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This BBC News story was originally published on 27th February, 2026. (Image: Getty)
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Introduction

Listen to the BBC news report and answer the questions below. Scroll to the bottom to find a transcript of this programme.

About this news story

Collagen is a protein that makes skin and bones stronger. From early adulthood, the body's collagen production gradually decreases. Smoking and sun damage accelerate this loss. A research review found that while collagen tablets or powders can improve skin and relieve joint pain, they are not a cure for aging.

Questions

1.   Listen once and answer the question.

1. What is the main topic of the report?
a. How collagen is produced in the body.
b. Research into the benefits of collagen supplements.
c. Reviewing different types of anti-ageing products.

2.   Listen for a second time and answer the questions. To reflect an exam environment, take a maximum of 1 minute to read the questions first.

1. The human body cannot make collagen.
a. True
b. False
c. Not given

2. Which word best describes how the researchers feel about the evidence their review brings?
a. unsure
b. indifferent
c. confident

3. The research concludes that collagen supplements must be taken from a young age to have an effect.
a. True
b. False
c. Not given

4. How often should collagen be taken to improve skin tone, elasticity and moisture?
a. once a month
b. once a week
c. every day

3.   Listen for a third time. Complete the gaps with what you hear.

1. The researchers also say supplements can ________________ to ease joint pain and stiffness from wear-and-tear arthritis.

2. Experts say consumers should be cautious about bold anti-ageing claims and ________________ the potential benefits against the price.

Answers

1.     Listen once and answer the question. 

b. Research into the benefits of collagen supplements.

2.    Listen for a second time and answer the questions.

1. b. False.What is collagen? Well, it's a type of protein found naturally in the body.

2. c.The team behind this review assessed the results of 113 trials involving nearly 8,000 people, and say it brings together the strongest evidence to date on collagen supplements.

3. c. Not given. The report makes no mention of when someone should start taking collagen supplements.

4. c.Takendaily, the protein can improve skin tone or elasticity and moisture…

3.    Listen for a third time. Complete the gaps with what you hear.

1. The researchers also say supplements can boost collagen levels to ease joint pain and stiffness from wear-and-tear arthritis.

2. Experts say consumers should be cautious about bold anti-ageing claims and weigh up the potential benefits against the price.

Vocabulary

supplements 
products you take to add nutrients to your diet

on a daily basis
every day

connective tissues
parts of the body that connect and support other tissues

to date
until now

powders
dry substances made of very small particles

skin-rejuvenating
making the skin look younger or fresher

skin tone
the colour and appearance of your skin

elasticity
the ability to stretch and return to normal

wrinkles
lines or folds in the skin, often from aging

joint pain
pain in places where bones meet

stiffness
difficulty moving easily

wear-and-tear arthritis
joint damage caused by long-term use

bovine
relating to or from a cow

Transcript

Lots of places sell or advertise collagen supplements, but what are the benefits of taking them on a daily basis? A new scientific review by a team from Anglia Ruskin University, published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, has looked into exactly this, and here's what it found.

Let's start with the basics. What is collagen? Well, it's a type of protein found naturally in the body. It supports and strengthens the skin, nails, bone and connectivetissues. But the amount the body makes drops with age.

The team behind this review assessed the results of 113 trials involving nearly 8,000 people, and say it brings together the strongest evidence to date on collagen supplements. They say it shows the pills or powders can offer some real skin-rejuvenating gains. Taken daily, the protein can improve skin tone or elasticity and moisture, but it doesn't appear to prevent other signs of ageing, such as wrinkles. The researchers also say supplements can boost collagen levels to ease joint pain and stiffness from wear-and-teararthritis.

Experts say consumers should be cautious about bold anti-ageing claims and weigh up the potential benefits against the price. And there are several types of supplements people can take, including marine from fish, bovine from cows and vegan collagen. The review was unable to show if any worked better than the others.

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