The Dr. Gundry Podcast How to Increase Collagen Naturally: Foods, Nutrients, and Habits That Actually Work | EP 392.B
Feb 26, 2026
A deep dive into how the body makes and breaks down collagen naturally. Skeptical look at popular collagen products and bone broths. Discussion of which nutrients and habits truly support collagen production. A three-part reset plan covering amino acids, vitamin C, and protective polyphenols.
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Eating Collagen Does Not Directly Rebuild Your Tissues
- Collagen eaten intact isn't absorbed; digestion breaks it into amino acids and small peptides before absorption.
- Those amino acids become generic protein fuel and are not routed specifically to skin or joints to rebuild collagen.
Collagen Hype Driven By Marketing Not Robust Evidence
- Collagen and bone-broth marketing outpaced solid science; many industry-funded studies influence perception.
- Historical diets (Jell-O, bone broths) didn't produce universal youthfulness, suggesting marketing, not proven effect, drove trends.
Avoid Beef Bone Broth Because Of Neu5Gc
- Avoid beef bone broth because it can contain Neu5Gc, a foreign sugar linked to inflammation in gut, joints, brain, and heart.
- Choose pastured chicken broth or fish protein instead, which contain Neu5Ac, the human-compatible sialic acid.