Can Collagen Support Muscle Mass? Plus, What To Look For

Quick note: The reason collagen supplements are beneficial for your skin is because, when formulated correctly, they can help promote your body's natural production of collagen1.*

What you may not know is that parts of our muscles are made up of collagen too. It only makes sense, then, that clinical studies demonstrate hydrolyzed collagen supplementation supports muscle strength2.

In fact, according to Nour Zibdeh, M.S., RDN, CLT, "Collagen can also support lean muscle and help improve body composition.*" While this is still an emerging area of research, science has shown that collagen supplements can support skeletal muscle mass and strength3 as well.* 

And the results are even greater when paired with strength training: In one small clinical study, men who took collagen daily while participating in an exercise program gained more muscle mass2 than those who only completed the exercise program.*

This doesn't mean collagen supplements can replace protein powder, but they may be a worthy addition to your routine. Still, you have to find the right product. 

You'll also want to make sure the dosage is adequate, as research shows that 15 to 20 grams per day can help muscle mass4, muscle strength5, and common soreness after exercise6.* 

The thing is, many collagen supplements contain less than 10 grams, whereas research points to 15 to 20 grams per day for muscle strength.* That's why the mindbodygreen beauty & gut collagen+ comes with 17.7 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, along with other ingredients like hyaluronic acid (which can promote joint comfort7), vitamins C and E, L-glutamine, and plenty more.*