Collagen is a structural protein. Its job in the body is to hold skin, bone, cartilage and tendon together, and that is where most of the research on collagen supplements sits. Claims that collagen protects memory or prevents neurological disease go well beyond that research, so this page sets out what is actually known.
What collagen is made of
Hydrolyzed collagen is a mix of short peptides built mainly from three amino acids: glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Once digested, these join the same pool of amino acids the body gets from any protein in the diet, whether that is dal, eggs, paneer or fish.
Glycine and sleep
Glycine is the one link worth mentioning. A few small studies have looked at glycine taken on its own before bed, and participants reported that they felt they slept better. Those studies used glycine as a standalone supplement, not collagen, and the groups were small. It is a reasonable area of interest, not a proven effect of taking collagen.
What collagen does not do
There is no good evidence that collagen supplements improve memory, sharpen thinking, or prevent or slow conditions such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Anyone worried about memory or changes in thinking should speak to a doctor rather than rely on a supplement.
What does support brain health
The habits with the strongest evidence are the unglamorous ones: regular physical activity, enough sleep, a varied diet with adequate protein, keeping blood pressure in check, and staying socially and mentally active. Omega-3 fats from fish are also widely studied in relation to the brain, and our omega-3 article covers that separately.
Where collagen fits
If you take collagen, take it for the uses it is most studied for, which are skin and joints, as part of a daily routine. What is collagen? explains the protein in plain terms, and how to take collagen covers dosage and timing.
This article is general information, not medical advice. NewYou products are food supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
