Collagen supplementation in youth
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Collagen Supplementation and Skin Health in Youth
Collagen is a key protein for maintaining the structure and elasticity of the skin. Research shows that oral collagen supplementation can improve skin hydration, elasticity, and reduce wrinkles, even in younger adults. Several studies and reviews confirm that hydrolyzed collagen supplements are effective in reducing visible signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles, and improving skin texture and density after consistent use for about 90 days or more Słupczyńska2022Žmitek2024Kaziród2023+2 MORE. However, the benefits on skin elasticity and hydration may vary, and some studies did not find significant improvements in these specific parameters .
Collagen Supplementation and Connective Tissue in Young Athletes
For young, physically active individuals, collagen supplementation has been studied for its effects on connective tissues like tendons and muscles. In young female soccer players, collagen hydrolysate supplementation during a 10-week training period led to greater improvements in patellar tendon stiffness and material properties compared to training alone, suggesting a potential benefit for tendon health and possibly injury prevention . Similarly, in young men, combining specific collagen peptides with resistance training resulted in greater increases in Achilles tendon cross-sectional area and muscle thickness than resistance training alone, although improvements in tendon stiffness and muscle strength were similar between groups .
Collagen Supplementation and Bone Health in Youth
When it comes to bone health, studies in young men show that collagen supplementation does not significantly enhance the effects of high-impact exercise on bone turnover markers. Both exercise and collagen supplementation increased markers of bone formation, but collagen did not provide additional benefits over exercise alone .
Collagen Supplementation and Muscle Protein Synthesis
Research also indicates that collagen peptide supplementation does not further increase muscle or connective tissue protein synthesis rates during short-term, intense resistance training in young recreational athletes. While collagen supplementation raises blood levels of certain amino acids, it does not translate into higher rates of muscle or connective tissue protein synthesis compared to placebo .
Broader Health Benefits and Considerations
Collagen supplementation is also associated with potential benefits for joint health, hair, nails, and possibly cardiovascular health, though much of this evidence is based on general population studies and not specifically on youth . The literature suggests that collagen is important for the structural integrity of tissues throughout the body, but more research is needed to fully understand its preventive and therapeutic roles in young people Słupczyńska2022Kaziród2023.
Conclusion
In summary, collagen supplementation in youth appears to offer benefits for skin health, particularly in improving skin texture and reducing wrinkles. For young athletes, collagen may support tendon health when combined with training, but does not significantly boost muscle or bone protein synthesis beyond the effects of exercise alone. While collagen is generally safe and well-tolerated, its full range of benefits in youth, especially outside of skin and tendon health, requires further research.
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