Collagen for Joints and Skin: Truth or Myth? A Complete Analysis of the Popular Supplement

In the world of health and beauty, collagen is one of the most discussed supplements. It’s advertised as a miracle cure for skin rejuvenation, strengthening hair and nails, and maintaining joint health. But what is true, and what is just a marketing gimmick? Let’s find out by examining scientific data and expert opinions. If you are considering buying collagen in Ukraine or other EU countries, this article will help you make an informed choice.

Collagen is the main structural protein in the human body, accounting for about 30% of all protein. It forms the foundation of connective tissues, such as skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, providing them with strength, elasticity, and the ability to withstand mechanical stress. Without enough collagen, our tissues lose their firmness and integrity, leading to visible signs of aging and functional disorders. With age, the natural production of collagen in the body decreases, which leads to the appearance of wrinkles, loss of skin firmness, and the worsening of joint and bone condition. This process begins quite early, around the age of 25, and accelerates after 40, especially in women during menopause, when hormonal changes affect collagen synthesis. Therefore, taking collagen supplements is becoming an increasingly popular solution to slow down these processes and maintain youth and health.

What Is Collagen and Why Is It Important?

Collagen is a complex fibrous protein consisting of a specific set of amino acids, such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids combine into a unique triple-helix structure, which gives collagen its characteristic properties: high tensile strength and flexibility. This unique molecular architecture makes collagen an ideal building material for connective tissues throughout the body. There are over 28 different types of collagen in the human body, each performing its specialized function and having its location, but the most common and well-studied are the following:

• Type I: This is the most common type of collagen, accounting for about 90% of all collagen in the body. It is found in the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, fibrous cartilage, and teeth. Type I collagen is responsible for tensile strength and tissue elasticity, providing skin firmness and bone density and fracture resistance. Its role in bone strengthening and maintaining skin structure makes it a key component for beauty from within.
• Type II: This type of collagen is the main component of hyaline and elastic cartilage, which covers the ends of bones in joints. It provides cartilage with flexibility, elasticity, and cushioning properties, which is critical for the normal functioning of joint health and joint mobility. Type II collagen supplements are often recommended for the prevention and treatment of joint problems.
• Type III: This type of collagen is often found together with Type I collagen, especially in the skin (giving it softness and resilience), as well as in the walls of blood vessels and internal organs. It plays an important role in the formation of reticular fibers that support the structure of soft tissues.
• Type V and X: Less common, but also important types, present in hair, placenta, as well as in cartilage and bone tissues, involved in their development and repair.

The decrease in collagen levels, as already mentioned, is a natural aging process. From the age of 25, its production decreases by about 1% per year, and after 40, this process accelerates. In women during menopause, estrogen deficiency leads to an even faster decline in collagen levels, which manifests as deep wrinkles, dry and sagging skin, weakened hair and nails, as well as joint pain and stiffness. Therefore, taking collagen supplements is becoming an increasingly popular method to compensate for this deficiency and maintain youth and vitality.

Collagen for Skin: Scientific Facts and Anti-Aging Effect

One of the most popular and well-studied uses of collagen is skin condition improvement. Numerous clinical trials confirm its ability to effectively reduce wrinkles, increase skin elasticity and hydration, and promote skin regeneration. This makes it a powerful tool in the fight for anti-aging effect.

A meta-analysis of 11 studies, published in the journal Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (Hexsel et al., 2017), which included over 800 participants, showed that the intake of hydrolyzed collagen significantly improves hydration and skin elasticity, and reduces wrinkle depth. Study participants noted a noticeable reduction in visible signs of aging. Another double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 69 women aged 35 to 55, published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (Proksch et al., 2014), demonstrated that participants who took 2.5-5 g of hydrolyzed collagen daily for 8 weeks showed a noticeable increase in skin elasticity. Moreover, the improvements were maintained even after stopping the intake. Collagen works from the inside, stimulating the natural production of native collagen and hyaluronic acid by fibroblasts, which strengthens the dermal layer and supports its structure. Thus, it doesn’t just mask problems, but promotes the restoration and renewal of the skin at the cellular level.

