11 Signs That You Are Deficient in Collagen

Last updated on April 4th, 2025 at 08:33 pm

Collagen is a structural protein that makes up a large percentage of the cells in our body. 30% of the protein in our bodies is collagen, making it the richest protein. It is part of our connective tissue that holds together skin and many other body parts. It is found in muscles, bones, tendons, blood vessels, and the digestive system. Moreover, Collagen is important for keeping your skin looking young and healthy, and losing collagen is a common part of aging. In this article, we will go through the Collagen Deficiency Symptoms and some ways to increase collagen.

Collagen indeed keeps skin looking young, soft, smooth, and firm. It also helps skin cells renew and repair themselves and keeps the skin moist. Collagen loss begins around age 30 and becomes more severe by age 50. Some studies suggest that collagen supplements can help reverse the adverse effects of collagen loss.

Collagen Deficiency Symptoms

1. Wrinkling

As we age, collagen stores indeed deplete, and our skin loses some of its structure. This results in the common signs of aging, including wrinkles, sagging skin, and low skin elasticity. However, there are some ways to reduce signs of aging.

2. Joint Pain

Decreased collagen levels can surely cause stiff, swollen, and painful joints. Collagen loss in the joints can also lead to growing clashes between the bones and ligaments, which can be painful and progress into arthritis.

3. Sore Muscles

Sore muscles are one of the Collagen Deficiency Symptoms. Our tendons and ligaments hold our muscles to bones and our bones to other bones. Tendons and ligaments are made of collagen, and as collagen fibers weaken, so as the connections between these structures. So, this can lead to growing friction and aching muscles or muscle soreness. Collagen also makes up a portion of our muscle mass; as we age, we lose muscle mass, a condition called sarcopenia.

4. Cellulite

Collagen is part of your connective tissue and is important for skin elasticity, firmness, and cell renewal. When the fatty tissue layer underneath your skin pushes upward against your connective tissue, cellulite results; with age and further reduces in collagen, the skin thins further, and cellulite worsens.

5. Flat Or Thin Hair

Collagen protein is found around the hair follicles. Here, small blood vessels deliver your hair's nutrients to stay healthy. As collagen levels decline, so does the delivery of the nutrients necessary for hair growth. Therefore results in dull, thin hair.

6. Brittle Nails

One of the Collagen Deficiency Symptoms is breakable nails. You may have heard of keratin, a protein necessary for healthy, strong nails. Collagen protein contains the amino acid proline, which is one of the building blocks of keratin.

7. Hollowed Face And Eyes

As we age, our natural glow and smooth skin fade. Lack of collagen may also result in the darkening and hollowing of the area around the eyes.

8. Blood Pressure Problems

Collagen partly makes our blood vessel walls, and we experience problems regulating blood flow when it fades. Usually, a lack of collagen results in not normal low blood pressure. Some not usual low blood pressure symptoms include headaches, chest pain, dizziness, and also fatigue.

9. Decreased Bone Density

Our bones are partly made up of collagen. If we become low in collagen, we certainly risk osteogenesis imperfecta or “brittle bone disease.”

10. Poor Gut Health And Leaky Gut

Collagen is everywhere, including the lining of your digestive tract. Collagen also contains the amino acids glycine and glutamine, which are helpful for digestion and a healthy gut barrier. The right amount of collagen, glycine, and glutamine indeed helps maintain the gut lining and increase nutrient absorption while reducing bloating. Moreover, a leaky gut does not provide strong protection to prevent toxins from entering the bloodstream. A healthy gut is certainly important to feel good daily and can lead to a stronger immune system.

11. Poor Appetite Control

Poor Appetite control is one of the Collagen Deficiency Symptoms. Collagen may help lessen interest in eating by supporting satiating hormones. Collagen has made people feel full longer than other proteins such as whey or soy. When we feel full and satisfied, we are less likely to overeat, making collagen an important piedfort in loss and weight management.

So, how do you boost your collagen levels?

Non-invasive Ways To Increase Your Collagen

• Collagen Supplements

To avoid Collagen Deficiency Symptoms, you can take collagen supplements. Supplementing with collagen has been shown to slow the appearance of wrinkles, support joint health, and reduce inflammation and arthritis. It also increases muscle mass, hardens nails, improves hair growth, reduces hair loss, and slows the graying of hair. When picking a collagen supplement, ensure you get one with several different types of collagen, as our body uses different forms of collagen for different functions.

Also, consider whether or not the collagen supplement is hydrolyzed. Hydrolyzed collagen contains collagen that has been broken down into smaller molecules, making it easier and faster for your body to absorb. Therefore, you must ensure you always take collagen supplements under the supervision of a trusted healthcare professional.

• Massage

Massages increase collagen production. Plus, they feel great and can help reduce stress, which will help you look and feel younger.

• Hydraulic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is an important element of collagen in the skin. Foods like beans, root vegetables, and soy contain hyaluronic acid. You can also find hyaluronic acid supplements.

• Vitamin C

Studies have shown that vitamin C plays a role in protecting the skin and producing more collagen. Vitamin C can be a supplement but is easily found in foods such as citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, papaya, strawberries, and broccoli.

• Bone Broth

Bone broth is a common way to get collagen from food. We do not eat the same way our ancestors did, and thus it is more difficult for us to find collagen in our diet.

Collagen is an extremely important part of the good function of the body. We hope this article added to your understanding of collagen and why it plays an important role in staying healthy.

If you want to get rid of unsightly cellulite. If you want to keep your heart healthy. If you want to improve athletic performance, getting more collagen is the place to start. Click here to start with our Guide to Collagen for a healthier you!

Rick Kaselj

Rick Kaselj MS, is a leading kinesiologist and injury specialist as well as co-creator of the best-selling Unlock Your Hip Flexors program. Rick creates exercise programs that help people heal injuries and eliminate pain, so they can go back to living a full, active, healthy life.