Can collagen help you heal faster? Maybe, but it likely can’t hurt!
Collagen is the most common protein found in the human body. In fact, it composes anywhere from 25-35 percent of all protein in the body. There are 3 essential types that make up different essential components.
Type of Collagen | Key Location(s) |
Type I | Bone, tendon, skin, ligaments, extracellular matrix, teeth |
Type II | Cartilage, eyes |
Type III | Blood vessels, muscle, skin |
Collagen gives the skin structure, strength and suppleness. It makes up about 70% of dermal volume giving skin ability to retain moisture and bounce back from trauma.
You may be deficient in collagen if:
- You notice more wrinkles, dry skin and laxity
- Hair and nails are brittle and weak
- Joints are achy and/or are prone to injury
- Wound issues like an incision reopening
Collagen supplements are derived from animal sources like bovine, porcine and marine sources created from the animals muscles, joints, bones and skin. Finding the most naturally raised and fed sources with little by-products will be important.
For vegetarian and vegans, there are no food sources. However, taking supplements that promote the body to produce it’s own collagen may be a benefit.
Make sure you incorporate food wide variety of sources to boost collagen production like Citrus Fruits, Berries, Nuts, Green Leafy Veggies. Limit those sugary, white flour processed foods that will damage your current collagen structure.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30681787
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/collagen-food-boost#why-diet-matters