Disclosure: This is a TMC guest post by Naomi Shaw. Affiliate links are used to provide compensation. Opinions are 100% my own.
Collagen is one of the most commonly found proteins in our bodies and is one of the primary structural proteins that form our connective tissue. From our skin and bones to our hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, collagen is a crucial component. With how widespread collagen is in our bodies, it stands to reason that collagen supplements would be in high demand. There are some potential benefits of collagen supplements that many people find desirable, but collagen supplements are still largely untested.
Collagen vs. Collagen Supplements
Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in our bodies and is a key component in many bodily systems. Logically, you would want to increase your collagen levels to boost the many parts of your body that use collagen with collagen supplements in capsule or mix-in powder form. Still, the process is not as straightforward as it may seem.
Like most supplements, collagen supplements are not tightly regulated by the FDA. While some supplements bear a USP Verified label, there is still no way to fully know or control what ingredients are in a supplement. Thankfully, there is no recorded downside to taking collagen peptide supplements, but those expecting fast results may be disappointed.
Our bodies naturally and continuously produce an enzyme called collagenase, which breaks down our natural collagen. This means that if you want to see benefits from collagen supplements, you will have to continuously take them to see lasting effects. Taking collagen supplements for a month, and then stopping will not produce long term results as your body’s collagenase will eat away at your collagen until the boost from the supplement has been negated. To truly see benefits from collagen supplements, you must commit to the long game and continue taking the supplements even after you see improvements. If you do not want to take manufactured supplements, bone broth is one of the most accessible natural ways to ingest more collagen and is also rich in amino acids.
Benefits of Collagen Supplements
Taking collagen supplements and seeing results may not be a fast process, but once you commit to the routine, you can see several benefits. People with any number of conditions, including those with an autoimmune disease, could see health improvements from collagen supplements. Achieve radiant skin and a youthful glow with IV therapy, which can include collagen-boosting nutrients for improved skin elasticity and hydration. Do you know that IV Therapy Zone is the most comprehensive IV therapy directory in the United States? It has clinics for any need across the country.
Improved Skin Health
Most people primarily use collagen supplements to improve their skin’s health. Whether the goal is to increase the skin’s elasticity or reducing signs of aging, collagen is believed to help. Collagen supplements can reduce wrinkles and smooth out skin texture, making these supplements very popular in the beauty community. Some of these claims are supported by a study in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, where a group that took collagen supplements for eight weeks was compared to a control group. The group that took the supplements reported better skin elasticity and moisture at the end of the eight weeks.
Joint and Bone Health
As we age, our bodies slowly break down, with our bones and joints being no exception. Over time or due to injuries, the spongy cartilage in our joints degrades, and our bones lose density. There is some preliminary evidence to suggest collagen can help prevent cartilage deterioration and restore bone density in patients with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Another small study linked collagen and calcium supplements to lower levels of a protein responsible for bone degradation. This research is promising, but more studies must be conducted before the link between collagen and bone, or joint health can be solidified.
Muscle Mass
Between 1-10% of muscle tissue is made of collagen, which makes collagen a necessary protein for maintaining healthy muscles. There has not yet been a study that ties collagen supplements to muscle growth in healthy people, but there is evidence collagen supplements can help frail patients regain muscle mass. A small study gave 15 frail men a daily 15-gram collagen supplement and exercise plan for 12 weeks. Compared to the control group who received the same exercise plan, but took a daily placebo supplement instead, the group that took the collagen gained significantly more muscle mass and strength. This study suggests that collagen can stimulate the proteins responsible for muscle growth, but further testing is needed before this claim can be accepted as a universal fact.
Collagen supplements have shown some promise in research studies, and there is medical logic to support the benefits of collagen supplements. Still, most of these claims have not yet been thoroughly tested. Thankfully, taking collagen supplements is not harmful, and you may experience some of these benefits for yourself. Whether you ingest collagen through capsules, mix-in powders, or natural sources, you are supplying your body with an essential protein that could improve your health in a variety of ways.
