Drinking Collagen: Benefits and Misconceptions
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Celebrities and influencers are raving about collagen drinks, citing that they can improve one's skin and health. From smoothies to flavored waters to powders and capsules, consumers all over the world are turning to collagen as the next health and beauty trend.
But what does this supplement do — really?
In this blog post, we'll take a look at drinking collagen: its benefits, why there is still limited evidence and common misconceptions about collagen supplements.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, making up about a third of our total protein content. It's found in our skin, bones, muscles, tendons, gut, blood vessels, and even our teeth.
This essential protein plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and elasticity of our skin, as well as the health of our joints, bones, and other connective tissues.
As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen, leading to common signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain. That's where collagen supplements, including collagen drinks, come into play.
Collagen is also produced naturally in our bodies from the amino acids found in food. Animal products, proteins, and fish are all excellent sources of collagen-building blocks.
The benefits of drinking collagen
Scientists are still debating the precise benefits of taking collagen supplements. While there is reasonable evidence to suggest that supplementation can help maintain hydrated skin and relieve osteoarthritis pain, we still don't have the full picture.
There are many potential benefits to drinking collagen, including:
Improved Skin Health
The first and most well-known benefit of drinking collagen is improved skin health. Studies have shown that collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density. This can result in smoother, more youthful-looking skin over time.
Reduced Joint Pain
Drinking collagen isn't just about beauty—it also has benefits for overall health. Some research suggests that collagen supplements may help reduce joint pain and inflammation, potentially benefiting those with osteoarthritis.
Better Bone Health
Collagen is a key component of our skeletal system, and it plays an important role in bone health. Studies have suggested that increased collagen intake can help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of age-related bone loss.
Healthier Nails and Hair
Though the evidence is still limited, some studies suggest that drinking collagen can promote stronger nails and healthier hair. This could be due to its role in maintaining skin elasticity and helping to seal in moisture.
Why some believe collagen supplements don't work
Despite the promising research, some people are skeptical about the effectiveness of collagen supplements. One common misconception is that the body can't absorb collagen when it's ingested because it's broken down into amino acids during digestion.
While it's true that collagen is broken down during digestion, research shows that these amino acids can still promote collagen production in the body. In fact, certain amino acids found in collagen, like proline and glycine, are crucial for the synthesis of new collagen proteins.
The bottom line? There is still limited research on the benefits of drinking collagen, but there's enough evidence to suggest that it could have a positive impact on skin health, joint pain, bone strength, nails and hair.
Related: 10 Proven Ways To Prevent Wrinkles
Should you try collagen supplements?
Ultimately, the answer comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for a natural way to support your skin and overall health, collagen supplements are definitely worth considering.
However, it's important to remember that more research is needed before we can fully understand all of the potential benefits and risks of drinking collagen.
It's also important to speak with your doctor before taking any supplements. This is especially true if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Are collagen supplements safe?
Generally, collagen supplements are considered safe for most people. However, if it's results that you're after, it is important to choose a high-quality supplement and follow the recommended dosage.
When shopping for collagen supplements, look for one that clearly states the source (usually fish, bovine or porcine), purity (free of impurities or contaminants) and dosage. It's also wise to avoid supplements with added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
How to get more collagen in your diet
If you're interested in increasing your collagen intake without having to resort to supplements, there are a few ways to get more of it in your diet.
For starters, you should increase your intake of animal-based proteins like beef, pork, poultry, and fish.
These foods contain collagen-building blocks like proline and glycine as well as other essential vitamins and minerals. For vegans or vegetarians, legumes and beans, nuts and seeds, as well as fortified foods are all excellent sources of plant-based proteins.
Fruits and vegetables also contain important vitamins and minerals that can help boost collagen production in the body. Foods like bell peppers, spinach, and kale are especially rich in vitamins C and E which have been shown to support healthy skin.
Enhancing collagen production: Proven skincare treatments
While drinking collagen can support skin health, it's just one piece of the puzzle. There are also various skincare treatments that can stimulate collagen production and improve skin health.
For example, microneedling is a non-invasive procedure that creates tiny punctures in the skin to induce a healing response and stimulate collagen production.
Similarly, LED light therapy can promote collagen production by delivering specific wavelengths of light into the skin.
The bottom line
Collagen is essential for our skin, bones, joints, and overall health. However, it should be used in combination with a balanced diet, a good skincare routine, and possibly professional skincare treatments for optimal results.
Drinking collagen supplements may be beneficial for some people, but more research is needed to understand the full scope of its potential benefits and risks.
If you're looking for a way to support your skin health naturally, it's important to consider all of the options available and speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement.
In addition to drinking collagen, there are various skincare treatments that can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin health. So if you're committed to looking and feeling your best, don't forget about the power of a good skincare routine!
Booking a consultation with me could be the first step in your journey to healthier, more youthful-looking skin. Whether you're looking for a routine skincare treatment or something more intensive, I'm here to help. Ready to get started? Contact me today.
My picks of the best collagen supplements for better skin
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder
Collagen Peptides is a premium powdered supplement that features hydrolyzed collagen peptides — sourced from the hides of grass-fed, pasture-raised cows — to support hair, skin, nail, bone and joint health.
Multi Collagen Peptides Plus Biotin and Vitamin D
All-in-one Collagen Pills: our bioavailable hydrolyzed collagen peptide pills feature a blend of 100% grass-fed bovine, chicken, eggshell and marine collagen sources, including Types I, II, III, V & X.
Advanced Clinicals Collagen Cream
Helps eliminate the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. Great to use under your eyes, neck, decollete, and hands.