When you incorporate a new supplement into your routine, it’s only natural to expect results.
But how fast do those results show up?
Well, that may take a bit more patience.
Why take collagen?
We naturally produce collagen via our cells' fibroblasts, but said product decreases over time.
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The research3shows that these collagen peptides are able tosupport skin elasticity and dermal collagen density3.
- Particularly hydrolyzed collagen peptides help the skin.
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Gut
One of the reasons collagen supplements have become so widespread is the potentialgut health benefits.
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Research has found that blood levels of certain types of collagen are lower in individuals withdigestive challenges5.
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Our gut lining also uses proline and glycine for energy.
- These are two additional amino acids found in collagen.
Joints
Collagen pop in IIis a common structural component of our joints.
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Another study showed that athletes who regularly took collagen experienced support fortheir overall joint health and comfort7.
(See, collagen makes up 1 to 10% of muscles.)
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For hair, the connection is more theoretical.
Hair is mainly made up of theprotein keratin and structural lipids11.
So how long does it take for collagen to work?
For skin benefits, 12 weeks is a common duration according to robustly designed research.
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Another found that respondentsexperienced smoother skin texture14.
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Some studies suggest you may be able to see results sooner.
This study said they found statisticallysignificant skin elasticity enhancement16at four weeks.
- Another suggests that results were evengreater at eight weeks17.
That’s what the science says.
How long does it take for collagen to work for the joints and tendons?
If you are looking for joint support, it may take anywhere from 12 weeks to six months.
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But for broader, global joint support, the studies suggest it will likely take longer.
One study found that patients saw enhancedoverall joint health21at the six-month marker.
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For tendons and ligaments, research suggests you could see benefits inthree to six months22.
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How long does it take for collagen to work on muscles?
Muscles' time frame varies, depending on the intended result studied.
- Another study conducted in older men also observed benefits for theirbody composition and muscle mass26.
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Finally, research in recreationally active adult men finds that collagen supplementation supportsbody composition27as well asskeletal muscle28.
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How long does it take for collagen to work on the bones?
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How long does it take for collagen to work for hair and nails?
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What can affect how fast it works?
Not all collagen is created equaland nobody is the same.
So some things will affect the efficacy and how fast you’ll see the results.
Here are a few:
What is the best form of collagen to take?
Always look for hydrolyzed collagen peptides.
See, collagen by itself is too large of a molecule to be absorbed by the body.
But when broken down into the peptides, your body is able to easily digest and utilize it.
“The collagen fragments can be absorbed as is and circulate throughout the body to exert their effects.”
The takeaway
Collagen is an incredibly beneficial supplementone that has essential functional roles andbenefitsfor the full body.
