Protein called collagen is necessary for the body to function properly. Collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining the strength of bones as well as the flexibility of ligaments and tendons. Additionally, collagen helps keep blood vessels and skin supple. Even the walls of your intestines contain collagen.
Ads for collagen creams and supplements have undoubtedly previously been seen or heard by you. Review these collagen facts before spending your money on a potentially expensive product.
1. Collagen Decreases Once You Reach The Age of 25
Our bodies start to lose collagen as we get older. The tightly wound collagen fibrils break apart and unwind with time, reducing the skin's natural suppleness and firmness. After reaching middle age, it is practically impossible to naturally regain the taut, smooth skin you previously had, and physical activity is more likely to cause joint pain and injury which also take longer to heal.
Although collagen loss starts in our mid-20s, it becomes most obvious in middle age. During the first five years of menopause, women's collagen levels drop by roughly 30%. Following that, women lose 2% of their collagen annually.
2. The amount of collagen in your body is influenced by your food
Amino acids from diet are combined by your body to create collagen. Ample amounts of vitamin C, zinc, and copper are also necessary for the production of collagen. Your skin, tendons, and blood vessels won't be as flexible and healthy as they could be if you don't get enough of these crucial nutrients.
Essential amino acids are found in meals high in protein, including fish, poultry, cattle, beans, nuts, eggs, and dairy products. Meats, nuts, and shellfish also include zinc and copper. Additionally, whole grains include certain amino acids, zinc, and copper. Vitamin C content is high in citrus fruits, tomatoes, and peppers.
3. It's generally safe to take collagen supplements
You don't require a collagen supplement if you routinely consume a healthy, balanced diet. There is no evidence to support the idea that increasing collagen consumption for healthy people has any discernible advantages, and no studies support the idea that more collagen is preferable to "enough."
However, if you want to take a collagen supplement, there is very little risk of harm. There are several different types of oral collagen supplements, including pills, capsules, powder, and gummies.
4. Supplemental collagen may lessen joint discomfort
Adults with osteoarthritis of the knee report less pain and better mobility following a few months of collagen supplementation, according to a few modest trials. In one trial, type II collagen was given orally to 39 patients at a dose of 10 mg/day along with 1500 mg/day of Tylenol. After three months, recipients of the collagen reported significant reductions in pain and an improvement in quality of life.
Another study examined the efficiency of collagen and glucosamine/chondroitin in reducing pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Comparing individuals who received collagen to those who received glucosamine/chondroitin, the former group reported less pain and better mobility.
5. The skin may respond better to oral supplements than to lotions containing collagen.
Although collagen-containing skin lotions are available, you shouldn't rely on them to increase the suppleness or aesthetic appeal of your facial skin. Dermatologists advise selecting a cream or lotion with retinol or peptides as an alternative because these substances boost the collagen in the skin.
Alternatives include oral supplements. Studies have revealed that collagen supplements, whether in the form of pills or powder, increase levels of skin elasticity after just four weeks—particularly in already-aged skin.
