Written by the SiWell content team ·
Collagen powder and silicon address the problem from different angles. Research shows that collagen-derived peptides are measurably absorbed into the bloodstream after ingestion, with modest effects on skin elasticity. Vitamin C, zinc, and copper have an EU-recognized role in collagen formation. Silicon naturally occurs in the same tissues, although an EU-approved health claim for it is still lacking. Below, you can read what each approach demonstrably does and does not do.
What happens to collagen powder in your body?
Once you drink collagen powder, your digestion largely breaks it down into individual amino acids and small peptides. For a long time, it was thought that this meant your body couldn't do much with it. More recent research nuances this view: specific collagen-derived di- and tripeptides (such as Pro-Hyp and Gly-Pro-Hyp) are demonstrably found in the blood after oral intake and remain measurably present there for up to several hours.
What does this mean for the effect on skin, hair, and nails? A systematic review and meta-analysis on hydrolyzed collagen and skin aging found modest but measurable improvements in skin elasticity and hydration with regular use. The effects are not dramatic, but also not negligible: "doesn't work at all" is an overstatement, and "works wonders" is also one.
The building blocks for your own collagen production
Your body produces type I collagen itself, in fibroblasts, specialized skin and connective tissue cells. A number of nutrients have an EU-recognized role in this:
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, skin, and gums.
- Copper contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue.
- Zinc contributes to normal protein synthesis and the maintenance of normal hair, skin, and nails.
These claims, unlike the claims for silicon below, are officially recognized by the European Commission.
Silicon: what we can and cannot say with certainty
Collagen type I is the most abundant collagen in your body and forms a building block of skin, hair, and nails. Silicon naturally occurs in connective tissue, skin, hair, and nails, and research has been conducted on it over the years.
Collagen powder or silicon: what do you choose?
Both approaches have their own scientific basis, with different strengths:
- Collagen powder: modest, measurable effects on skin elasticity according to meta-analyses, with di- and tripeptides demonstrably reaching the bloodstream.
- Vitamin C, copper, and zinc: recognized contribution to collagen formation and the maintenance of hair, skin, and nails.
- Silicon: naturally occurs in the same tissues, but the evidence for a direct contribution to collagen, hair, or nail formation has not (yet) been found sufficient for a recognized claim.
Triple A Silicon combines silicon with other nutrients. Curious about the composition? View Triple A Silicon.
Frequently asked questions about collagen powder and silicon
Does collagen powder actually enter my bloodstream? Partially, yes. Research shows that specific collagen-derived peptides (such as Pro-Hyp) appear measurably in the blood after oral intake, with peak concentrations after 60 to 120 minutes. However, most of the collagen is broken down into individual amino acids, as with any protein you eat.
Is there evidence that collagen powder truly improves your skin? A meta-analysis of multiple studies found modest, measurable improvements in skin elasticity and hydration with regular use of hydrolyzed collagen. The effects are not dramatic, but they are scientifically demonstrable.
Can I combine collagen powder and silicon? There is no known objection to combining both, but consult a doctor or dietitian if in doubt, especially if you are already taking other supplements.
What SiWell is and is not
SiWell is not collagen powder, and we are proud of that.
Instead of overloading your body with external collagen sources, we give it the tools to repair, renew, and radiate naturally.
Silicon, zinc, and selenium, in one daily dose of 12 drops.
Sources
- Absorption of bioactive peptides following collagen hydrolysate intake: a randomized, double-blind crossover study in healthy individuals. Frontiers in Nutrition, 2024.
- Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed.
- EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin C, copper and zinc. EU Register of Health Claims, Regulation (EU) No 432/2012.
- EFSA NDA Panel (2011). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to silicon. EFSA Journal.
