For many health-conscious people, collagen is a mysterious tonic. While some are skeptical about the actual benefits of collagen supplements, others appreciate its ability to firm skin, promote hair growth, and repair joint function. Currently, such supplements are appearing in more places than you can imagine: they are on the market in the form of pills, small-molecule peptides, topical creams and even a variety of foods. You can also find plant-based collagen, which is a product that has no bovine origin but contains all the essential ingredients for good health.
Although the name collagen is well known and its amazing benefits are mentioned time and time again, not many people really understand collagen in depth. Before exploring the esoteric world of supplements and therapies, it is vital to recognize what collagen is and how it works. In what follows, professionals will guide you on how to start your journey of exploring collagen.
What exactly is collagen?
“Collagen is a protein found widely in our skin, bones, muscles, connective tissues, and hair,” elaborates Deborah Sarnoff, M.D., leader of the Skin Cancer Foundation, “It’s one of the main proteins that make up the body, and is made up of a diverse range of amino acids such as glycine, proline, and vitamin C. It’s one of the most abundant proteins in the body, but it’s not the most abundant. Although it is one of the most abundant proteins, many people don’t realize that the body loses about 1% of its collagen content every year from the age of twenty. Janet Allenby, a dermatologist practicing in Delray Beach, Florida, mentions that this is when collagen supplementation becomes especially critical.” She emphasizes, “Type I and Type III collagen are integral to the growth of skin, hair and nails.” The only proven effective way to ingest collagen is through oral intake, and the optimal choice is a supplement with a small molecular weight to allow for blood absorption.
Why is collagen production so important?
According to medical aesthetician Amy Peterson, founder of the Amy Peterson Center for Medical Aesthetics, “As we age, our body’s natural production of collagen decreases, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging of the skin as it ages. For joint health, collagen also plays a vital role by providing support to tissues and helping them recover from injury. Collagen can be obtained not only from the diet, but also through powders, capsules and topical skincare products, etc.“`markdown
## Mysteries and benefits of collagen
### What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein that is commonly found in our skin, bones, muscles, connective tissues, and hair. It is the most abundant type of protein in the human body and is made up of a variety of amino acids (e.g., glycine, proline, and vitamin C). However, the amount of collagen in the body naturally decreases by about 1% per year starting at age 20. As a result, supplementing with collagen is especially important, and vital to the health of your skin, hair and nails in particular.
### Why is collagen production so important?
As we age, the body’s natural production of collagen decreases, leading to skin aging phenomena such as wrinkles and sagging. Additionally, collagen is vital for joint health, providing support for tissues and helping joints recover from injuries. In order to replenish collagen, it can be consumed in a variety of ways including diet, powder, capsules and skin care products.
### Types of Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements come in various forms:
– **Pills and capsules**: Easy to carry and use.
– **Small molecule peptides**: small molecules easily absorbed by the body.
– **Topical ointment**: acts directly on the skin.
– **Food additives**: can be added to daily food.
– **Plant-based collagen**: suitable for vegetarians and does not contain animal source ingredients.
### How to choose collagen supplements?
1. **Molecular weight**: Choose collagen with small molecular weight so that it can be more easily absorbed by the blood.
2. **Ingredients**: Check if it contains ingredients that promote collagen production, such as Vitamin C.
3. **Brand and quality**: Choose brands with good reputation and reliable quality.
4. **Type**: Choose the appropriate type of collagen supplement according to your personal needs (e.g. skin health or joint pain).
### What are the benefits of collagen supplements?
The use of collagen supplements may provide the following benefits:
– **Improves skin quality**: reduces wrinkles and increases elasticity.
– **Promotes hair and nail health**: enhances their strength and growth.
– **Supports joint function**: aids joint recovery and relieves pain.
– **Improves intestinal health**: Collagen contains amino acids that are beneficial to the intestines.
### Suggestions for using collagen supplements
The following recommendations should be considered when using collagen supplements:
– Discuss with your doctor to determine if it is right for you.
– Follow product directions for proper intake.
– Maintain a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to enhance collagen production.