Marine collagen, obtained from fish skin and scales, is considered particularly bioavailable and effective for the skin, as its peptide structure is closest to human collagen. It is rich in Type I collagen, which contributes to rapid cell regeneration, actively participates in restoring firmness and reducing pigmentation, providing a pronounced anti-aging effect. Due to its purity and absence of risks associated with animal farming, marine collagen is often chosen by people with specific dietary preferences or allergies to animal-derived ingredients.

MST Nutrition offers various forms of collagen that are specifically designed for maximum effectiveness in improving skin condition. For example, products with the patented Verisol® complex demonstrate proven effectiveness in increasing skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles, and improving nail structure.

Collagen for Joints: Myth or Reality?

In addition to the benefits for the skin, collagen is widely used to maintain joint health and increase joint mobility. This is especially relevant for athletes, whose joints are subjected to high loads, and elderly people suffering from age-related degenerative changes. Contrary to widespread doubts, scientific data confirms the real benefits of collagen for the musculoskeletal system.

A study published in Current Medical Research and Opinion (Clark et al., 2008) showed that athletes with joint pain who took 10 g of hydrolyzed collagen for 24 weeks reported a significant reduction in pain, improved joint function, and reduced need for additional painkillers. This indicates that collagen not only alleviates symptoms but also contributes to the improvement of cartilage tissue. Type II collagen, which is the main component of cartilage tissue, is especially beneficial for joints, as it promotes cartilage repair, reduces inflammation, and maintains its cushioning properties. It can help reduce joint pain, improve joint flexibility, and even slow the progression of degenerative changes, such as osteoarthritis, by stimulating chondrocytes (cartilage cells) to produce their own cartilage matrix. Thus, the benefits of collagen for joints extend beyond a simple myth, representing an effective tool for maintaining long-term musculoskeletal health.

MST Nutrition products offer high-quality collagen for joints and skin, including specialized formulas with patented components such as Fortigel® and Verisol®, which have proven clinical efficacy:

Collagen Category

Hydrolyzed and Marine Collagen: What Is the Difference and What to Choose?

Several forms of collagen are available on the sports nutrition and health supplement market, each with its own characteristics. The most popular and effective are hydrolyzed and marine collagen. Understanding their differences will help you choose the most suitable product.

• Hydrolyzed Collagen (Collagen Peptides): This is the most common and well-studied form of collagen. It is produced by hydrolysis, which breaks down long collagen protein chains into smaller fragments—peptides. This process significantly improves its absorption by the body, as small peptides pass more easily through the intestinal walls and reach target tissues (skin, joints, bones) faster. Most clinical studies confirming the benefits of collagen for skin and joints have been conducted with hydrolyzed collagen. It can be of animal origin (from cattle or pigs) or marine. Animal collagen is usually rich in Types I and III, making it versatile for general connective tissue health support.
• Marine Collagen: It is derived from fish skin and scales. Its feature is that its peptide structure is maximally similar to human collagen, which provides even higher bioavailability and absorption compared to animal-derived collagen. Marine collagen is rich in Type I collagen, which is especially important for skin condition improvement, hair, and nails. It promotes intense cell regeneration, actively participates in restoring firmness and reducing pigmentation, providing a pronounced anti-aging effect. Due to its purity and the absence of risks associated with animal farming, marine collagen is often chosen by people with specific dietary preferences or allergies to animal-derived ingredients.

The choice between these forms depends on your individual goals: for a comprehensive effect on joints, skin, and bones, high-quality hydrolyzed collagen of any origin will suit. If your main goal is to improve the condition of your skin, hair, and nails, then marine collagen may be the preferred option.

Collagen Sources: Not Just Supplements, but Also Diet

While collagen supplements are an effective way to address its deficiency, it is important to remember that our body can also produce collagen naturally with the necessary building blocks and cofactors. Proper nutrition plays a key role in maintaining natural **collagen synthesis** and its level in tissues. Including certain foods in your diet can significantly support this process:

