8 Potential Health Benefits of Collagen

Collagen is a substance found in bones and skin, and who knew that this substance could become an essential supplement? 

According to Sonya Angelone, RDN (spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) “Collagen is a type of protein that plays an important role in building and supporting many tissues, from bones and cartilage to skin, hair, eyes, and the digestive system,”.

When we take a collagen supplement or eat foods that are rich in collagen, we are consuming collagen that comes from animals, explains Ryanne Lachman, RDN (Cleveland Clinic, Ohio). 

Collagen peptides are sold in either powdered or capsule form. While collagen is safe, it's always recommended to talk to your healthcare team before adding a supplement to your diet.

Before investing in picking the best collagen supplement like the Bioglan Marine Collagen, it’s important to know the possible benefits collagen supplements can provide. Read on.

Helps replenishes the lost nutrients due to aging

Collagen makes up about one-third of the protein in your body, research shows. However, after the thirties, the body produces less collagen. Collagen supplements are then added to your diet which may serve to replace what your body begins to lack with age and supports your overall health.

Collagen is a protein that is easily digestible

Proteins like chicken and beef are not easy to digest in the body. However, collagen is hydrolyzed protein which means that it's broken down into an easily digestible form that can be easily absorbed in the body. Collagen is the best form to give in the case which requires easily digestible proteins. The process of hydrolyzation also allows the collagen to dissolve in water which makes it relatively simple to include in the daily diet.

Collagen Boosts Skin Health

In a research conducted in 2019, in which 10 grams/day of collagen was supplemented, and as a result, the supplements were shown to improve skin elasticity, helped to hold moisture better, and increase the density of collagen fibers within the skin. 

Collagen Helps Reduce Joint Aches and Pains

In the UAE, 60% of the resident population has back pain, according to a press release. When joint pain starts to swipe in then taking a collagen supplement may help. According to a trail, Type 2 Collagen showed less swollen joints, less joint tenderness, and improved walk time.

Oral Supplements May Promote Gut Health

The imbalance between the formation and breakdown of collagen fibers is connected to inflammation. This inflammation is called irritable bowel syndrome. Research published in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that among IBD patients, the imbalance between the formation and breakdown of collagen fibers is connected to inflammation. Past research also shows that IBD patients have lower serum levels of type 4 collagen. Collagen is a part of connective tissue and this makes up the colon and GI tract, supplementation of collagen brings the levels up hence creating a supportive environment for your body to heal. 

Collagen May Boost Your Heart Health

A small uncontrolled study published in the Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis looked at 32 participants who took collagen twice a day. After 6 months, atherosclerosis (buildup in artery walls), cholesterol levels, and arterial stiffness had improved. Researchers believe that collagen may help fortify blood vessel walls which reduce the risk of artery disease.

Collagen can Improve Bone Health

Bone mineral density decreases with age, especially during and after menopause. In a trial on 102 post-menopausal women, participants who took collagen peptides for a year increased their bone mineral density compared with the control group. Researchers believe  that this was because the collagen stimulated bone formation while slowing down bone loss  

Collagen May Be Useful in Joint Disease

Collagen is of different types. Accordingly, to an article published, Type 1Collagen (found in beef) is beneficial for the skin, while type 2 (found in chicken) is more helpful in improving arthritic joint pain. Joints are made up of cartilage which is largely made of collagen. A study shows that patients with knee osteoarthritis who took acetaminophen along with type 2 collagen found a reduction in their joint pain during walking and had a better quality of life when compared to those on medication alone.

Overall, Collagen is beneficial and improves skin and hair health. Always remember to consult a physician before introducing a new supplement and enjoy the several benefits of collagen.