Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for 30% of the total amount. It is the primary building block of your skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, and other connective tissues. Collagen is also found in your organs, blood vessels and intestinal lining. This article lists food items that can boost collagen production in your body. Bone broth is often hailed as a good source of collagen, but it may not be as effective as many believe. While bone broth does contain nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and glucosamine, a 2019 study found that it generally doesn’t provide enough collagen to make a noticeable difference. Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones in water to extract nutrients, but its collagen content can vary depending on the quality of the bones and other ingredients used. For a more reliable option, consider making your own bone broth using bones from a reputable butcher.Chicken is another source of collagen, especially due to its high levels of connective tissue. A 2022 study on mice found that collagen from chicken bone and cartilage helped reduce inflammation and arthritis symptoms. Collagen content in chicken varies, with thigh meat containing more collagen than breast meat.Fish, particularly its bones and ligaments, is also rich in collagen. Marine collagen, often considered more easily absorbed by the body, has been shown to benefit skin health. However, most people don't consume collagen-rich parts of fish, like the head, scales, or eyeballs, so marine collagen supplements may be a practical alternative.Egg whites, while not containing connective tissues like other animal products, are rich in proline, an amino acid essential for collagen production. Similarly, citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes, which are high in vitamin C, play a crucial role in collagen synthesis. Berries, which are also packed with vitamin C, provide additional antioxidant benefits that support skin health.Tropical fruits such as mango, kiwi, and pineapple are excellent sources of vitamin C as well. Guava stands out for its vitamin C content and also provides small amounts of zinc, another nutrient important for collagen production.Garlic is another food that may support collagen production due to its high sulfur content, a mineral essential for collagen synthesis. However, consuming large amounts of garlic just for collagen benefits isn’t practical, and excessive raw garlic can cause digestive issues or increase bleeding risk if you take blood thinners.Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in chlorophyll, an antioxidant that may help boost collagen production in the skin. Beans, which are high in protein and lysine, and nuts like cashews, which contain zinc and copper, also support collagen synthesis.Tomatoes and bell peppers are high in this essential nutrient, which further contributes to collagen production. While consumption of the aforementioned food items can boost collagen production, it is important to cut down on sugar and refined carbohydrates as they may inhibit collagen synthesis. Studies have shown that they also cause inflammation.