Why You Need Collagen

It's rare that a supplement could be recommended to virtually anyone and everyone. But unlike other dietary supplements that you may or may not be deficient in, and that you may or may not be able to absorb, every human and mammal for that matter needs collagen. Collagen is already the most abundant protein in the body. It's in nearly every connective tissue from the muscles, to the skin and joints. But despite it being the most abundant protein, our bodies can't produce collagen at a steady rate forever. No matter where you are at in life (age and health-wise) here are some reasons why you could probably benefit from boosting your collagen levels. 

What is the role of collagen?

As a structural protein, collagen has a hefty role. It joins with other collagen molecules to provide a network of "scaffolding" that supports the structure of the muscles, blood vessels, skin, joints, bowels, and more. One perfect example that illustrates the role of collagen is in skin health. When we are young, the skin is bouncy, firm, and smooth. Up until age 25 or so, the body produces collagen at a steady rate. From here, the amount of collagen our body can store and produce begins to drop. The result is sagging, thin, and wrinkled skin. This drop in collagen production also causes the other connective tissues to become thin and worn, which can cause joint pain, muscle atrophy, arterial stiffness and Atherosclerosis, and losses in bone mineral density.

 

Oral Collagen Supplements 101

The best way to combat collagen decline is with an oral collagen supplement. Luckily, collagen is not just produced by the human body. Collagen supplements can be made from the skin, cartilage, ligaments, and joints of other animals such as chickens, cows, and fish. In order to "extract" pure collagen, it is heated through a process called "hydrolysis" which breaks its triple helix structure into smaller molecules, which are easier for your body to absorb. The result is pure hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides, delivered in the powdered form!

 

There are different types of collagen that come with their own benefits. Finding the right type usually depends on the source of collagen. For instance, eggshell membranes and chicken cartilage is a good source of type II collagen whereas cowhides and fish skins are good source of type I collagen. Ultimately, if you want the broadest benefits of collagen, look for a multi-collagen formula or one that includes multiple collagen types.

 

The Health Benefits of Collagen Supplements and Why You Should Give Them A Try

Even though the human body can produce its own collagen, oxidative stress can damage it and inhibit collagen production. Unfortunately, unlike many other vitamins, collagen is not readily available in food sources. Aside from bone broth, the only reliable source of collagen is a supplement. When we consume collagen, it goes through a process to make it usable by the body. After consuming collagen, it breaks down into its amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Rather than depositing pure collagen into the body, these amino acids then stimulate the body to produce new collagen.  

 

Number studies have shown that collagen helps to decrease joint pain, boost muscle mass, improve skin health, and more. Here are the many positive effects of collagen supplements that can improve your overall health

 

  • May support heart health: Preliminary studies show that consuming collagen may improve your heart health in a number of different ways. First of all, collagen is needed to keep the blood vessels strong and flexible. Since arterial stiffness and Atherosclerosis can lead to heart attack and stroke. A 2017 study also found that daily collagen consumption may decrease levels of "bad" cholesterol, thus lessening the risk of heart disease.
  • Decreased fine lines and wrinkles: Collagen is a must-have in your skincare routine, but it's not a topical product. Studies have found that ingesting collagen can improve skin hydration and skin elasticity to keep the skin firm, smooth, and wrinkle-free. It can even help to "fill" fine lines and wrinkles. For youthful, healthy skin, try taking collagen powder capsules with your morning coffee. 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Improved bone health: As our bodies produce less collagen, calcium levels drop too. This increases the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis, especially for postmenopausal women. In one study, groups of postmenopausal women were either given a calcium supplement or a calcium supplement and 5 grams of collagen. Those who took the calcium and collagen supplements had higher bone mineral density (BMD) and decreased levels of proteins that promote bone loss. 
  • Alleviated joint pain: Arthritis affects 23% of all adults in the United States. Decreased joint health is often caused by oxidative stress which targets the joints, and drop-offs in collagen levels. Studies have shown that taking a daily collagen supplement may decrease osteoarthritis-related joint pain and joint pain caused by injury and exercise. 

 

 

  • Increase muscle mass: Collagen makes up 1–10% of muscle tissue. Studies showing the pro-muscle-growth effects of collagen on those with sarcopenia suggest that by taking a collagen supplement, you may be able to increase muscle mass at any age.
  • Better gut health: Gut health is a hot topic today. Some studies suggest that because collagen can be found in the gut lining, consuming more collagen may strengthen the gut and prevent the leaky gut syndrome.
  • May boost weight loss: Some people like to consume collagen along with a healthy diet to promote weight loss. Because collagen is a high-protein, low-calorie supplement, it can help you to feel fuller longer with only a fraction of the cost of other protein sources.

 

         You may also read our other article about the amazing benefits of collagen.

 

What are the negative effects of taking collagen? 

Essentially, because collagen is produced naturally by the human body, you don't run the risk of an allergic reaction. However, consuming collagen in excess amounts may cause side effects such as stomach upset. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the collagen supplement industry which means that if you do not buy from a trusted source, you could risk contamination. At the very least, many brands add artificial sweeteners and flavors to their supplements which can taint the purity of the product. If you're interested in adding collagen to your diet, consider meeting with a dietitian to find the regimen that is right for you! 

 

The Collagen Complex Capsules by 1 Body are filled with 100% pure collagen. They are natural, non-GMO, and manufactured in the USA at a cGMP lab to ensure the highest purity possible. The 1 Body formula contains types I, II, III, V, and X to help support your overall health from all angles. 

 

The Collagen Complex Capsules by 1 Body are filled with 100% pure collagen. They are natural, non-GMO, and manufactured in the USA at a cGMP lab to ensure the highest purity possible. The 1 Body formula contains types I, II, III, V, and X to help support your overall health from all angles. 

 

COLLAGEN COMPLEX

  • Promote hair and nail strength – Collagen is essential for hair and nail growth and strength. Oftentimes brittle nails are a sign of low collagen, but collagen supplements provide a convenient solution.
  • Support gut and skin health – In addition to making your skin look healthy from the inside out by boosting elasticity, collagen peptides also protect the lining in the gut for good gut health.
  • Strengthen joints, bones, and cartilage – Collagen provides the structure, strength, and elasticity necessary for our connective tissues, such as bone, skin, and ligaments.
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