Collagen

Anyone interested in the quality of their skin has heard of collagen, the miracle ingredient in any good anti-aging cream. But this protein naturally present in the human body has many other uses… Here is all you need to know about collagen and its benefits!

Its origin

Collagen comes from the Greek kólla, which means glue, in reference to its adhesive functions. It is both necessary for the elasticity of the skin and the flexibility of the joints. It also has the ability to attract and retain water in the tissues to fight against dehydration.

There are 3 types of collagen: collagen I in the skin and bone tissue, collagen II in the cartilage and collagen III in the muscles and the blood network.

Unfortunately, the production of collagen in our body decreases with age, especially from the age of 40. The drop in it is the cause of poorer skin elasticity and joint and bone fragility.

Food sources

Relatively few foods contain collagen.

• It is found in meats: in particular in the gelatinous parts of the meat, such as the feet or legs, the tail, the muzzle, the bone marrow broth… Veal stock is also an interesting source of collagen.
• The egg yolk membrane also contains it.
• Collagen of marine origin is also found in the skin, bones and scales of fish. Finally, animal gelatin is made from collagen-rich animal raw materials.

Benefits and virtues

–Joint pain

A major ingredient in the joints, it ensures their cohesion and elasticity. When pain appears, due to age or intense physical activity, it is generally linked to a deterioration of the connective tissue, itself composed of collagen.
A 2008 American study looks at the effects of a collagen hydrolyzate on joint pain in athletes. The results suggest that “athletes consuming collagen hydrolyzate may reduce parameters (such as pain) that negatively impact athletic performance.”
A year later, in 2009, a randomized trial studied its effect on joint comfort. The results showed “significant improvement in knee joint comfort as assessed by visual analog pain scales and the Womac pain subscale. »

–Osteoarthritis

A clinical trial conducted in 2008 Anhui Medical University in China, compared the effect of the type II from chicken (CCII) and that of a basic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – called methotrexate (MTX ) – on RA. The results of the trial suggested that chicken type II was “effective in the treatment of RA. CCII is well tolerated and the incidence of adverse events from CCII is lower than that of MTX”.

A study from 2016 attempted to assess the effectiveness of undenatured collagen type 2 (UC-II) in osteoarthritis knee pain. She came to the following conclusion “UC-II improved knee joint symptoms in subjects with knee osteoarthritis and was well tolerated. »

–Skin quality and youth

Collagen synthesis decreases by about 1.5% per year from the age of 25. The level of it in the body is thus reduced by 30% at age 40 and by 60% at age 60. This deficit, which increases with age, is directly correlated to a decline in the quality of the skin, which becomes thinner, more fragile and wrinkles over the years.

A Brazilian study conducted in 2013 shows that a daily collagen hydrolyzate supplement for 4 weeks is effective in improving skin elasticity. The same authors showed a year later that an oral treatment of collagen peptides for 8 weeks reduced skin wrinkles.

Dosage

• It is preferably taken before a meal, and its absorption is enhanced by vitamin C, hence the interest of combining the two elements.
• The dosage of collagen food supplements is not subject to a precise official recommendation. The manufacturers recommend dosages ranging from 1 to 5 g per day.
• The cures must be followed for at least 3 months so that the patient can see the effects.
• In cosmetology, it is used in the composition of creams or serums, which are generally applied once or twice a day to the skin.

Side effects and contraindications

The supplements are generally very well tolerated. In a few rare cases, they can cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances.

People with kidney failure should seek the advice of their doctor before consuming collagen hydrolyzate.

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I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it useful. Comment down below what you think, or share with us your experience if you take it as a supplement.

Looking forward to reading your comments, sending you love and positive energy!!!