Doctor shocks BBC guests with explanation of where collagen supplements come from

Dr. Xand van Tulleken shocked guests on the BBC program "The One Show" by revealing the origins of collagen supplements. He explained that the beauty and health industry's booming collagen market relies heavily on the "waste products" of industrial meat and fish processing.

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They boil donkeys to make collagen supplements.

"They boil donkeys to make collagen supplements," Dr. van Tulleken stated, describing how materials like hooves, claws, ears, tails, and skin are boiled with hydrochloric acid to produce collagen. He noted that companies realized in the 1990s that these byproducts, previously used for animal feed, could be marketed as beauty products.

Dr. van Tulleken expressed skepticism about the efficacy of these supplements, calling them "too good to be true." His comments elicited uncomfortable reactions from co-hosts, including comedian Judi Love. However, the doctor's claims have sparked debate, with some viewers asserting that collagen has improved their joint pain, skin, nails, and hair.

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The collagen industry relies entirely on waste products from industrial meat and fish processing – so, hooves, chicken claws, pig trotters, pig ears, tails, skin... You boil all of that with hydrochloric acid and you end up with collagen.

Despite anecdotal evidence, a comprehensive review of 113 clinical trials involving nearly 8,000 patients, conducted by experts at Anglia Ruskin University, found that collagen supplements were consistently linked to alleviating arthritis symptoms like stiff and painful joints. The study also suggested a link to improved muscle health, though no evidence was found for benefits in post-exercise muscle soreness. The article also touches on societal pressure, particularly on women, to maintain a youthful appearance.

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Research says it doesn't work.