In recent years, collagen supplements have become quite popular—and for good reason. Collagen, which is the most abundant protein in your body, has a number of key functions for your body. Here you’ll find the science-backed health benefits that come with taking collagen.

Collagen can improve skin health 

As you age, your body produces less collagen, leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. With collagen, you can slow the gaining of your skin as the protein benefits elasticity and hydration, helping you to ward off wrinkles.

It helps relieve joint pain

Collagen helps maintain the integrity of your cartilage, which is the rubber-like tissue that protects your joints. As the amount of collagen in your body decreases as you get older, your risk of developing degenerative joint disorders such as osteoarthritis increases. Some studies have shown that taking collagen supplements may help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce joint pain overall. Researchers have theorized that supplemental collagen may accumulate in cartilage and stimulate your tissues to make collagen. They have suggested this may lead to lower inflammation, better support of your joints, and reduced pain.

Collagen could prevent bone loss

Just as the collagen in your body deteriorates as you age, so does bone mass. Studies have shown that taking collagen supplements may have certain effects on the body that help inhibit the bone breakdown that leads to osteoporosis.

Collagen boosts muscle mass

Between 1–10% of muscle tissue is composed of collagen. Studies suggest that collagen supplements help boost muscle mass in people with sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass that happens with age.

Promotes heart health

Collagen provides structure to your arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Without enough collagen, arteries may become weak and fragile.