Seems everyone is into the collagen supplement bandwagon.  Collagen is the protein in our bodies that is the building block for skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissue, and found in many organs throughout our bodies.  A well-balanced diet will provide all the nutrients that your body needs to make the collagen.  

Now, do we all always eat a well-balanced diet? No.  I know I don't always eat a well-balanced diet.  So I can see the advantages of taking supplements to help fill those gaps.  I use them in my coffee once a day to help supplement what I might have missed.  Especially since collagen plays a role in replacing dead skin cells and giving structure and strength to joints, skin, and muscles. However, you also need vitamin C, zinc, copper, and manganese to make the collagen in your body.

As we age the existing collagen breaks down faster and the production of it is lower, especially when a woman goes through menopause.  This is why as we age skin starts to wrinkle, muscles become weaker, loss of mobility in joints, and possible gastrointestinal problems.

Our bodies can not absorb collagen in its whole form. When you consume collagen your body breaks it down into amino acids.  Most collagen supplements are hydrolyzed so it is easier for your body to absorb.  

When deciding to take any supplement there are some things that you need to remember:

1.  The FDA does not regulate supplements.  The manufacturers of the supplement 

 do not have to prove that their product is safe and effective.

2.  Many of the studies that have been conducted on collagen supplements are funded

by the industry or the researchers have a financial stake in the industry.

3.  The studies that have been conducted have been relatively small.

I am not sure why all the sudden the focus on collagen and weight loss.  On study in the The Britich Journal of Nutrition concluded that there was improvement in muscle mass, however it consisted of only males and they were elderly.  The only conclusion that can be drown from this study is that it may help improve muslce mass in the elderly.  More research needs to be done.  The only reason I can conclude that someone would markey collagen for weight loss would be that it would possiblely feel fuller for a longer period of time and would in theory lead to decrease caloric intake.  Or that by possibly improving gut health you would in turn help maintain a healthier weight.  HOWEVER, THERE IS NO SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE THAT THIS IS TRUE.  There needs to be research to be done to investigate these claims.  

In conclusions, if you feel there are gaps in your diet then it may be beneficial to take the supplements.