The popularity of collagen supplements are on the rise, but are they worth it?

Collagen is a protein that is found in bone, skin and ligaments, it has three forms, each type is found in different parts of the body.

Type 1 is found in the bones, ligaments, skin, connective tissue and teeth.

Type II is found in the cartilage.

Type III is found in the muscles, arteries, and organs.

Collagen is often associated with skin, specifically, the reduction of it as we age and the development of wrinkles.

Collagen, like all proteins, is made up of amino acid components, which are broken down to be absorbed into the body. Once absorbed, they do not automatically re-form into collagen, and the body can use them to create other proteins at its’ whim.

Currently, the regulating body Therapeutic Goods Act (TGA) does not regulate collagen in food sources, therefore when purchasing products there is no way to determine how much collagen will be re-absorbed by the body for use.