Do You Get Collagen From Eggs? The Surprising Truth

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 90% of the collagen in the human body consists of Type I, primarily found in skin, tendons, and bones. The question of whether you get collagen from eggs is more complex than a simple 'yes' or 'no', as the key lies in the egg's specific components and how the body uses them. While the egg itself is not a direct source of consumable collagen like bone broth, it provides the essential amino acids and nutrients that our bodies require to produce their own.

Quick Summary

This article explores the nuances of egg-based collagen, detailing where it's truly found and explaining how the nutrients in egg whites and yolks support the body's natural collagen production. It clarifies the common misconception and differentiates between obtaining direct collagen versus promoting its synthesis.

Key Points

Collagen is in the membrane, not the edible part: The thin layer between the egg white and the shell contains collagen, particularly Type I, V, and X.
Eggs provide amino acid building blocks: The white is especially rich in proline and glycine, which are essential for the body's natural collagen synthesis.
Cooking an egg denatures membrane collagen: Heat alters the structure of the collagen in the membrane, so eating a cooked egg does not provide the same benefits as a supplement.
Eggshell membrane supplements are the most effective method: For those looking for direct collagen from eggs, supplements made from the membrane offer a concentrated, bioavailable dose with proven joint and skin benefits.
A balanced diet is key: To maximize collagen production, combine eggs with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits and berries, as vitamin C is a vital cofactor in the synthesis process.
Holistic approach is best: For comprehensive health, include eggs for their amino acids and supplements for specific benefits rather than relying on eggs as a primary direct collagen source.

Eggs and Collagen: The Membrane, Not the Meal

When asking, "Do you get collagen from eggs?", the most important distinction to make is that eggs do not contain the same ingestible collagen found in animal connective tissues, which is a common misconception. The answer is that a significant amount of collagen is located exclusively in the eggshell membrane—the thin layer between the shell and the egg white. While most people discard this layer, it is the primary source of collagen in eggs, and it contains several types, including Type I, V, and X.

The Role of Amino Acids in Eggs

Although the edible parts of the egg (the white and yolk) do not contain ready-to-use collagen, they are rich in the foundational amino acids necessary for the body's own collagen synthesis. The body requires specific building blocks like proline, glycine, and lysine to manufacture collagen. Egg whites are particularly high in proline, which is a crucial precursor to collagen production. Eating eggs provides these vital components, allowing your body's natural processes to function effectively.

Nutrients in Eggs that Support Collagen Production

Beyond amino acids, eggs contain other essential nutrients that contribute to the collagen production process. These include vitamins and minerals that act as cofactors in the synthesis pathway. For example, the yolk contains nutrients that help support overall health, though its direct contribution to collagen is debated. Sulfur, found in eggs, is also necessary for the body's production of collagen.

Egg Components: A Nutritional Comparison

To better understand the distinct roles of each part of the egg in relation to collagen, a comparison table highlights the specific contributions.


Egg Component	Contains Direct Collagen?	Rich in Amino Acid Precursors?	Other Collagen-Supporting Nutrients?
Eggshell Membrane	Yes (Types I, V, X)	Not applicable	Hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine
Egg White	No	Yes (Proline, Lysine, Glycine)	Some sulfur, protein
Egg Yolk	Trace amounts	Yes (Amino acids)	Vitamins E, B-vitamins, sulfur
Whole Egg (Cooked)	Minimal (denatured)	Yes (Amino acids)	Sulfur, Vitamin E, protein

The Importance of a Balanced Diet

For optimal collagen production, relying solely on eggs is not enough. The body requires a wide range of nutrients, including ample vitamin C, to synthesize and maintain collagen effectively. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, and berries, are crucial because this vitamin is a critical cofactor in collagen synthesis. A balanced diet that combines eggs with these other foods is the best approach to naturally supporting your body's collagen levels.

Alternative Sources of Dietary Collagen

While eggs are great for providing the building blocks, other dietary sources offer more direct, pre-formed collagen. These include:

Bone Broth: Made by simmering animal bones, this broth extracts and delivers collagen directly.
Meat: The connective tissues and skins of animals, such as chicken and fish, are rich in collagen. Chicken is a common source for commercial supplements due to its high collagen content.
Marine Collagen: Sourced from fish skin and scales, this type is considered highly bioavailable, meaning the body absorbs it more efficiently.
Collagen Supplements: These are a convenient way to add hydrolyzed collagen peptides to your diet, derived from sources like bovine, marine, or eggshell membrane.

Can you get collagen from eggs by eating them?

Eating a cooked egg provides the amino acids the body uses to create its own collagen. The collagen in the shell membrane is not easily consumed in a typical cooked egg. For a meaningful dose of egg-derived collagen, supplements made from eggshell membrane are the most effective method, as cooking denatures and alters the membranes. Supplements are developed to isolate and process the potent nutrients from the membrane, providing a highly concentrated dose that can support joint health and skin elasticity. The health benefits attributed to eggshell membrane collagen are well-documented, especially for connective tissue and joint disorders.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Eggs and Collagen

So, do you get collagen from eggs? The answer is a qualified 'yes,' but with important distinctions. You don't get a significant amount of pre-formed collagen from the edible part of a cooked egg. Instead, eggs provide a robust supply of the amino acid precursors and cofactors your body needs to manufacture its own. For those seeking a direct source of collagen from eggs, supplements derived from the nutrient-rich eggshell membrane are the most potent and effective option, with proven benefits for joints and skin. A holistic approach combining eggs with other collagen-supportive foods ensures you provide your body with all the tools it needs to maintain healthy connective tissues.

Note: For further research on the effectiveness of eggshell membrane supplements, a 2009 study on Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM®) provides valuable insights into its benefits for joint health: Eggshell membrane: A possible new natural therapeutic for joint and connective tissue disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, egg whites do not contain collagen itself. However, they are a rich source of the amino acids, particularly proline and glycine, that are necessary for your body to produce its own collagen.

No, you cannot get enough direct collagen simply by eating eggs. The collagen is located in the membrane, which is rarely consumed, and cooking denatures it. Eggs are best for providing the amino acid precursors, not for a direct dose of collagen.

Eggshell membrane collagen is a natural ingredient, typically found in supplements, that is extracted from the thin layer between the eggshell and egg white. It contains several types of collagen (I, V, and X), along with other beneficial compounds like hyaluronic acid.

Clinical studies have shown that eggshell membrane supplements are generally safe and well-tolerated. They have been found to significantly reduce pain and inflexibility associated with joint disorders.

Eggs support skin and joint health primarily by providing the body with the amino acid building blocks needed for collagen synthesis. Supplements derived from the eggshell membrane also provide direct collagen types beneficial for joint and connective tissues.

While the eggshell membrane is edible, it is not practical or palatable to consume enough of it in its raw form to achieve significant benefits. Supplements are designed for optimal absorption and concentrated dosage.

Besides amino acids, eggs contain sulfur, a trace mineral necessary for collagen production. Nutrients found in the yolk, like B vitamins and vitamin E, also support overall cellular health and collagen maintenance.