Collagen Protein: What It Is, Forms, and Pros & Cons
Collagen protein has exploded in popularity over the past few years, with marketers claiming it can do everything from soothe your joints to smooth your skin, boost recovery, grow your hair, and more. Skeptics, meanwhile, argue that collagen’s supposed benefits are misrepresented, overblown, or flat out false. So who’s right? The truth sits somewhere in the middle. Collagen protein is still a lousy muscle-building protein, but newer research shows that properly dosed collagen peptides can support connective tissue health, joint comfort, recovery, and even improve your skin’s appearance. In this article, we’ll break down what collagen can—and can’t—do, what the research actually shows, and which type of collagen is worth your money. Key Takeaways Collagen is a poor muscle-building protein. It’s incomplete, low in essential amino acids, and far less effective than whey or casein for stimulating muscle growth. But collagen peptides do have benefits: they can increase c...