The most abundant protein in the body is collagen. It is found in the muscles, tendons, bones and skin. It is insoluble, hard and fibrous. In the body, there are at least 16 different types, but up to 90 percent are the 1, 2 and 3 types. All of the different types have different roles. It is essentially responsible for providing structure and scaffolding so that the body is able to be held together.
The body does produce collagen. The natural type is synthesized by the body and is referred to as endogenous. Now, there is also a synthetic type referred to as exogenous which comes from supplements or another outside source.
With the endogenous type, when it starts to break down and deplete, a number of health issues are possible since it plays so many important roles in the body. The exogenous type is often used for an array of cosmetic and medical purposes by essentially replacing the natural collagen that is lost due to aging and other factors. The body starts to naturally produce less of this protein as you get older. This can cause a variety of issues and changes in the body, such as joint cartilage weakening and wrinkles forming on the skin.
1. Improves Health and Skin
The new buzzword for skincare is “collagen” and for good reason. This protein is naturally found in the body and it is largely responsible for skin that is youthful, plump and taut. Because of this, a number of skincare products and procedures are starting to incorporate it in an attempt to restore the collagen someone loses that results in wrinkles and other signs of aging. By providing the skin with sufficient amounts of this protein, you can improve skin elasticity.
In fact, a 2014 study looked at women ages 35 to 55 that were taking a supplement of collagen hydrolysate. Within four weeks, the women who received the actual supplement had an improvement in their skin elasticity compared to the placebo group. A second study on the same supplement was done, but the focus was on wrinkle reduction. This study showed that those taking the actual supplement experienced significant wrinkle improvement after eight weeks compared to the placebo group.
This protein contains multiple amino acids with anti-inflammatory properties, such as glycine and proline. This means that is may aid in reducing inflammation associated with different skin conditions, such as acne, eczema or psoriasis. This protein has the ability to attract new skin cells, making it ideal for wounds. Hospitals use collagen dressings for:
• Chronic wounds that are not healing with other conventional treatments
• Granulating wounds
• Full-thickness and partial thickness wounds
• Skin graft sites
• Necrotic wounds
• Second-degree burns
[nextpage title=“Next” ]2. Reduces Joint Pain
A number of studies have been done to look at the effect of this protein on the health of joints, especially among older adults with osteoarthritis. When someone has this form of arthritis, the protective cartilage located at the ends of the bones wears down until it is completely gone. This causes inflammation, and eventually, joint damage. Collagen may help to replace that smoothness and lubrication to help those with arthritis move easier. It may even reduce the risk of the joints deteriorating, according to a study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine. A separate study concluded that arthritis patients supplementing with type 2 collagen experienced improvements in sleeping, taking the stairs and other daily activities.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]3. Helps Heal Leaky Gut
Leaky gut syndrome is really still a medical mystery. It is said to be characterized by bloating, cramps, aches and pains, gas and food sensitivities. Cleveland Clinic doctor Donald Kirby, MD states that this syndrome is a gray area and largely considered to potentially be a symptom of a larger issue. One option that may be helpful is collagen since it contains the amino acid glutamine. This is said to prevent the gut wall from becoming inflamed, allowing it to heal. Digestive imbalances have been associated with low collagen, including inflammatory bowel disease. So, it is believed that this amino acid in collagen could be beneficial.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]4. Boosts Energy
This protein contains glycine, which is a type of amino acid, and this can contribute to a boost in metabolism which results in more energy. Glycine makes it easier for the body’s tissues to receive sufficient sugar, a major source of energy for the muscles and tissues. When combined with vitamin C, the collagen is converted into a usable protein which results in increased vitality and energy. A study in the British Journal of Nutrition concluded that this protein may give people more energy during training and exercise. The study looked specifically at elderly men with significant muscle and strength loss. The supplementation of collagen improved their muscle strength and allowed them greater energy.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]5. Helps Detox
The liver works hard to keep toxins from accumulating in the body. Every day, toxins make their way into the body and the liver works to eliminate them. To help the liver to be as efficient as possible, hydrolyzed collagen may be able to help since it contains glycine. There is a study that shows that glycine is a potent anti-inflammatory for the liver. Its effect on hepatocytes, a type of liver cell, may also protect the liver against injury, states the same study. This is important because helping the liver to be as healthy and efficient as possible is critical to ensure that toxins are promptly and thoroughly eliminated.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]6. Reduces Cellulite
Cellulite is something that at some point in life, most women will encounter. A number of factors can contribute to it, such as aging, sudden weight changes, genetics, hormonal changes or pregnancy. When cellulite happens, the skin in the area becomes thinner and loses some of its elasticity. Since collagen is necessary for sufficient skin thickness and elasticity, it makes sense that cellulite might benefit from this protein. The general consensus is that supplementation that is ingested instead of applied topically to the skin is most effective for cellulite. Adding vitamin C to a supplementation regimen may also be beneficial since it can stimulate cellular level collagen production.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]7. Strengthens Hair
A healthy head of hair is largely dependent on collagen. The hair building proteins in the body are supported by this protein, so research states that supplementing with collagen can help to prevent hair loss and improve overall hair health by increasing the amount of these proteins. When there are sufficient amounts of these proteins, the hair follicle structure is properly supported. Not only does this make hair stronger, but it can also reduce gray hairs. Collagen supplements have also been shown to be beneficial for supporting hair’s moisture levels to treat hair that is brittle and dry so that its overall health is restored.
