Rodrigo Arteaga, health expert: "Proteins provide glycine, proline, and lysine, which are the building blocks for collagen."

Dr. Rodrigo Arteaga explained in a video posted on TikTok that collagen isn't obtained directly from supplements, but rather the body produces it every day from food . This natural process, he explains, is essential for maintaining firm skin, healthy joints , and proper tissue repair. Therefore, he insists that a balanced diet can be more effective than any external product.

The specialist emphasizes that the basis of this process lies in quality proteins , since they provide the amino acids necessary for its formation. In his words: " Proteins provide glycine, proline, and lysine, which are the building blocks for collagen ." These nutrients are present in foods such as chicken, fish, eggs, lean meats , and well-combined legumes . He also clarifies that hydrolyzed collagen supplements also break down into these same amino acids , so if sufficient protein is consumed, supplementation is not necessary .

Arteaga also emphasizes the importance of including fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C , such as kiwi, guava, strawberries, peppers, and citrus fruits , since this vitamin activates the enzymes that transform amino acids into strong, firm collagen fibers . Although citrus fruits are the most popular, the doctor points out that other fruits, such as guavas and strawberries, have higher concentrations of this nutrient.

Finally, the expert recommends not neglecting foods containing zinc and copper , present in nuts, seeds, seafood or cocoa , since these minerals act as cofactors that strengthen the collagen structure . " Collagen is not ingested, it is manufactured ," summarizes Arteaga, who maintains that with a varied diet sufficient in protein, vitamin C and minerals , the body has all the necessary resources to generate quality collagen without depending on supplements .