirms Dr. Laurent Grange. It is also possible to resort to infiltrations of corticosteroids or lubricating products such as hyaluronic acid.” What about collagen-based food supplements? “Several studies suggest that collagen would be effective in relieving pain, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis.continues the rheumatologist. Undenatured type II collagen – often derived from chicken cartilage – has immunomodulatory properties, meaning it reduces inflammation and could act on osteoarthritis. As for hydrolyzed collagen, it would boost the production of natural collagen by cartilage cells (chondrocytes).
And to add: “Taking food supplements would therefore improve quality of life and reduce pain and stiffness. The concern is that the studies carried out on small groups of patients are not methodologically rigorous enough and it is therefore difficult to know whether collagen is of real interest.”
Collagen supplements: what is the recommended dose?
According to Inserm, most studies also do not conclude on the question of effective doses, nor on the duration of the treatment period. “Generally, the recommendation is 40 mg/day for native type II collagen, therefore not denatured, and 5 to 10 g/day of hydroxylated collagenspecifies the specialist. The collagen treatment should last at least two to three months. We continue if we notice an effect and we stop if there is no improvement.oration.”
Taking collagen: what are the risks?
“ Collagen supplementation does not appear to have any notable side effectsconcludes the rheumatologist. On the other hand, since the formulations can differ greatly depending on the manufacturer, it is advisable to avoid purchasing supplements on the internet and to favor products manufactured by well-established laboratories. » Word to the wise…