The Real Benefits of Collagen Supplementation: What Most People Don't Know

Most people have no clue what collagen actually does. They hear it helps with skin or joints and assume that means they need it, but they never stop to really learn why collagen matters or how it works in the body. Collagen is not just some trendy supplement influencers are pushing to make a buck. It's the most abundant protein in the human body and it plays a massive role in keeping your body functioning the way it should.

I started looking into collagen years ago after dealing with inflammation, joint issues, and slow recovery after workouts. The more I studied it, the more I realized this was a supplement most people are severely lacking in without even knowing it. If you care about aging well, keeping your joints strong, healing faster, or even just keeping your skin, hair, and nails looking good, collagen needs to be on your radar.

Let’s break this down in a way that makes sense, without the fluff or the marketing buzzwords.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a structural protein. Think of it as the glue that holds your body together. It makes up about 30 percent of the total protein in your body and is found in your skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels, and even your digestive tract. There are at least 16 types of collagen, but 80 to 90 percent of the collagen in your body comes from types I, II, and III.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Type I: Found in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Great for skin elasticity and bone strength.

• Type II: Found in cartilage. This is the one that helps with joint health and mobility.

• Type III: Found in skin, lungs, blood vessels, and the intestines. Often paired with Type I for skin and organ support.

  
  

Why You Start Losing Collagen

Your body naturally produces collagen, but that production drops off starting in your mid to late 20s. By the time you hit your 40s, it’s dropped significantly. This is when you start seeing the signs: wrinkles, sagging skin, joint stiffness, slower recovery, weaker nails, and even gut issues. 

Add in stress, poor sleep, alcohol, sugar, and environmental toxins, and your collagen levels take an even bigger hit.

So if you think collagen is just for women trying to get rid of crow’s feet, you’ve missed the big picture.

The Real Benefits of Collagen Supplementation

Let’s get into what actually happens when you supplement with high-quality collagen.

1. Healthier Joints and Stronger Cartilage

If you’re over 30 and your knees crack every time you stand up, this is for you. Type II collagen supports cartilage, which cushions your joints. Multiple studies have shown that collagen supplements can reduce joint pain and improve mobility, especially in people with osteoarthritis or who are active and putting stress on their joints.

2. Improved Skin Elasticity and Hydration

Your skin is made mostly of collagen. As you lose collagen, skin starts to sag and wrinkle. Supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen peptides can improve skin elasticity, moisture, and overall appearance. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, women who took collagen daily saw significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity in just 8 weeks.

That’s not opinion. That’s science. If you want to look younger without dropping thousands on Botox, start with your collagen levels.

3. Faster Muscle Recovery and Better Gains

Collagen contains glycine and proline, two amino acids that help build muscle, repair tissues, and reduce inflammation. One study showed that older men who combined collagen supplementation with resistance training gained more muscle mass and strength than those who didn’t take collagen. This is not your standard whey protein. Collagen hits differently because it supports connective tissue, not just muscle fibers.

4. Gut Health and Digestion

Most people have heard of “leaky gut” by now. The lining of your gut is made up of collagen-rich tissue. When that tissue breaks down, you get inflammation, food sensitivities, and poor nutrient absorption. Collagen helps repair the gut lining by strengthening the connective tissue that holds your intestinal wall together.

If you’re dealing with bloating, gas, or any type of gut issue, this should be a foundational part of your supplement routine.

5. Stronger Hair and Nails

We’re talking thicker hair, fewer split ends, and nails that don’t break when you tap them on the counter. Collagen provides the amino acids your body uses to build keratin, the protein that makes up your hair and nails. After a couple months on collagen, most people report stronger nails and less hair thinning. If your hairbrush looks like it’s been attacked by a squirrel, collagen can help.

6. Bone Strength and Density

Your bones are made mostly of collagen. As collagen breaks down with age, bone mass decreases, making you more prone to fractures. Supplementing with collagen has been shown to improve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. That’s huge. You don’t want to wait until you break something to start caring about your bone health.

7. Better Sleep and Reduced Anxiety

This one surprised me at first. Glycine, which is found in high amounts in collagen, has been shown to promote better sleep and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It acts as a neurotransmitter that calms the brain and helps regulate body temperature during sleep. If you’re dealing with sleep issues, collagen before bed might help more than you think.

How to Choose the Right Collagen Supplement

Not all collagen is created equal. Here’s what to look for:

• Hydrolyzed collagen peptides: This form is broken down so your body can absorb it easily.

• Grass-fed or wild-caught sources: You want clean, high-quality collagen without hormones, antibiotics, or fillers.

• Multi-type blends: Some brands combine Type I, II, and III to give you full-body support.

• No added sugar or artificial junk: You’d be shocked how many “health” supplements are full of garbage.

Also, collagen works best when combined with vitamin C, which helps your body synthesize it. If your diet lacks vitamin C, you might not see full benefits.

Why I Recommend Shaklee Collagen 9

There are a million collagen supplements on the market. But the one I recommend, and the one I take myself, is Shaklee Collagen 9. And here is why.

Most people have no idea that their collagen supplement is incomplete. They buy the cheapest thing they see at a big box store or online, take it inconsistently, and never see results. Shaklee Collagen 9 fixes that by including all nine essential amino acids, not just the ones typically found in collagen.

That matters. Because your body cannot produce collagen effectively if it is missing even one essential amino acid. Most supplements out there give you a partial solution. Shaklee gives you the full blueprint.

What else sets it apart:

• It contains collagen from the same type found in youthful skin, so it works better for visible skin improvements

• It includes vitamin C and biotin, which are both critical for collagen synthesis and healthy skin, hair, and nails

• It is clinically tested and backed by science, not hype

• It is non GMO, gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and sugar free. No junk. No garbage fillers. Just results

And unlike the gritty powders that taste like fish tank water, Shaklee Collagen 9 actually mixes well and tastes good. That alone makes it easier to stay consistent, which is the whole point.

Learn About Collagen 9

How Long Does It Take to Work?

You’re not going to notice changes overnight. Most people start seeing skin and joint improvements in about 4 to 8 weeks, but internal healing takes longer. Consistency is everything. If you’re only using it a few times a week or switching brands every month, you’re wasting your money.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who wants to age better, move better, feel better, and recover faster, collagen is one of the best supplements you can take. It’s not a magic pill, but when combined with clean eating, regular movement, and a solid supplement routine, it makes a real difference.

The biggest mistake people make is waiting until the damage is done before they act. Be proactive. Your joints, skin, and gut will thank you later.

*Speak to your doctor before using any supplements.