What are the benefits of Collagen?
#collagen is a protein that is naturally found in our bodies and is a major component of our skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It provides structural support, elasticity, and strength to various tissues. Collagen is produced by specialized cells called fibroblasts.
As we age, the production of collagen in our bodies decreases, leading to the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint stiffness. This has led to the popularity of collagen supplements, which are derived from animal sources such as bovine (cow), porcine (pig), or marine (fish) collagen.
Your body actually contains a total of 29 varieties of collagen, but the 5 most common are:
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Type I, which gives strength to your skin, bones, ligaments, and tendons
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Type II, which makes up the flexible cartilage that helps support your joints
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Type III, found in your internal organs, blood vessels, and muscles
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Type IV, in some layers of your skin
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Type V, which is present in your corneas as well as some layers of skin and hair
Most collagen supplements contain types I, II, and III, which account for most of the collagen found in your body. They contain a digestible form of collagen called collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen.
Some of the potential benefits of taking supplemental collagen include:
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Improved skin health: Collagen is a key component of the skin, and taking collagen supplements may help improve skin elasticity and hydration. One review of 11 studies focusing mostly on women found that taking 3–10 grams of collagen per day for an average of 69 days led to improvements in skin elasticity and hydration.
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Joint health: Collagen provides structural support to the joints, and supplementing with collagen may help reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with conditions like osteoarthritis. one study published in January 2017 in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism found that athletes with knee pain who took 5 g of collagen peptides daily for 12 weeks had less joint pain during exercise compared with a placebo group
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Bone health: Collagen is an essential component of bone tissue. Some studies suggest that collagen supplements may help improve bone density and reduce the risk of conditions like osteoporosis. One study with 66 post-menopausal women who took 5 grams of collagen daily for 12 months. Those who took the collagen exhibited an increase of up to 7% in their bone mineral density (BMD) compared with those who didn’t take collagen
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Hair and nail health: Collagen is thought to contribute to the strength and health of hair and nails, and some individuals report improvements in these areas with collagen supplementation.
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May promote heart health: Researchers have theorized that collagen supplements may help reduce the risk of heart conditions. In a 6-month study, 31 healthy adults took 16 grams of collagen daily. They had experienced a significant reduction in measures of artery stiffness from the study’s beginning to its end.
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May increase muscle mass: A small study of 53 men revealed the positive effects of taking collagen supplements when exercising. The participants study took 15 grams (g) of collagen or a placebo pill per day. The participants engaged in regular exercise for 12 weeks. At the end of this period, those who took the collagen supplements showed an increase in muscle mass and strength that was significantly more pronounced than in those taking the placebo pill. The researchers theorized that collagen helped stimulate the production of the proteins responsible for muscle growth.
It's worth noting that the effectiveness of collagen supplements can vary from person to person, and It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific needs.
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