Tina, I've been taking the collagen powder that Costco sells (Collagen Peptides, perhaps? I'm not home to check) for at least two years. I agree, there's a lot of conflicting information about the benefits of taking collagen orally. I do have strong hair and nails, I'm happy with my skin but I can't attribute it 100% to collagen as I take a lot of measures for all those so who knows. I figure it's a case of it isn't going to hurt and might help.

@llitm thanks for the input! My hair and nails are good (I think due to eggs). Skin too, although I wouldn't turn away help! LOL I occasionally have hip pain and was interested in collagen helping with that. Like you say, it can't hurt, so I should probably just bite the bullet.

I use bone broth regularly instead of supplements.

I had taken it once, but the supplements I was buying were expensive, and I didn't notice any effects on my joint pain, so I quit after the bottle was empty. Bought some about a month ago, just looked at the dosage, didn't worry much about brand, it was less expensive. Bought it because my eyes are losing collagen. I know, I know, there is no way taking collagen can improve my eyes, the body can't rebuild it from taking chopped up collagen, but I figured "Hey, it can't hurt." Now I would say this is most likely coincidence, but right around the time I started taking the collagen I had the worst IBS attack I have ever had, which lasted for weeks rather than days like it usually does. Again, no reason to think it is not coincidence, but I haven't started taking it again, don't want to tempt fate. It's not like I am losing some critical nutrient by stopping it. I was going to just try it again, but now that's on hold. I would not say that the collagen caused the IBS attack, absolutely not, but it's just the reason that for me, collagen has been a bust. My mind is open to trying again at some point, but I don't think it is the great benefit as is claimed. But as I mentioned in another post, hubs swears there is something wrong with me, because "Nothing works on you!" What can I say, my genes seem to be coded for inflammation . . .

I started taking the youtheory collagen tablets from Costco a year or two ago. I noticed a difference in my hair and nails. I also like Costco's organic chicken bone broth, which I use for soups, cooking, and occasionally drink straight. (I used to make my own bone broth, but Costco's is just as good and more convenient.)

For joint pain, I'd recommend trying turmeric. I take a teaspoon or so every day. My stepfather does, too, and he's noticed a decrease in his arthritis.

For a few months now I have been taking the Vital Protein collagen, purchased at Costco. I have always had very thin horrible nails, and nothing has helped them. ( I have also tried biotin pills and nothing works.). FWIW I have been taking Caltrate for years.

Anyway, it's possible that my skin elasticity has been helped somewhat with the collagen, but I just don't really see any difference in anything otherwise. I kind of think along the lines that it won't hurt. I mix it in my coffee.

I recently ( maybe here?) read where some physician was saying it was really worthless to do it but I just don't know. I'm definitely not bowled over with the results , but I may continue for another month or three.

I have been using NeoCell collagen powder for several years. I first tried it because a coworker said it did wonders strengthening her nails. It did nothing for my nails, but I noticed a marked difference in my skin. So I keep using it.