Is it okay to eat collagen?
From the perspectives of nutritionists and clinical research, this article will guide you through the sources, effects, and suitability of collagen supplements for cancer patients.
Free cancer support
Celebrities are promoting it, influencers are marketing it, and even your friends might be enthusiastically claiming that taking collagen supplements can make their skin look younger and their hair healthier.
But should I actually take collagen supplements? What is collagen, and can it really reverse aging or improve health? We spoke with Lindsey Wohlford, a nutritionist at MD Anderson, the largest cancer center in the U.S., to get some insights.
Makes up 1/3 of the body’s protein
Provides structural support for cartilage, skin, tendons, and other tissues
Synthesis declines after age 20
Dietary sources provide amino acids, which must be broken down before absorption
What is collagen?
The truth about collagen supplements
Collagen is a group of proteins that makes up one-third of the protein in your body, providing structure for tissues such as cartilage, skin, and tendons. The body synthesizes collagen from amino acids obtained from food. However, this ability begins to decline after the age of 20.
Unless collagen is broken down into smaller amino acids, it cannot be absorbed. Therefore, collagen supplements are not actually collagen itself, but rather components of collagen that have been broken down into an absorbable form.
Collagen supplements are not whole collagen but broken-down amino acids
Evidence is limited, and their effects on skin and joint improvement are unclear
Most sources come from animal connective tissue and bones, which may contain heavy metals or toxins
A balanced diet and lifestyle are more important
Taking collagen supplements is unlikely to harm you, but they may also offer little benefit. Consuming a varied diet that provides the amino acids needed for collagen production (such as vitamin C) is sufficient. Clinical trials show limited evidence that collagen supplements improve skin or joint health.
Collagen supplements are usually made from animal connective tissue and bones, which may contain heavy metals or toxins, and are not strictly regulated by the FDA. Research on their safety and efficacy is limited.
Lifestyle factors also affect collagen synthesis: avoiding excessive sun exposure, not smoking, following a low-sugar diet, and getting adequate sleep can help protect collagen and reduce cancer risk.
Consume foods rich in amino acids and vitamin C
Avoid excessive sun exposure
Do not smoke and maintain a low-sugar diet
Ensure adequate sleep to support collagen protection
Cancer patients and collagen
Collagen and Cancer Patients: Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend collagen supplementation during cancer treatment. Patients should consult their physician before taking collagen supplements.
Key points: Collagen supplements provide amino acids, but a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle remain the most effective approach.
Lack of clinical evidence supporting collagen supplementation during cancer treatment
Safety and efficacy have not been established
Cancer patients should consult their treating physician first
summary
Collagen supplements ≠ essential nutrient
Balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are key
Cancer patients should carefully evaluate and avoid indiscriminate supplementation
Contact our professional team now
References
- MD Anderson Cancer Center. (n.d.). Should you take collagen supplements? MD Anderson Cancer Center. https://www.mdanderson.org
- Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. (n.d.). Collagen and cancer patients. https://www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz