What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein responsible for healthy joints and skin elasticity, or stretchiness. It’s in your bones, muscles, and blood, comprising three-quarters of your skin and a third of the protein in your body.
As you age, your existing collagen breaks down, and it gets harder for your body to produce more. As a result, many people turn to collagen powder or other types of collagen supplements, such as capsules, gummies, and liquids.
 
Collagen powder and other collagen supplements may help maintain hydrated skin and relieve osteoarthritis pain. 
 
Collagen is also produced naturally in the body by combining amino acids, the building blocks of proteins found in food. To produce collagen, your body needs:
Proline: found in egg whites, dairy, cabbage, mushrooms, and asparagus
Glycine: found in pork skin, chicken skin, and gelatin, and a variety of other protein-rich foods
Vitamin C: found in citrus fruits and bell peppers
Zinc: found in beef, lamb, pork, shellfish, chickpeas, lentils, beans, milk, cheese, and various nuts and seeds
Copper: found in organ meats, cocoa powder, cashews, sesame seeds, and lentils