How to make collagen at home

Protein-rich foods are going to be your best option for boosting collagen, says Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N., national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board.

One great animal protein option is fish, especially with the skin on! Plus, collagen derived from fish, known as marine collagen, has great bioavailability—meaning that it’s absorbed into the body more efficiently than collagen from other sources.

Did you know that many collagen supplements are actually derived from chicken?

Another animal protein suggestion from Prest, chicken, specifically chicken cartilage, is a natural source of collagen and beneficial for joint health and alleviating symptoms of arthritis.

While eggs don’t contain connective tissues like many other animal products, egg whites do have large amounts of proline, one of the amino acids necessary for collagen production.