Anxiety and depression are medical conditions. They are treated with therapy, medication or both, under the care of a doctor or mental health professional. Collagen is not a treatment for either, and claims that it is overstate the evidence.
Where the idea comes from
These claims usually rest on glycine, an amino acid collagen contains in large amounts. Glycine acts as a signalling molecule in the nervous system, and a few small studies of glycine taken on its own at bedtime reported better self-rated sleep. That research used glycine alone, not collagen, and it did not study anxiety or depression.
What the evidence does not show
There is no good evidence that collagen supplements lower cortisol, balance brain chemistry, or reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression.
What helps with everyday stress
Regular exercise, consistent sleep, time outdoors, cutting back on alcohol and staying in touch with people all have reasonable evidence behind them for day-to-day stress and mood. For low mood that lasts more than two weeks, or anxiety that gets in the way of daily life, speak to a doctor. In India you can also call Tele-MANAS, the government's free mental health helpline, on 14416.
Where collagen fits
Collagen is a protein people take for skin and joints. If you take it, take it for those reasons. How to take collagen covers dosage and what to expect.
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.
