Serbian TV Expert Sparks Debate: Are Collagen Supplements a Waste of Money?
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A TikTok user shared a video clip of a Serbian TV expert questioning the effectiveness of collagen supplements.
- The expert claimed the body cannot absorb large collagen molecules from supplements, calling the trend a "terrible delusion."
- The video sparked a debate, with some users agreeing and others sharing positive personal experiences with collagen.
A viral TikTok video has ignited a fierce debate over the efficacy of collagen supplements, featuring a Serbian TV expert who declared them a waste of money. The clip, shared by user @spec.jovana_aloric, shows Dr. Sneลพana Baลกiฤ asserting that the body cannot absorb large collagen molecules from dietary supplements, labeling the trend a "terrible delusion" and "nonsense." Aloriฤ amplified this sentiment in her post, adding text that stated, "Why I firmly stand behind collagen being nonsense? Because knowledge gained from an expert like this cannot be shaken by any earthquake, not even by paid doctors who take a percentage for recommending such nonsense." The post quickly garnered over 525,000 views and 10,000 shares, dividing users. Some expressed gratitude, with one commenter writing, "Oh God, finally someone says it. Paid gym influencers are messing with our brains with collagen." Another user mentioned a rheumatologist advised them against using collagen for arthrosis. However, a significant number of users shared positive testimonials. Comments included, "I've been drinking collagen for two years and my bones and skin have never been better," and "Talk all you want, my joints don't hurt anymore." One user's father reportedly avoided knee surgery after taking collagen. A pharmacist commented that while the claim about large molecules is technically true, supplements often show empirical effectiveness, possibly because the body uses absorbed amino acids for its own collagen synthesis. Scientific studies on hydrolyzed collagen, broken into smaller peptides for easier absorption, suggest modest improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, and some relief for osteoarthritis symptoms. Nevertheless, the debate continues among consumers.
Kolagen pijem veฤ dvije godine i kosti i koลพa nikad bolji
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.