Collagen is the protein found abundantly in our body. It is the main element of connective tissues that make up several body parts, such as tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles. Collagen has multiple vital functions that include providing your skin with structure and strengthening your bones. The purpose of the best collagen supplements for skin and hair is the same, and recently, these collagen supplements have become quite popular.
Most of them are hydrolyzed, meaning the collagen has been broken down. It makes it easier for your stomach to absorb.
You can also eat several food items to increase your collagen intake, including bone broth. Moreover, consuming collagen may have various health benefits, from relieving joint pain to improving overall skin health. Following are the benefits of taking the best collagen supplements for skin and hair.
1- Improves Overall Skin Health
Collagen is a significant component of your skin as it plays a vital role in strengthening the skin and improving hydration and elasticity. Aging can cause the body to produce less collagen, resulting in dry skin and wrinkles. Several studies have shown that collagen peptides or supplements can help slow your skin’s aging process by reducing wrinkles and dryness.
One study showed that women who took a supplement containing 2.5–5 grams of collagen for 8 weeks encountered less skin dryness and a significant increase in skin elasticity than those who did not take these supplements. Likewise, another study showed that women who drank a beverage mixed with a collagen supplement for 12 weeks straight felt increased skin hydration and significantly reduced wrinkle depth.
Collagen supplements can stimulate your body to produce collagen on its own. Moreover, using collagen supplements may promote the production of other proteins that help structure your skin, such as elastin and fibrillin.
Many cases also show that collagen supplements help prevent acne and other skin conditions. However, these are not backed by scientific evidence.
2- Relieves Joint Pain
Collagen helps maintain your cartilage, which is the rubber-like tissue protecting your joints. As you age, the amount of collagen in your body also decreases, increasing the risk of developing degenerative joint disorders, like osteoarthritis increases.
Several studies have found that consuming collagen supplements can help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and lessen joint pain overall. The study included 73 athletes who took 10 grams of collagen daily for 24 weeks and experienced a significant decrease in joint pain compared with those who did not take it.
Likewise, in another study, adults consumed 2 grams of collagen daily for 70 days. They had a significant reduction in joint pain and were better able to engage in physical activity than those who did not take it. According to these results, researchers have deduced that supplemental collagen may store in cartilage and stimulate your tissues to make collagen. They also suggested that these supplements can also lower inflammation, reduce pain, and support the joints.
3- Prevents Bone Loss
Your bones are made chiefly of collagen, giving them structure and strength. Your bone mass deteriorates with ae just as the collagen, resulting in conditions like osteoporosis characterized by low bone density and a higher risk of bone fractures.
Studies found that consuming collagen supplements may have specific effects on the body that help inhibit bone breakdown, leading to osteoporosis.
In one study, one group of women took a calcium supplement combined with 5 grams of collagen, and the other group took calcium supplement and no collagen daily for 12 months. At the end of the study, the women taking the calcium and collagen supplement had significantly lower blood levels of proteins that promote bone breakdown in comparison to those who took only the calcium.
These results of taking collagen supplements are promising, but more human studies are required before the role of collagen supplements in bone health can be verified.
4- Boosts Muscle Mass
About 1% to 10% of muscle tissue is made up of collagen. The collagen protein is vital for keeping the muscles strong and functioning properly. Studies have recommended that collagen supplements help promote muscle mass in people with sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass that happens with age.
In one study, 27 weak men took 15 grams of collagen while engaging in an exercise program daily for 12 weeks. In comparison with men who trained but did not take collagen, they gained significantly more muscle mass and strength. Due to other similar outcomes, researchers have suggested that taking collagen supplements can promote the integration of muscle proteins, such as creatine, and stimulate muscle growth after training.
These are some of the benefits of taking the best collagen supplements for hair and skin. If you want more information regarding supplements, you can book an appointment with the best Nutrition in Karachi through Marham.
