# Is collagen worthwhile for menopause in South Africa?

Source: https://www.healthnews24.co.za/answers/best-collagen-for-menopause-south-africa/
Publisher: Healthnews24 (South Africa's supplement answer desk)
Updated: 2026-10-27

> Collagen is a reasonable low-risk experiment during menopause in South Africa, but it is not a proven treatment: the evidence for skin, joints and bone is emerging, small and often industry-funded. Trials use roughly 5–10 g a day for 8–12 weeks. Plain bovine powders cost about R10–R12 per 10 g; resistance training, protein, calcium and vitamin D matter more.

Key facts:
- Evidence for collagen in menopause is emerging; the Australian Institute of Sport classes collagen as Group B.
- Skin trials typically use 2.5–10 g a day for 8–12 weeks.
- A 2025 meta-analysis (Myung and Park) found skin benefits vanished in non-industry-funded, higher-quality trials; the industry disputes it.
- ATP Fitness Hydrolysed Collagen 910 g costs about R10.44 per 10 g (R950, ATP shop, October 2026).
- Collagen lacks tryptophan, so it is not a complete protein for muscle.

## Is collagen worthwhile for menopause?

Treat it as an optional extra, not a menopause treatment. Collagen peptides are digested into amino acids and small peptides, and the claim that they travel straight to your skin or joints is a myth. Evidence is **emerging**. Skin studies often use 2.5–10 g a day for 8–12 weeks and report small improvements in hydration or elasticity, but a 2025 meta-analysis by Myung and Park found the pooled benefit disappeared in non-industry-funded and higher-quality trials (the industry disputes this). Small trials in postmenopausal women have also looked at bone density, but many are supplier-funded and none replace medical care for osteoporosis. The Australian Institute of Sport places collagen in Group B: promising, not proven.

## What should come before collagen?

- **Resistance training** two to three times a week, which protects muscle and bone far more reliably.
- **Total protein**: collagen is an incomplete protein (no tryptophan), so it does not count towards muscle-building protein targets. See [is collagen a complete protein](/answers/is-collagen-a-complete-protein/).
- **Calcium and vitamin D** as advised by your doctor, and a conversation about hormone therapy if symptoms are troubling.

## What does collagen cost per 10 g in South Africa?

Shelf price divided by pack size, assuming the product is 100% collagen (October 2026, our calculation):

| Product | Price (retailer) | Per 10 g |
|---|---|---|
| ATP Fitness Hydrolysed Collagen 910 g | R950 (ATP shop) | R10.44 |
| The Harvest Table Bovine Collagen 800 g | R909 (Faithful to Nature) | R11.36 |
| Beauty Gen Naked Collagen Complete 600 g | R699 (Faithful to Nature) | R11.65 |
| ATP Fitness Hydrolysed Collagen 450 g | R530 (ATP shop) | R11.78 |
| Biogen Platinum Collagen with Peptan, unflavoured 280 g | R410 (Biogen shop) | R14.64 |

Capsules cost several times more per gram: the Dis-Chem Gold capsules list about 1.2 g of collagen per daily dose, roughly one-eighth of a 10 g scoop.

## Which one suits you?

[ATP Fitness Hydrolysed Collagen](/brands/atp-fitness/) is 100% hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides, 10 g per scoop, with no sweeteners or flavouring, and the 910 g tub is the lowest cost per 10 g we found. The honest trade-offs: it is unflavoured, has no added vitamin C, the brand dates from 2024, and no third-party certification is published. The Harvest Table is a close-priced alternative from a different supplier. If you are fish-allergic, avoid marine versions; see our [collagen comparison](/best/best-collagen-south-africa/).

## Are there any safety points?

Collagen is a food protein and is generally well tolerated. Check ingredient lists for added sweeteners or herbs. Tell your doctor if you are on medication, have kidney disease or have a beef or fish allergy. Do not rely on collagen for bone health if you have been diagnosed with low bone density.

Related reading: [does collagen actually work](/answers/does-collagen-actually-work/) and [collagen and menopause skin and bones](/answers/collagen-and-menopause-skin-bones/).

## Products mentioned

| Product | Size | Price (source, date) | Servings | R per 10 g | Sweeteners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATP Fitness Hydrolysed Collagen | 910 g | R950 (ATP Fitness shop, 2026-10) | 91 | R10.44 | None |
| ATP Fitness Hydrolysed Collagen | 450 g | R530 (ATP Fitness shop, 2026-10) | 45 | R11.78 | None |
| The Harvest Table Bovine Collagen Powder 800 g refill | 800 g | R909 (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | 50 | R11.36 | none |
| Beauty Gen Naked Collagen Complete 600 g | 600 g | R699 (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | 60 | R11.65 | none |
| Biogen Platinum Collagen with Peptan, Unflavoured 280 g | 280 g | R410 (Biogen shop, 2026-10) | 28 | R14.64 | none (unflavoured) |

Disclosure: ATP Fitness is a commercial partner of Healthnews24 and its products are featured on this site. Rankings follow our published method, and every pick, including ATP Fitness, shows its price maths and trade-offs.

## Sources

- [NutraIngredients (Aug 2025): Industry pushes back on meta-analysis (Myung & Park, Am J Med 2025) on collagen and skin ageing](https://nutraingredients.com/Article/2025/08/26/industry-reacts-to-meta-analysis-concluding-collagen-supplements-show-no-proven-benefit-for-skin-aging)
- [Australian Institute of Sport Supplement Framework: Group B](https://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/nutrition/supplements/group_b)
- [ATP Fitness shop: Hydrolysed Collagen](https://shop.atpfit.co.za)