Collagen supplements should not be seen as a “quick fix” for wrinkles, experts have said, but they do have “legitimate” benefits.

New research from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) analysed evidence from 16 reviews and 113 trials involving almost 8,000 patients worldwide.

The review found that the supplements taken over a long period could improve skin elasticity and hydration, and reduce the symptoms of arthritis, such as stiff and painful joints.

However, they did not significantly affect skin roughness.

It said the products should be positioned for people seeking “holistic” skin maintenance.

And it found the supplements represent a “legitimate” additional anti-ageing treatment for women who have gone through the menopause or patients with UV-damaged skin.

“Collagen may be best positioned not as an anti-wrinkle ‘quick fix’ but as a foundational dermal support for individuals seeking holistic skin maintenance,” researchers said.

The supplements therefore support an “inside-out model of skin rejuvenation”, the study found, acting as “agents of deeper tissue regeneration” rather than “superficial cosmetic aids”.

‘Bold claims’

Lee Smith, a professor of public health at ARU, said: “Bold claims have been made in relation to collagen supplementation and often by those marketing the product.

“For example, ‘promises’ have been made by manufacturers that collagen supplementation results in significant, rapid, and full-body anti-ageing.

“Collagen is not a cure-all, but it does have credible benefits when used consistently over time, particularly for skin and osteoarthritis.

“Our findings show clear benefits in key areas of healthy ageing, while also dispelling some of the myths surrounding its use.”

He added: “If we define anti-ageing as a product or technique designed to prevent the appearance of getting older, then I believe our findings do support this claim for some parameters.

“For example, an improvement in skin tone and moisture is associated with a more youthful looking appearance.”

Cost implications

But consumers should be mindful of the cost, according to Shefalee Loth, a nutritionist at consumer group Which?

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Reacting to the study, she said: “Collagen supplements are often marketed with bold anti-ageing claims, but scientific evidence to support them is limited.

“It’s worth remembering that there are currently no approved health claims for collagen supplements on the nutrition and health claims register.

“The cost of taking collagen can mount up quickly. Most supplements cost at least £25 a month for daily use, and studies suggest they need to be taken consistently for the best results.

“Consumers should be cautious about brand claims and weigh up the potential benefits against the cost before committing to long-term use.”

The study’s authors acknowledged that further analysis was needed of factors like collagen dosage and how long it is taken, and whether body composition impact its effectiveness.

The review was published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum.