Collagen Tablets, Capsules & Gummies

Do collagen tablets work?

The evidence for collagen supplements in any format is limited. Which? says there is still no scientific consensus that collagen supplements improve skin, any changes are likely to be small, very few long-term studies exist, and many studies are funded in part or fully by companies.

Collagen has no authorised health claims on the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register, so we don't say collagen tablets, capsules or gummies do anything for skin, hair, nails or joints. "Where evidence is limited or inconclusive, we should say so openly," says Andy Arshad, who runs SupplementHQ.

How much collagen is in a tablet, capsule or gummy?

Usually much less than in a scoop of powder. A capsule or tablet can only hold so much, so many products need several a day, and the total can still be a fraction of a powder serving.

"Some powders provide 10g of collagen per serving, while gummies and capsules often provide considerably less," says Andy. "Customers may assume they're getting equivalent products when the actual daily collagen intake is very different." For comparison, Versus Arthritis says studies have used daily doses of between 1 and 10g of collagen hydrolysate, and the best dose isn't yet known.

Collagen tablets vs powder: which is better value?

Powder is usually better value per gram of collagen; tablets, capsules and gummies cost more for the convenience. Work out the grams of collagen per daily serving and the cost of that serving.

How to compare value (example figures, not real products): a £15 pot of 90 capsules with 500mg of collagen each, three a day, lasts 30 days and gives 1.5g a day at 50p a day, about 33p per gram. A £30 tub of 300g powder with a 10g serving gives 10g a day at £1 a day, 10p per gram. The capsules cost less per day but over three times as much per gram of collagen. Browse collagen powder.

Are collagen gummies worth it?

Gummies are the easiest format to take, but they tend to contain the least collagen per serving and often contain sugar or sweeteners. Check the grams of collagen per daily serving and the sugar content on the nutrition panel.

"We think customers should compare the actual amount of active ingredients they're getting, rather than just the format or marketing," says Andy. If you want gummies, compare them with each other on collagen per day and cost per day.

What are type 2 collagen tablets?

Type II collagen is the type found in cartilage, according to Which?. Type II products are usually sold for joints and contain much smaller amounts than hydrolysed collagen: Versus Arthritis says studies have used 0.1 to 10mg of chicken or bovine type II collagen a day.

Versus Arthritis describes the trial results for collagen in osteoarthritis as mixed. Some products here are type II or joint complexes; see collagen for joints and joint support.

Do collagen tablets have side effects?

Collagen is generally considered well tolerated. Versus Arthritis says there are no major side-effects, though some people report a heavy feeling in the stomach, mild diarrhoea or rashes.

Many tablets and capsules add vitamins, biotin or hyaluronic acid, and Which? warns that added vitamins can add up. Count them alongside any multivitamin you take, and speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take medication.

Marine or bovine collagen tablets?

Both are available; the difference is the animal source. Which? says marine collagen is rich in type I collagen, while bovine collagen is rich in types I and III, and there isn't enough research to say one works better.

Fish, crustaceans and molluscs are allergens that must be emphasised in the ingredients list, and capsule shells are often made from gelatine. "Choosing between marine and bovine collagen isn't simply about which is better," says Andy. Browse marine collagen or bovine collagen.

Are there vegan collagen tablets?

Not strictly. Which? says collagen is only found in animal protein, so "vegan collagen" products contain other ingredients, such as amino acids and vitamin C, rather than collagen.

Where a product is at least a source of vitamin C, it can say "vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin". Check the label for what a vegan product contains, and see vegan collagen builders.

We sell the products on this page. That's our commercial interest, and it's why we show the evidence alongside them. This page is general information for adults, not personalised medical advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet.

Written by Andy Arshad, SupplementHQ. Last reviewed 11 October 2026.