Collagen is a very common and widely available protein in the body. It has an important role to play in our body and some of the work that it does includes improving the elasticity of tissues and keeping skin supple and youthful. It makes up the structure of bones, cartilage, muscle, and skin in our body. Your body makes collagen throughout your whole life but with age, the production of collagen is reduced. There are also other reasons for the reduction of collagen production such as stress, diet, and environmental factors.
There are different forms of collagen supplements. There is hydrolyzed collagen that is broken down into gelatin or collagen peptides. Collagen peptides are completely broken down into digestible particles while gelatin is not fully hydrolyzed. Amino acids make up the peptides in collagen powders. However, collagen doesn’t contain all the essential amino acids. When selecting a supplement, you can get your healthcare provider’s recommendation on the best collagen supplement for you.
It is always best to inform your healthcare provider about any supplements that you are planning to add to your diet. Collagen is a popular skincare ingredient in many brands. There are many benefits for the skin. By taking a collagen supplement, you will be able to promote the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. The skin is made up of epidermis and dermis. Collagen is essential for the maintenance of the dermal layer. With less collagen production when we age, you can see sagging of skin and fine lines. It is easier for the body to digest hydrolyzed collagen.
Skin hydration levels can be improved with regular supplementation with collagen. There have been several studies that look into this. Fine lines are a common occurrence with age and you will be able to see some smoothening of these lines with collagen supplements. But you will need to use other actives to promote this. However, you have to understand that there is no magic supplement that can stop the signs of ageing. There is only so much that collagen supplements can do.
Collagen supplements can improve your hair as well. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin and this is made up of amino acids. Some of the amino acids that aid in the production of keratin are found in collagen peptides. It is also beneficial for our scalp. This will further improve hair problems that come up due to damaged scalp such as thinning of hair.
Nails have also been known to show improvement with collagen supplements. Brittleness of nails can be prevented with this and it can boost the growth rate of nails. There are benefits for the body as well in addition to skin, hair and nails. Collagen has been known to improve digestive health because it can assist the gut microbiome.
Collagen carries certain amino acids that can fuel the cells in the intestine and they can neutralize oxidative stress as well. There have been certain clinical trials where collagen improves joint mobility so it is a great supplement for athletes as well. But further research is required to understand the depth of the benefits provided by collagen supplements.
