Undoubtedly, collagen is one of the best supplements you can take for your overall health, no matter your age, health, or exercise habits! Yes, collagen is a protein supplement, but it's not just for those who want to increase muscle mass. The benefits of collagen are widespread and well researched. If you're looking for a simple solution or addition to your self-care routine, look no further! Here's everything you need to know about the health benefits of collagen supplements.
Collagen is a protein. Not just any protein! It's the most abundant and perhaps one of the most useful proteins available to the human body. Collagen production occurs naturally within the body and remains steady up until the mid-twenties or early thirties. At this point, collagen synthesis slows and the common (and most costly) signs of aging start to take over. Think wrinkles, joint pain, muscle atrophy, and more.
The collagen protein can be found in nearly every connective tissue within the human body. It's in the muscles, skin, eyes, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and even bones. It's often referred to as the "building block" or "scaffolding" that provides sturdy yet flexible support to the connective tissues. That's why it is considered a structural protein. When the amount of collagen in the body is high, skin health is at its best; skin hydration is steady, wrinkles are shallow if not nonexistent, and the skin looks plump and youthful. Similarly, when we have enough collagen, joint health is at an all-time high as well with minimal aches and pains. Collagen assists with muscle-building wound healing, and joint strength, too, helping to achieve new PRs inside and outside of the gym.
The trouble is that collagen production is not a steady or sure-fire thing; the body produces less and less collagen as we age. The effects of collagen loss are widespread, but they may be manageable with oral collagen supplementation.
Don't just take our word for it! Oral supplementation of collagen has been tested in various applications to measure its efficacy on everything from improving skin elasticity to building lean muscle mass. Here are some studies highlighting the many benefits of collagen:
The Different Sources and Types of Collagen
Luckily, collagen supplements are becoming more and more widespread. However, not all supplements are created equally.
The collagen protein is composed of a triple helix, made up of three amino acids: glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. When consumed orally, it breaks down into these three amino acids which then serve as precursors to help the body produce collagen. There are at least 16 different types of collagen, but 80–90% of the body's collagen consists of types I, II, and III. Type I collagen is a must-have for healthy skin. It is the most abundant type of collagen found in connective tissues including the skin. Type III collagen trails behind type I and can also be found in many connective tissues, but it is primarily located within the gut. Thus, consuming enough type III collagen is crucial for gut health. Type II collagen is found primarily within cartilage and bone and thus helps to improve bone strength.
When shopping for collagen products, you may find collagen amongst the ingredients of skin care creams and masks. However, the collagen protein is too large to penetrate the skin barrier. That means if you want to use collagen for skincare, you have to work from the inside out, not the outside in! Topical products won't cut it.
Unfortunately, with the exception of bone broth, you won't be able to find collagen-rich food sources either. Because collagen is found primarily in cartilage, bone, and ligaments, you won't find any of this protein in food-grade cuts of meat. Instead, sources of collagen include the less desirable or otherwise wasted parts of cows, chickens, and fish. The collagen is then hydrolyzed down into what is called collagen peptides or collagen hydrolysate so that it can easily be absorbed and used by the body. The result is a near-flavorless and odorless collagen powder that can be added to smoothies, pancakes, and more to up your collagen intake without any interruptions to your day.
When shopping for collagen products, you may find collagen amongst the ingredients of skincare creams and masks. However, the collagen protein is too large to penetrate the skin barrier. That means if you want to use collagen for skincare, you have to work from the inside out, not the outside in! Topical products won't cut it.
Unfortunately, with the exception of bone broth, you won't be able to find collagen-rich food sources either. Because collagen is found primarily in cartilage, bone, and ligaments, you won't find any of this protein in food-grade cuts of meat. Instead, sources of collagen include the less desirable or otherwise wasted parts of cows, chickens, and fish. The collagen is then hydrolyzed down into what is called collagen peptides or collagen hydrolysate so that it can easily be absorbed and used by the body. The result is a near-flavorless and odorless collagen powder that can be added to smoothies, pancakes, and more to up your collagen intake without any interruptions to your day.
If you're considering taking a collagen supplement to manage a specific issue such as joint pain, speak with a healthcare professional. They will be able to help you build a holistic pain management plan that leverages collagen's many benefits. Also, take into consideration what types of collagen may be best suited for your needs. 1 Body's Collagen Complex contains types I, II, III V, and X to help with every concern from dry skin to indigestion. Our formula contains ZERO sugar, salt, dairy, wheat, gluten, soy, preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors. It's best when paired with a vitamin C supplement to enhance its bioavailability.
