During a lupus flare-up, your skin and joints may seem to be under attack. These connective tissues get their structure and support from a protein called collagen. For that reason, collagen supplements have grabbed the attention of people living with lupus.

Some people claim that collagen supplements may help the skin and joints, but the evidence for this is limited. One large, recent study found no benefit of collagen supplementation for aging skin. Research specifically on people with lupus is lacking, and it’s not clear if collagen really works for other popular uses, like hair growth.

Here are the facts on collagen supplements so you can decide for yourself if they’re worth considering.

What Are the Different Types of Collagen Supplements?

Collagen supplements are often made from marine animals or land animals, such as pigs and cows. Technology now also allows a similar protein to be produced from nonanimal sources, including bacteria, yeast, insects, or plants.

Collagen can be heated to make gelatin or powdered. It’s then placed into capsules, foods, cosmetics, and other products.

Collagen from different sources has different properties and functions in the body.

Marine Collagen

Marine collagen is mainly derived from the skin and scales of fish. Marine life is rich in type 1 collagen, which is the most common collagen in the body. It provides structure to your skin, bones, and ligaments.

Marine collagen has small peptides that are easily absorbed by the body.

Bovine Collagen

Bovine collagen is one of the most widely used sources of collagen. It comes from the hides, bones, and cartilage of cows.

It’s rich in type 1 collagen, which supports the skin, bones, and ligaments. It’s also a good source of type 3 collagen, which is found in muscles, arteries, and organs. Bovine collagen is absorbed well when it’s broken up into smaller peptides.

Vegan Collagen

Vegan collagen is made from plant-based fermented amino acids or genetically engineered plant extracts. It’s not actually collagen, but the building blocks of collagen. It’s designed to stimulate the production of your body’s natural type 1 collagen.

Other Sources of Collagen

Despite the popularity of collagen supplements, it’s important to know that our bodies make this protein naturally. In fact, collagen is among the most abundant molecules in living organisms.

You can support your body’s natural collagen production by eating a healthy diet. Include a variety of types of protein, and consume foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and copper.

Bone broth offers a way to consume collagen directly. Some people make this protein-rich liquid at home by slowly simmering beef, chicken, or fish bones. You can also purchase bone broth ready-made from the grocery store.

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Studies on Collagen and Joint Health

Several clinical trials have evaluated people with osteoarthritis taking hydrolyzed collagen (broken down so the body can use it). Osteoarthritis is not the same as lupus, but both affect the joints. These studies have shown significant improvements in pain levels, stiffness, and mobility.

Some studies have also found that CTX-II levels, biomarkers associated with cartilage degradation, improved. However, biomarkers were unchanged in other studies.

Evidence supporting the use of collagen for joint health has been increasing. More research is needed, as the studies vary significantly in terms of types of collagen, dosages, and consumption schedules. There’s a lack of widespread agreement in the medical community regarding optimal treatment regimens.

Most people with lupus experience joint pain, but the direct cause is sometimes unclear. Joint pain with lupus could be the result of medication side effects (including long-term steroid use) or comorbidities (coexisting conditions).

In most cases, lupus is the direct cause of joint pain. Collagen isn’t considered a first-line treatment for joint pain in lupus.

More studies are needed to find out whether collagen is helpful and effective for people with lupus specifically.

Collagen Supplements for the Skin

Various skin problems can arise with lupus, including rashes and sores. Lupus-related skin issues can be temporary or long-lasting and may be painful or itchy. For some people with lupus, areas of the skin look different but aren’t uncomfortable.

Most people with lupus need to be extra careful to protect their skin against cold temperatures or sun exposure.

Research on collagen supplements for the skin has focused on factors associated with aging, like wrinkles and elasticity. Many studies have been funded by the beauty industry, raising concerns of bias.

A 2021 review of 19 studies found that taking hydrolyzed collagen supplements by mouth for 90 days helped reduce signs of skin aging. Hydrolyzed collagen is broken down into smaller pieces that are easier for the body to use. The review found improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle reduction.

However, a large 2025 study reviewed 23 randomized controlled trials with nearly 1,500 participants. Researchers found no clinical evidence to support the use of collagen supplementation to prevent aging skin.

Promotional claims touting the antiaging benefits of collagen generally exceed the scientific proof. While there’s some conflicting data, collagen supplements aren’t the most evidence-based treatment for antiaging.

Unfortunately, no one has studied collagen supplements for lupus-related rashes or other skin symptoms.

Other Collagen Uses With Lupus

People with lupus might turn to collagen supplements to help with hair loss or nail breakage, strengthen bones, or support the immune system.

One MyLupusTeam member explained, “The collagen I take is a liquid, and it absorbs at 95 percent, as opposed to powdered collagens. It has helped my hair growth and joint discomfort, and it is a great immune support system. I take 1 tablespoon in the morning and 1 tablespoon in the evening, approximately 12 hours apart.”

Another shared, “I also take a collagen and biotin supplement and cod liver oil. My hair still falls out, but not the way it did.”

Nail Health

One small 2017 study found that taking collagen supplements for 24 weeks helped reduce brittleness and peeling of nails. This potential benefit may be of interest for people with lupus.

Bone Density

People with lupus have a greater risk of bone density issues and osteoporosis. Lifestyle habits and medication side effects can contribute to the problem. This leads to a five times greater risk of fracture in people with lupus versus those without the condition.

Some research has demonstrated that after menopause, a year of collagen supplementation may lead to positive bone changes. Collagen appears to boost new bone formation and reduce the rate of bone breakdown.

Anecdotes and early research results are encouraging, but there’s not enough evidence to support the health benefit claims made by collagen supplement makers.

Collagen supplements are promoted for a wide range of potential benefits. But it’s important to remember that dietary supplements, including collagen, can’t replace proven lupus medications and treatments.

Collagen won’t solve all your lupus-related problems. But it could help you feel healthier, as long as your doctor also supports the treatment plan.

Safety Considerations

Not everyone responds to supplements the same way. Just because collagen works for one person doesn’t mean it will for another.

Although collagen supplements don’t have any known safety concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements the way it does medications. That means you can’t always be sure about the purity of the product or that it’s safe or effective.

There may be some safety concerns with taking collagen supplements for people with lupus nephritis. Many people with this condition need to manage their protein intake since collagen is a protein.

Talk to your healthcare provider to get individualized medical advice about collagen supplements. They can base their recommendations on your lupus medications, other conditions, and current treatment plan.

Pay attention to how you feel after adding anything new to your lupus care regimen. Give your body time to adjust to one change at a time so that you can learn how different remedies affect you.