Assessing the Significance and Awareness of Oral Collagen in Enhancing Health and Beauty Among Consumers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Oral collagen supplements have become increasingly popular in Saudi Arabia, as they are widely recognized for their significant benefits to skin health, joint support, and overall wellness. This study aimed to evaluate the significance of oral marine collagen in enhancing health and beauty among Saudi consumers. Method A cross-sectional survey involving 171 participants was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness, usage, side effects, and reasons for discontinuation of the product. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and a logistic regression model using SPSS version 29.0.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Among 171 participants, the majority were women (153, 89.5%) and aged 20-30 years (78, 45.6%). Collagen use was reported by 56 (32.7%), mainly for strengthening hair/nails (42, 75%) and improving skin (40, 71.4%). Reported improvements included hair/nails (13, 23.2%), with 25 (44.6%) experiencing some improvement; skin (13, 23.2%), with 24 (42.9%) experiencing some improvement; joint pain (12, 21.4%), with 22 (39.3%) experiencing some improvement. Powder (45, 80.4%) was the most used form. Users of collagen for 4-8 weeks had significantly greater hair/nail improvement (73.7% versus 26.3%, p=0.033) and lower early discontinuation (16.7% versus 50.0%, p=0.010). Side effects were reported by 32 (57.1%), with gastrointestinal (GIT) symptoms in 18 (32.1%). Sleep duration improved post-supplementation, but not significantly (p=0.175). Age was the only significant predictor of collagen benefit (p=0.002), with younger participants more likely to report positive outcomes. Conclusions This study shows that oral collagen use is associated with modest improvements in hair, skin, joint comfort, and sleep, particularly with consistent use over 4-8 weeks. Younger individuals experienced greater benefits. However, side effects and early discontinuation were common. Improved public awareness and further research are recommended to optimize safe and effective use.