Collagen powders, gummies and pills have become increasingly popular, with marketing claims that they smooth wrinkles, promote glossy hair and ease joint pain. In separate Guardian multimedia pieces, journalist Madeleine Finlay speaks with Dr Xand van Tulleken, whose book “Make Me Well” reviews the scientific evidence behind wellness trends, including collagen.
The discussions focus on what collagen does in the body and whether supplement products deliver effects that match their advertising. Both items describe the challenge of separating potential benefits from overstated or unclear claims in a rapidly growing market. Van Tulleken also addresses how people might obtain collagen through non-supplement approaches rather than paying for expensive products, and why interpreting wellness research can be difficult for consumers.
While the formats differ—one is a podcast conversation and the other a video interview—the core emphasis is on evidence quality and the gap between consumer promises and what research can confidently support.
