DO a quick scroll through Instagram, and chances are you’ll see a slew of wellness and fitness personalities touting the benefits of collagen peptide powder and adding it to their smoothies.

So what exactly is collagen and why are some people clamoring for it?

“Collagen is a structural protein made up of amino acids that’s found naturally in the connective tissue of our bodies, such as our skin, hair, muscles, bones and even blood vessels,” said Keri Gans, registered dietitian nutritionist and author of “The Small Change Diet.” “It is essentially the ‘glue’ that holds our body together, enabling us to move and find stability.”

Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in Mount Sinai Hospital’s department of dermatology, added that collagen is the main protein in our skin that provides structure and support.

It’s that structure and support that plays a role in keeping skin looking smooth, firm and wrinkle-free. But collagen production slows down as we age, which is why many people are turning to consuming collagen peptides (also known as hydrolyzed collagen) in the hopes that the supplements will reverse or at least stave off skin aging.

“The hope for ingestible collagen is that it helps strengthen our skin to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as enhance skin texture,” said Zeichner.

However, the true benefit of ingestible collagen is unclear, said Zeichner. “Since collagen is a large molecule, it is broken down by our gut into smaller pieces. The smaller pieces and individual amino acids may serve as building blocks for new collagen production. I look at ingestible collagen similar to the way I look at eating a high-protein meal.”

Although more research is needed, there are some studies that have looked into collagen supplements’ potential benefits — particularly for easing joint pain. “Some preliminary research suggests collagen supplements may help reduce knee pain among people with osteoarthritis, and help reduce joint deterioration in athletes,” Gans said.

While it’s no fountain of youth, there is some good news for people who are consuming collagen hoping to improve their skin and hair. “One small study revealed collagen supplements improved skin elasticity, but didn’t do any more than a placebo to improve skin moisture and evaporation,” Gans said.

It may also help with brittle, fragile nails. A small 2017 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that consuming collagen peptides daily for 24 weeks helped prevent nail breakage, increase nail growth and improved the appearance of brittle nails.

Collagen supplements are considered safe for the most part. The only harm is to your pocketbook, as many of the collagen powders are pricey. However, it’s important to read up on the source of the supplement’s main ingredient. The collagen found in supplements is typically sourced from cow (bovine) hides, as well as chicken cartilage, but in some cases they can be made from fish or eggs, which can be dangerous for people with those food allergies.

If you’re interested in trying collagen peptides powder, your best bet is to stick with a well-known brand, such as Vital Proteins. As Gans pointed out, “Like all supplements, collagen is not closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration — therefore, one should choose nationally-recognized brands or store brands from a retailer they trust. Consumers can also look for a seal from a third-party certifier, such as NSF International, UL or USP.”(SD-Agencies)