The One Show collagen revelation leaves guests horrified as Dr Xand explains what supplements can contain

A routine discussion about wellness took an unexpectedly uncomfortable turn on The One Show when Dr Xand van Tulleken explained how collagen supplements are commonly produced.

The doctor, presenter and broadcaster appeared on the BBC programme to discuss collagen, a protein that plays an important role in the structure and strength of the human body. But his explanation of where commercial collagen can come from appeared to shock fellow guests, including comedian Judi Love.

The moment has since attracted attention online, particularly because collagen has become one of the biggest trends in the modern wellness industry.

Dr Xand explains the collagen business

Collagen is naturally produced by the human body and is found throughout connective tissues, including skin, bones, tendons and cartilage. Production generally declines with age, which has helped make collagen supplements popular among people looking to support their skin, joints and other aspects of healthy ageing.

Products are now widely available in powders, tablets, gummies and drinks, with manufacturers often promoting them as part of beauty or fitness routines.

During his appearance on The One Show, Dr Xand explained that the reality behind many collagen products is rather less glamorous than their packaging might suggest.

He described collagen production as being closely connected to the animal processing industry. According to the doctor, materials such as animal skin, hooves, ears, tails and other parts can be processed to extract collagen.

He also described visiting a factory in China where animal material was processed for collagen production.

The explanation appeared to leave Judi Love looking particularly alarmed. As Dr Xand discussed the animal-derived ingredients, the comedian was shown reacting to the information and touching her face.

The exchange was striking because collagen products are often marketed with images and language associated with beauty, youth and luxury. Learning about their industrial origins therefore came as a surprise to some viewers.

So, what is actually in collagen supplements?

The answer depends on the product.

Many collagen supplements contain hydrolysed collagen, sometimes called collagen peptides. This is collagen that has been broken down into smaller protein fragments so that it can be incorporated into food, drinks or supplements.

Collagen is usually derived from animal sources. These can include cattle, pigs and fish, depending on the manufacturer and product.

The processing does not mean consumers are swallowing raw animal parts. Instead, collagen-containing material is subjected to industrial processing that extracts and breaks down the protein.

That distinction is important because dramatic descriptions of the manufacturing process can make collagen supplements sound very different from what consumers actually receive in a finished product.

For people who avoid particular animal products for dietary, ethical or religious reasons, however, the source of the collagen can be an important consideration. Checking the manufacturer's ingredients and sourcing information is therefore sensible.

Does collagen actually work?

This is where the story becomes more complicated.

Collagen supplements are frequently promoted for improving skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles, strengthening nails, supporting hair growth and easing joint discomfort. Some of these claims have attracted considerable scientific interest, but the evidence is not equally strong for every proposed benefit.

Research has suggested that certain collagen supplements may provide benefits for skin and joint health. An umbrella review discussed by The Independent examined 113 trials involving almost 8,000 participants and reported associations between collagen supplementation and improvements in some measures of arthritis symptoms and muscle health.

Researchers have nevertheless cautioned against treating collagen as a miracle product.

Professor Lee Smith of Anglia Ruskin University was quoted as saying that collagen was not a cure-all, while suggesting that there could be credible benefits, particularly for skin and osteoarthritis, when supplements are used consistently over time.

That is very different from the idea that drinking collagen simply sends the protein directly to the skin or joints and repairs ageing tissue.

When collagen is consumed, the digestive system breaks proteins down into smaller components. The body then uses amino acids and peptides according to its biological needs. It does not operate like a delivery service sending a particular scoop of collagen straight to a wrinkle.

Why the reaction matters

The uncomfortable reactions on The One Show also highlight how marketing can influence the way people think about wellness products.

Collagen has become a major beauty and lifestyle trend. Social media has helped turn powders, drinks and gummies into everyday accessories, while celebrity endorsements and advertising frequently associate the products with youthful skin and healthy ageing.

The manufacturing process rarely features prominently in that imagery.

That does not automatically make collagen supplements bad or ineffective. It does, however, show why consumers should look beyond marketing claims and consider what a product contains, where its ingredients originate and what scientific evidence supports the claims being made.

There are also wider environmental questions. Previous reporting has linked cattle-derived products, including collagen, with deforestation associated with UK imports. The environmental impact of any individual supplement depends on its source and supply chain, but the issue demonstrates that wellness products can have consequences beyond the person taking them.

The bigger lesson from the viral moment

Dr Xand's explanation may have been designed to challenge the enthusiasm surrounding collagen, but the reaction from viewers has revealed a more complicated picture.

Some people have reported personal improvements in their skin or joint discomfort after taking collagen. Others question whether the beauty industry's obsession with slowing or reversing visible ageing places unnecessary pressure on people, particularly women.

Both conversations can exist at the same time.

Collagen is a real protein with important biological functions, and there is growing evidence that some collagen supplements may have specific benefits. At the same time, not every product will deliver dramatic results, and advertising claims should not be confused with established medical evidence.

The revelation that collagen can originate from animal by-products may sound shocking, but it is not in itself evidence that the finished supplement is unsafe. It is primarily a reminder that consumers should understand what they are buying.

For anyone considering a collagen supplement, checking the ingredient list, animal source, manufacturing standards and evidence behind the product's claims is more useful than relying on a glossy promise of instant youth.

The uncomfortable One Show moment may therefore have achieved something useful. Behind the powders, gummies and beauty drinks is an ordinary protein produced through an industrial process. Whether that makes collagen appealing or unappealing is ultimately a personal decision.

Sources: The Independent, reporting by Roisin O'Connor on Dr Xand's appearance on The One Show and the evidence surrounding collagen supplements; research discussed from Anglia Ruskin University concerning collagen, arthritis and healthy ageing.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. The effectiveness and suitability of collagen supplements can vary between individuals and products. Anyone with allergies, dietary restrictions, medical conditions or concerns about supplements should consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before taking them.