2021 Collagen Supplements Guide: Benefits, Uses, And Side Effects
Collagen supplements have become very popular in recent years; and for good reasons, because Collagen is the major component of connective tissues that make up several body parts, including tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles. Collagen has many important functions, including providing your skin with structure and strengthening your joints and bones.
In 2020, thanks in part to a growing body of evidence suggesting collagen can improve skin, ease arthritis symptoms, and promote wound healing; but as it’s gotten more popular, there have been concerns about the safety of many formulas out there.
Learn about collagen benefits and how to choose the right brand below:
Improves Skin Health – several studies have shown that collagen peptides or supplements containing collagen may help slow the aging of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness.
Boosts Your Immune System – collagen is an immune system booster as it helps build antibodies and has important antiviral properties.
Helps Relieve Joint Pain – as the amount of collagen in your body decreases as you get older, your risk of developing degenerative joint disorders such as osteoarthritis increases. In a recent study, adults took collagen daily for 70 days had a significant reduction in joint pain and were better able to engage in physical activity than those who did not take it.
Prevents Bone Loss – Your bones are made mostly of collagen, which gives them structure and helps keep them strong. Consuming collagen supplements may help reduce the risk of bone disorders such as osteoporosis.
Promotes Heart Health – Collagen provides structure to your arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Without enough collagen, arteries may become weak and fragile.
Hair and Nails Health – taking collagen increases the strength of your nails by preventing brittleness. Additionally, it may stimulate your hair and nails to grow longer.
Promotes Gut health – Many practitioners promote the use of collagen supplements to treat intestinal permeability, or leaky gut syndrome.
Improves Brain Health – Many experts claim collagen improves mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Collagen Side Effects – Currently, there are not any known risks to taking the top rated collagen supplements.
How to Choose The Right Collagen Brand:
If you are interested in trying collagen, doctors agree that it’s important to choose wisely.
– Contains all five types of collagen I, II, III, V and X (Bovine, Hydrolyzed Chicken, Pure Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen, Eggshell Membrane and Avian Sternum Collagen).
– Made from non-GMO, grass fed, hormone free, and cruelty free sources
– Must be Hydrolyzed for Absorption – collagens are hard to absorb, hydrolyzed collagens have already been partially broken down for easier and faster absorption.
– Capsules vs Powder – although choosing between collagen capsule or powder is a matter lifestyle but many consumers have reported collagen in capsule form is more effective and convenient.
Has your brand been third-party tested?
You should never buy supplements that don’t have Certificate of Analysis. The studies should be conducted in labs that are not affiliated with the manufacturer. These labs verify the product for safety and potency. Only buy supplements that are backed by third-party labs and manufactured in an FDA approved facility..
There are numerous scientific papers on the benefits of collagen. We have compiled some of the literature for your convenience.
Sources and Citation:
Effects of a nutritional supplement containing collagen peptides on skin elasticity, hydration and wrinkles http://www.jmnn.org/article.asp?issn=2278-1870;year=2015;volume=4;issue=1;spage=47;epage=53;aulast=Borumand
Skin anti-aging strategies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/
Collagen supplementation as a complementary therapy for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis: a systematic review http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rbgg/v19n1/1809-9823-rbgg-19-01-00153.pdf
Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11071580