Key takeaways
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Creatine and collagen are sold as separate ingredients and sometimes discussed together. This page distinguishes their authorised-claim status and the related vitamin C wording. It cites no study of the two supplements taken together.
Creatine
The exact EU-authorised wording is shown in the box on this page. The condition of use is in the same box. Two randomised trials compared creatine taken before and after training: a 2021 trial (Forbes et al.) reported no difference in muscle thickness and strength, and a 2022 trial (Dinan et al.) reported that the timing of creatine monohydrate did not exert any additional influence over the measured outcomes. See our creatine monohydrate guide for the full picture on dosing.
Collagen
Supplement collagen is almost always hydrolysed collagen peptides. There is no authorised EU health claim for collagen supplements covering skin, joints, tendons or muscle. Our full collagen for athletes guide goes through the sources.
According to a 2019 paper (Paul et al., Nutrients), collagen protein displays a low indispensable amino acid profile and, by the PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility-corrected Amino Acid Score) method, lacks one indispensable amino acid (tryptophan) and is categorised as an incomplete protein source.
Creatine and collagen together
No EU-authorised claim covers creatine and collagen taken together. This page cites no study of the combination.
Timing
For creatine, see the two trials linked above. The condition of use for creatine is in the box on this page.
No EU-authorised claim covers the timing of collagen, with or without vitamin C.
Vitamin C and collagen
The exact EU-authorised wording for vitamin C is shown in the box below. It concerns vitamin C, not collagen supplements. See our vitamin C for athletes guide.
Why people pair them anyway
Creatine has an EU-authorised claim and collagen supplements do not. Our supplement stacking guide covers how creatine fits alongside several other categories, not just collagen.
Summary
Collagen’s benefit for joints, tendons or skin is not an authorised claim. The EU-authorised wording for creatine and for vitamin C is shown in the boxes on this page.
Source: European Commission, EU Register of nutrition and health claims made on foods (authorised claims for creatine and vitamin C) — ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register; Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 — eur-lex.europa.eu.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take creatine and collagen together?
Collagen supplements have no EU-authorised claim; the EU-authorised wording for creatine and for vitamin C is shown in the boxes on this page. This page cites no study of creatine and collagen taken together.
Does taking collagen affect how creatine works, or vice versa?
This page cites no study of creatine and collagen taken together, and no EU-authorised claim covers the combination.
What time of day should I take creatine and collagen?
Two randomised trials compared creatine taken before and after training: a 2021 trial (Forbes et al.) reported no difference in muscle thickness and strength, and a 2022 trial (Dinan et al.) reported that the timing of creatine monohydrate did not exert any additional influence over the measured outcomes. No EU-authorised claim covers the timing of collagen.
Is there an authorised EU health claim for collagen supplements?
No. There is no authorised EU health claim for collagen supplements covering skin, joints, tendons or muscle.
Is collagen a good replacement for whey protein?
According to a 2019 paper (Paul et al., Nutrients), collagen protein displays a low indispensable amino acid profile and, by the PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility-corrected Amino Acid Score) method, lacks one indispensable amino acid (tryptophan) and is categorised as an incomplete protein source.
Sources & further reading
- EU Register of authorised nutrition and health claims (creatine, vitamin C)
- Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims
- ISSN Position Stand: creatine supplementation (Kreider et al., 2017, PMC)
- Efficacy of vitamin C supplementation on collagen synthesis after musculoskeletal injuries (systematic review, PMC)
- Collagen peptide supplementation and recovery from joint injury and exercise (systematic review, PMC)