Supplement
Gelatin is a protein made by cooking collagen from animal skin and bones, and it supplies amino acids like glycine that the body uses to build connective tissue. Research has looked mostly at joints and skin, and studies found a modest reduction in joint pain, especially in osteoarthritis, along with slightly better skin elasticity and hydration. The evidence is limited, though, since the studies were small.
- Updated
- How we grade
- Best evidence
- Grade C
- Conditions studied
- 5
- Outcomes
- 5
- Graded outcomes
- 0050
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
Joint Health
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Pain Modest reduction in joint pain, especially osteoarthritis | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 500 people |
Tendonligament Health
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collagen Synthesis 15g gelatin + vitamin C before exercise increased collagen synthesis markers | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 100 people |
Skin Health
- Skin Elasticity: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Elasticity Modest improvement in skin elasticity and hydration | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 300 people |
Nail Health
- Nail Strength: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nail Strength Some evidence for improved nail growth and reduced brittleness | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 80 people |
Sleep
- Sleep Quality: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep Quality Glycine content may improve sleep quality (3g glycine equivalent) | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 100 people |
Key findings
- Joint PainImproves (the measure goes down)
- Collagen SynthesisImproves (the measure goes up)
- Skin ElasticityImproves (the measure goes up)
Shop Gelatin
Third-party tested Gelatin products. The evidence above is limited, so read it before you buy.
- Grade C
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