All protein you consume, collagen included, is processed by your body in the same way. But the question remains as to whether taking supplements or eating foods that contain collagen translates directly to more collagen in your body. There's no doubt that having ample collagen in your body is important. You can get copper and zinc from nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Vitamin C is plentiful in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli.

'Vitamin C is especially important to regulate the synthesis of collagen,' Wright says. In addition to protein, your body also needs vitamin C, zinc, and copper to help it form collagen. 'As long as you eat a variety of plant proteins-such as legumes, soy, and quinoa-you will get all the essential amino acids your body needs to build collagen,' Wright says. The three amino acids most prevalent in the formation of collagen are glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.Īlthough collagen is found naturally in animal foods, your body can still make it if you don't eat meat, dairy, or eggs. 'Amino acids are like building blocks, and the body puts some of them together in a specific pattern to form collagen,' says Lauri Wright, PhD, an associate professor of nutrition at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. It then uses those amino acids, along with amino acids it can produce on its own, to make new proteins. When you eat protein, your body breaks it down into its individual amino acids. All proteins are made up of tiny molecules called amino acids.

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