Blog | What are the benefits of collagen? (2024)

FAQs

Blog | What are the benefits of collagen? ›

Collagen is a structural protein that is abundant in our bodies. It provides strength and suppleness to various connective tissues and also helps them to function properly. For example, it provides skin with firmness and elasticity whilst also enabling it to remain properly hydrated.

The few such studies that have been done have found that collagen peptides are possibly effective for improving skin hydration and skin elasticity. It's also possibly effective for relieving pain and improving joint function in people with knee osteoarthritis.

Collagen is considered to be well tolerated with no major side-effects. Minor side-effects include: a feeling of heaviness in your stomach. mild diarrhoea.

Some research has found that taking daily collagen powder could help make your bones denser, slowing the aging process that makes them brittle and helping your body produce new bone. Skin elasticity and hydration. Collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity in older people.

Studies suggest that 1000mg of collagen per day isn't enough to reap the benefits. 1000mg is 1g, and it's generally accepted that the best daily serving of collagen is between 2.5g and 15g.

Supplementing with collagen has become increasingly popular in recent years, with brands claiming it can boost nail, skin and hair health. But there isn't strong evidence behind these claims.

Helps support your liver and detox systems - Glycine helps protect your liver from toxins and can help repair any liver damage. Protects your heart and cardiovascular health - Proline another component of collagen may help repair arteries and clear fat deposits from them. It's also been shown to reduce blood pressure.

Should you avoid collagen? In general, collagen supplements aren't recommended for those at a high risk of developing kidney stones. That said, consuming collagen in moderation as part of a healthy diet is unlikely to cause kidney stones for most people.

Collagen peptides are usually considered the best form of collagen for ingestion. Hydrolyzed collagen should be taken if a person wants to take a collagen supplement. Hydrolyzed collagen means the collagen has been broken down into small peptides, which are easy for the body to digest.

As collagen is an essential element of your bones, its decline also leads to weak bones and osteoporosis. Several different studies have shown that consuming collagen peptides might help older people with bone and skin health during the process of aging.

Is it better to take collagen in pill or powder? ›

Your body will recognize the collagen peptides in both. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. However, if you don't want to take six capsules every day (in addition to the other supplements you're probably taking), you may want to stick with the powder.

To reap the benefits for skin health, the research recommends that you take between 2.5 to 5 grams of collagen per day (2). This amount is shown to increase skin elasticity and hydration in elderly women while reducing the depth of existing skin wrinkles in middle-aged women.

Timing for collagen supplements depends on the reason you are taking them. If you have experienced gases or gut issues with these supplements, it is best to have them in the morning blended in with your smoothies or in a cup of coffee. If you want a good night sleep, you can take it at night with a glass of milk.

Collagen prevents skin from sagging and gives it a plump, full look. Elastin helps skin return to its original shape after stretching or compressing. Crepey skin occurs when the level of collagen, elastin, and other skin health proteins becomes depleted.

As you age, your body produces less collagen , leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. Several studies have shown that collagen peptides or supplements containing collagen may help slow the aging of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness.

Eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can increase the levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body as both are important for skin.

According to a 2021 review published in the International Journal of Dermatology, compared with those who do not supplement with collagen, taking collagen every day for 90 days is linked to better hydration and elasticity. Additionally, collagen takers may experience fewer wrinkles on their skin.

Collagen's role in the body

Collagen is a protein that serves as one of the main building blocks for your bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. "Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz.