What is collagen?

An introduction to collagen, the body's main structural protein, and how Collagen Science compiles the research.

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the human body, forming a major component of skin, tendons, ligaments, bone, and other connective tissues. Supplemental collagen is usually sold as hydrolyzed collagen (also called collagen peptides) derived from animal sources. Collagen Science is an independent project that compiles peer-reviewed research on collagen and summarizes what each study set out to measure and what it reported, linking to the original sources. This page is informational only and is not a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.