10 Things You Need to Know About Taking Collagen
Taking collagen capsules, marine collagen powder, collagen tablets, etc for joints, skin, and nails have become popular in recent times. There are lots of health supplement brands in the UK that offer collagen as a dietary supplement.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a fibrous protein that is found in the connective tissues of the body, including skin, bone ligaments, arteries, tendons, teeth and cartilage. It comprises about 30% of body protein. Collagens are the most abundant group of organic macro-molecules in the human body. Due to its tensile strength, it plays an important role within the body. Here are 10 things to know about collagen.
1. Collagen is mostly made up of two amino acids; glycine and hydroxyproline
2. There are many types of collagen in the body but only four types account for over 90% of the total collagen in the body. They are Type I, Type II, Type III and Type IV
3. Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that assists with collagen production. Because of this, surgeons mostly recommend higher levels of vitamin c supplementation after surgery to help support collagen production in the body. Taking Vitamin C also helps reduce inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The joints in the body become compromised with unhealthy levels of Vitamin C and collagen
4. Our blood vessels are heavily dependent on vitamin C to help maintain healthy collagen levels in the body. If the body has unhealthy levels of collagen, it may affect the rate at which wounds heal or the strength in our teeth
5. Other minerals and vitamins that increase collagen production in the body include copper, zinc and vitamin A
6. Taking collagen supplements are known to have beneficial effects on the skin, hair and nail quality. Ageing, diet, environment, and lifestyle may all affect collagen production in the body. As we age, the body’s ability to produce collagen reduces and this may impact the condition of the skin or joints in the body
Click here to read about the benefits of taking collagen for the skin
7. There are some cosmetic procedures like collagen injections and lasers that are aimed at restoring or repairing collagen in the body. However, it is almost impossible to have collagen restored to its virgin state once it has been destroyed. Using collagen skin-care products will not add collagen to the body. These may serve as good water-binding agents and may keep the skin moisturized briefly
8. Collagen molecules are usually too big to be absorbed when ingested so unless they have been hydrolysed, one does not stand to benefit
9. There is a scientific research study that suggests that taking collagen may help reduce joint pain. This study was carried out on athletes over a 24-week period. Its use appears to have beneficial effects on people with osteoarthritis. In another research study, continual ingestion of hydrolysate collagen reduced joint pain, bone density loss, and skin ageing
10. Hydrolysed Collagen supplements are known to be safe. In numerous studies, a dose of about 10g of collagen hydrolysates per day is considered safe and well-tolerated by patients
Interested in taking collagen supplements? Click here
DISCLAIMER: SHOULD BE USED FOR INFORMATION AND EDUCATION PURPOSES. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO TREAT, DIAGNOSE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO MAKE YOUR OWN HEALTH CARE DECISIONS BASED ON RESEARCH AND ADVICE FROM A QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL
References
Bello, A. and Oesser, S. (2006). Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders:a review of the literature. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 22(11), pp.2221-2232.
De Redacción, C. (2006). Revisores 2015. Nutrición Hospitalaria, 33(1).
Dybka, K. and Walczak, P. (2019). Collagen hydrolysates as a new diet supplement. [online] Repozytorium.p.lodz.pl. Available at: http://repozytorium.p.lodz.pl/handle/11652/251 [Accessed 5 Jun. 2019].
