Collagen & Skin Firmness

 

It improves your skin’s health & is one of the main proteins which makes up your skin. It strengthens the skin and increases its elasticity. Increasing your intake of this nutrient firms and tones the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and the depth of wrinkles in the skin.

 

 

Collagen & Hydration

 

This nutrient also hydrates the skin, which has an added effect on reducing fine lines' appearance. This increase in hydration, reduction in dryness, and increase in skin elasticity have been demonstrated in clinical trials. This protein not only boost the actual amount of collagen in your body, but it are thought to stimulate the body to make more of it. It is also thought to encourage Fibrillin and Elastin protein production, further increasing the benefit of this nutrient in anti-ageing. Fibrillin and Elastin proteins are another core component of the skin's structure.

 

 

Collagen & Joint Health

 

The role of these supplements in the management and treatment of damaged joint cartilage is reasonably well established. Significant joint improvement may require up to 12 grams a day. It is thought that the extra collagen taken as capsules or powder may find its way to your body’s joints and stimulate the body to make even more of this protein in these areas. This leads to an increased repair of joint cartilage. As it also lowers inflammation, this may account for some of its benefits in the management of joint pain and arthritis. 

 

 

 

Collagen & Bone Density

 

Increasing your intake of this protein can be of use in preventing bone loss. As bones are made largely of this protein, adding more of it to your diet can offset the natural decline in both this nutrient  & bone density. This natural reduction in this protein is directly linked to the progressive bone loss which occurs with age. Bone is living tissue and is constantly being broken down (absorbed) and reformed. As we age, we tend to use more bone than we make, and our bones thin with age. These supplements not only increase the level of collagen in the body but also have been shown to inhibit the natural process of bone breakdown. 

 

This overall increase in bone mass can have a noticeable impact on your face. Facial bone wasting typically leads to a less full face, which in turn causes a sagging neckline and the formation of jowls. A calcium tablet (with your mandatory vitamin D) is also used to protect your bone mass and bone density. The impact of increased intake of this protein on bone mass (bone mass density) increase can be as large as 8%. A dose of at least 5gm daily is required for this health benefit.

 

 

Collagen & Muscle Mass

 

The link between this compound and an increase in muscle mass is not as well established as it is with skin & bone mass. However, initial clinical trial results look promising. 10% of muscle volume is made of this protein and it is necessary to maintain strong, healthy muscles. 

 

Studies using 15gm daily showed that the group taking the capsule or powder while on a muscle-building exercise regime showed a significantly greater increase in muscle mass than those who just undertook the muscle rebuilding exercise regime.

 

It is involved in muscle protein production, such as creatine, and is directly linked to muscle growth after exercise. As a greater muscle mass leads to a more toned, firmer face, Its impact on muscle production is very positive for those wishing for younger, firmer-looking skin.

 

 

Collagen & Heart Health

 

Aside from its benefits on skin, bones, and muscle, this nutrient is linked to heart health. It is a core component of the walls of your blood vessels. It is essential for strong blood vessels and heart tissue. Narrowing of the arteries is linked to a lack of this nutrient and can, in severe cases, lead to a heart attack or stroke. 

 

One study found that taking 16 grams per day (either as powder or capsule) reduced arteries' stiffness noticeably. It increases the good cholesterol in the body by about 5%. This is a secondary likely reason why it is of benefit to protecting against heart disease.

 

 The impact that a healthy heart has on the quality of the skin is self-explanatory. A strong heart pumps oxygen around your body and removes toxins. The result of this is freshers, healthier, younger-looking skin.

 

 

Collagen & Hair & Nails

 

It gives your hair and nails their strength. Without it, hair becomes dry and brittle, and nails split and chip. By increasing the amount of this nutrient in the body you can directly impact the strength of your nails and lead to sorter strong hair.

 

 

Sources of collagen

 

Just like humans, this protein is part of the bones and muscles (and skin) of animals. Consequently, great sources of it include meat and fish. Gelatine (made from bone broth) is also an excellent source.

 

Oddly enough, collagen supplements seem to be more effective at increasing the levels of this protein in the body more than natural food sources. This unusual fact is because when it is eaten naturally it has to be broken down (i.e., hydrolysed) in the gut into its individual building blocks before it can be absorbed.

 

Supplements are pre-digested or hydrolysed and are absorbed more readily in the gut. Essentially these molecules are prepared, and when they enter the gut, they can be quickly absorbed. This protein that has to be broken down in the gut before being absorbed can miss its chance to be absorbed as it has passed through the gut before it is readily available to the body.

 

Collagen supplements can be taken in capsule form or as a handy liquid or powder - add to breakfast smoothies for a great start to your day

 

 

Collagen FAQ

 

Other than what is collagen good for the most popular questions people ask us about this health food are:

 

  • What is Collagen? It is a naturally occurring protein that is the building block from most of the structures of your body. We produce less of it as we age and need to consume more to protect our cells, boost our immunity and keep our skin & bones looking and feeling great.
  • Do Collagen Supplements Work? - The short answer is yes. Collagen can be taken in from foods made from animal bones but supplements are more potent.
  • Can you take collagen and omega 3 together? Yes. There is no reason why you cannot take these two together. Omega 3 is an essential nutrient for healthy skin, organs and cells. Using both of these together works well to boost immunity and protect your body from ageing.
  • Can collagen make you constipated & has its side effects? When starting taking this supplement is wise to build up your dose for a few days. Beginning on too high of a dose can cause constipation, heartburn and make you seem overfull. This is true for most proteins. By gradually increasing your dose of it you should not experience these adverse reactions.
  • How many mg of collagen should I take? There is no established recommended daily allowance of how much collagen you should take but it is generally agreed that a dose of 15mg a day will give you an adequate amount.

 

 

 

Please see our other blogs on Vitamins for skin health & Tips for healthier skin

 

 

 

Ann O’Flynn B.Pharm, MA, BSc, MPSI

 

Ann is the owner of dPharmacy and has a particular interest in Health foods and supplements. Ann is a Tutor pharmacist and has gained numerous qualifications in alternative therapies - which she uses alongside her extensive clinical training. If you have any queries on medicines or health foods please reach out to us by email, text or phone.

 

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