• Bone Broth: This is a traditional and one of the richest natural sources of collagen. During the long cooking of animal bones (beef, chicken, fish), collagen and other valuable minerals are released into the liquid, making the broth nutritious and easily digestible. Regular consumption of bone broth contributes to bone strengthening, joint health, and skin elasticity.
• Gelatin: A derivative of collagen, widely used in cooking to make jellies, mousses, and other desserts. It can be added to soups, sauces, and even coffee to increase collagen intake.
• Foods rich in proline and glycine: These amino acids are the main “building blocks” for collagen synthesis. They can be found in eggs, dairy products (cheese, cottage cheese), legumes (lentils, beans), cabbage (white cabbage, broccoli), mushrooms, and asparagus.
• Foods rich in Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an absolutely necessary cofactor for collagen synthesis. Without a sufficient amount of this vitamin, the body cannot produce complete, strong collagen. Rich sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), red and green peppers, kiwi, and broccoli.
• Foods rich in zinc and copper: These trace elements are also involved in the enzymatic reactions necessary for collagen production. Zinc is found in nuts (cashews, almonds), seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), whole grains, beef, and oysters. Copper can be found in liver, oysters, mushrooms, nuts, and dark chocolate.

Despite the importance of diet, to achieve a therapeutic effect, especially with pronounced problems with joints, skin, or during active physical exertion, a higher dose of collagen is often required, which is difficult to obtain only from food. This is where specialized supplements come to the rescue, providing a concentrated and bioavailable amount of collagen for effective body support.

Where to Buy Collagen in Ukraine and EU Countries?

When choosing collagen supplements, it is extremely important to pay attention to their quality and origin. MST Nutrition products comply with high standards and are available to both residents of Ukraine and consumers in European Union countries.

On the MST Nutrition Ukrainian website

For residents of Ukraine, MST Nutrition products can be purchased in the official online store. A wide range of collagen supplements is presented here, meeting various needs:

• Collagen Category: General section where you will find all types of collagen.
• Fortigel® Category: Products with patented Fortigel® collagen, specifically developed for joint health and cartilage, confirmed by clinical trials.
• Verisol® Category: Supplements with patented Verisol® collagen, focused on skin condition improvement, wrinkle reduction, and increased skin elasticity.
• For Joints and Ligaments Category: Specialized products for maintaining joint mobility and injury prevention.
• For Hair, Skin, and Nails Category: Complexes for comprehensive external care.
• Marine Collagen Category: Products with highly bioavailable marine collagen.
• Animal Collagen Category: Collagen from cattle, rich in Types I and III.
• Liquid Collagen Category: Convenient liquid forms for rapid absorption.
• Powdered Collagen Category: Universal powdered forms for adding to drinks and food.

On the German website for EU residents

For customers from European Union countries, MST Nutrition products are available on the German website. Here you will also find a wide selection of collagen supplements developed in compliance with European quality standards:

• Collagen Category: General overview of all collagen products.
• Marine Collagen Category: Products with high-quality marine collagen.
• Powdered Collagen Category: Convenient powdered forms of collagen.
• Liquid Collagen Category: Easily digestible liquid forms.
• Collagen Peptides Category: Hydrolyzed forms for maximum bioavailability.
• Collagen Hydrolyzate Category: Additional options for hydrolyzed collagen.
• Collagen Verisol® Category: Special products with patented Verisol® for the skin.
• Collagen Fortigel® Category: Products with patented Fortigel® for the joints.

By purchasing collagen from official MST Nutrition distributors, you can be confident in the originality and quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, collagen for joints and skin is not a myth but a scientifically proven supplement capable of significantly improving your health and appearance. Studies confirm its effectiveness in reducing wrinkles, increasing skin elasticity, as well as reducing pain and improving joint mobility. It plays a key role in maintaining the structure of connective tissues, ensuring strength and flexibility. When choosing collagen, pay attention to its types of collagen (Type I is especially important for the skin and Type II for the joints), form (hydrolyzed collagen has better absorbability), and origin (marine collagen is often preferred for the skin due to high bioavailability). Also, do not forget the importance of a balanced diet rich in Vitamin C, zinc, and copper for natural collagen synthesis. In combination with a healthy lifestyle, collagen can be a valuable addition to your health and beauty routine, helping to maintain youth and activity for many years. This is an investment in your beauty from within and overall well-being.

References:

• Clark, K. L., et al. (2008). 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 24(5), 1485-1496.
• Hexsel, D., et al. (2017). Oral supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen improves skin attributes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 16(11), 1085-1090.
• Proksch, E., et al. (2014). Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(1), 47-55.