Top Ten FAQ's - Collagen
↓ What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for about one-third of its protein composition. It's one of the major building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.1
↓ What does collagen do?
Collagen provides structure to much of your body, including bones, skin, tendons, and ligaments. It helps to give our skin strength and elasticity, and helps to replace dead skin cells.2
↓ Why is collagen important for skin?
Collagen helps maintain the skin's firmness and elasticity. As we age, collagen production declines, which may lead to wrinkles and skin sagging.2
↓ What causes collagen to decrease?
Age is the primary cause of decreased collagen production.3 Other factors include smoking, UV exposure, and pollution, which may accelerate the breakdown of collagen.
↓ Can you rebuild lost collagen?
While you cannot completely reverse the loss of collagen, certain treatments and supplements may help stimulate the production of new collagen.2
↓ Can collagen help with joint pain?
Some studies indicate that certain types of collagen supplements may help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce overall joint pain.4
↓ What are the side effects of taking collagen?
Collagen supplements are generally safe with few reported side effects, which might include digestive issues, headaches, and a bad taste in the mouth.5
↓ Is collagen vegan?
Traditional collagen supplements are not vegan as they are derived from animal products. However, there are vegan collagen-building supplements available that supply the necessary nutrients for collagen production in the body.
↓ Can collagen improve hair and nails?
Anecdotal evidence and some initial research suggest that collagen may help to improve the strength of nails and the health of hair, though more research is needed for conclusive results.6,7
↓ Does Collagen help with weight loss?
Collagen may indirectly support weight loss efforts, but more research is needed. Its high protein content may promote satiety, potentially leading to reduced calorie intake, while aiding in muscle mass maintenance, which is beneficial for metabolism.8
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and a critical component of connective tissues.
It's often hailed as a fountain of youth for skin, a healer for joints, and a building block for overall health. But what exactly is collagen, and why is it so important?
Understanding Collagen's Role
Collagen is a hard, insoluble, and fibrous protein that makes up one-third of the protein in the human body. In the various connective tissues, it works like glue to provide structure to skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, and teeth.1
Types and Functions of Collagen
There are 28 types of collagen, but just three (types I, II, and III) are most abundant in the human body.2 These different types of collagen have different structures and functions:
The Benefits of Collagen
Collagen's benefits are potentially as diverse as its types. Here are some of the key benefits attributed to collagen:
Collagen Loss and Ageing
One of the most noticeable signs of reduced collagen is ageing skin. As collagen production decreases with age, skin becomes less firm, less elastic, and more vulnerable to ageing signs like wrinkles and sagging.3
Boosting Collagen Levels
While the body naturally makes collagen, its production decreases with age. Sun exposure, smoking, and poor diet may also decrease collagen levels. However, you can support collagen production by:
Potential Side Effects of Collagen Supplements
While collagen supplements are generally safe, some people may experience side effects, such as a bad taste in the mouth, upset stomach, or headaches.5 If you have allergies, make sure to get supplements that aren't made from sources you're allergic to.
Keep in mind that collagen supplements are most often sourced from animals, but vegan options are available.
Collagen is an essential building block for comprehensive health, supporting everything from skin elasticity to joint and bone health. While aging and lifestyle factors can deplete our natural collagen stores, through diet, supplementation, and lifestyle changes, we may be able to support our body's collagen production.
Embracing a collagen-rich lifestyle might just be the secret to not just looking younger but feeling stronger and healthier as you age. Remember, it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
References
- Shoulders MD, Raines RT. Collagen structure and stability. Annu Rev Biochem. 2009;78:929-958. doi:10.1146/annurev.biochem.77.032207.120833
- Wang H. A Review of the Effects of Collagen Treatment in Clinical Studies. Polymers (Basel). 2021;13(22):3868. doi:10.3390/polym13223868
- Al-Atif H. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022;12(1):e2022018. doi:10.5826/dpc.1201a18
- Martínez-Puig D, Costa-Larrión E, Rubio-Rodríguez N, Gálvez-Martín P. Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge. Nutrients. 2023;15(6):1332. doi:10.3390/nu15061332
- Martini N. Collagen supplements. J Prim Health Care. 2019;11(4):385-386. doi:10.1071/HC15947.
- Hwang SB, Park HJ, Lee BH. Hair-Growth-Promoting Effects of the Fish Collagen Peptide in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and C57BL/6 Mice Modulating Wnt/β-Catenin and BMP Signaling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(19):11904. doi:10.3390/ijms231911904
- Hexsel D, Zague V, Schunck M, Siega C, Camozzato FO, Oesser S. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017;16(4):520-526. doi:10.1111/jocd.12393
- Moon J, Koh G. Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2020;29(3):166-173. doi:10.7570/jomes20028
- Naomi R, Ridzuan PM, Bahari H. Current Insights into Collagen Type I. Polymers (Basel). 2021;13(16):2642. doi:10.3390/polym13162642
- Bakilan F, Armagan O, Ozgen M, Tascioglu F, Bolluk O, Alatas O. Effects of Native Type II Collagen Treatment on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Eurasian J Med. 2016;48(2):95-101. doi:10.5152/eurasianjmed.2015.15030
- Kuivaniemi H, Tromp G. Type III collagen (COL3A1): Gene and protein structure, tissue distribution, and associated diseases. Gene. 2019;707:151-171. doi:10.1016/j.gene.2019.05.003
- Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, König D. Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides in Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: Long-Term Observation in Postmenopausal Women. J Bone Metab. 2021;28(3):207-213. doi:10.11005/jbm.2021.28.3.207
- Holwerda AM, van Loon LJC. The impact of collagen protein ingestion on musculoskeletal connective tissue remodeling: a narrative review. Nutr Rev. 2022;80(6):1497-1514. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuab083
- Tomosugi N, Yamamoto S, Takeuchi M, et al. Effect of Collagen Tripeptide on Atherosclerosis in Healthy Humans. J Atheroscler Thromb. 2017;24(5):530-538. doi:10.5551/jat.36293
- DePhillipo NN, Aman ZS, Kennedy MI, Begley JP, Moatshe G, LaPrade RF. Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review. Orthop J Sports Med. 2018;6(10):2325967118804544. doi:10.1177/2325967118804544
- León-López A, Morales-Peñaloza A, Martínez-Juárez VM, Vargas-Torres A, Zeugolis DI, Aguirre-Álvarez G. Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications. Molecules. 2019;24(22):4031. doi:10.3390/molecules24224031