Well, not sure how much more I can write on the topic, but you can be sure that your body will “steal” collagen and protein from the least critical areas having to do with survival. Therefore, hair and nails would go first, as they are not as relevant for survival as say, bones, nerves, etc.. Unfortunately, the answer for healthy tissues that contain collagen is not simply to supply collagen and collagen building co-factor nutrients. For instance, you can have all the calcium (and other minerals) and collagen necessary for bone growth and deposition, but if your hormones are imbalanced and not “directing” the calcium, etc. to the bones, you won’t get the outcome you’re looking for. Also, substances like homocysteine can prevent proper collagen formation and contribute to a lack of it. I’m glad you were helped so much. And yes, wrinkles; typically 1) dehydration, 2) oxidative stress (i.e.: free radicals), and 3) lack of protein/collagen – in no particular order. Fountain of Youth? We’re all too different in what we need. Don’t we all wish one thing would be the Fountain of Youth – although, it may be for you! I hope so! Though I don’t think anything is a magic bullet, proper collagen formation and integrity is definitely one of my top 5 of “Youth” promoters.

I have been taking 10 grains of beef gelatin daily (3 months now) and have noticed stronger fingernails; however at this point they still look ridgey, but believe they will smooth out as the keratin cells move up to the surface.

Skin on my wrinkley hands have smooth out a lot! They really look good. I have boney hands and they look so much better. I am paying attention to other things also.

Thanks for writing about collagen! Maybe this really is the fountain of youth!