...and why should you care?
Chances are you’ve heard a lot more about collagen recently. Whether it’s through your favourite influencer on Instagram promoting how it ‘revolutionised’ their skin, or a television advert extolling its benefits for joint health, the market for collagen products is seeing a significant boom. But what is it and why should you care?
The first thing to note is that collagen isn’t a “quick fix” supplement – it can take a few months for you to notice any real difference, so be wary of any brands that promote instant results.
Collagen, what is it?
Collagen is a protein which can be found in skin, bones and cartilage. It helps support the function of cellular migration (which is needed for tissue maintenance). It is the main component of connective tissue and makes up 1 – 2% of muscle tissue. Collagen is a vital component in fibrous tissues such as tendons.
Where does collagen come from?
Collagen is found in parts of animal bones; in terms of diet, fish and chicken skin and also ligaments are packed full of collagen.
For humans, Vitamin C is vital in the production of collagen. Without Vitamin C, the body can’t form it, making this antioxidant an essential cofactor in collagen synthesis.
Why do I need collagen?
As we age our collagen becomes fragmented and the body’s production slows down which leads to signs of aging. This doesn’t just mean fine lines and wrinkles; joint pain and stiffness can also be lessened with an optimal level of collagen.
Certain lifestyle factors can also contribute to the breakdown of collagen. Smoking, excessive drinking, a diet high in sugar and increased sun exposure all contribute to the aging process.
Following a nutrient-rich diet and an overall healthy lifestyle should provide the amount you need.
Is all collagen derived from animal by-products?
- Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue for an extended period of time.
- Fish are an excellent source of collagen from food, as long as you leave the skin on.
- Chicken.
A vegan collagen made from genetically modified yeast and bacteria has recently been launched to market. It is added to a digestive enzyme called Pepsin, which helps create the building blocks of human collagen. It can be a little more expensive than animal-derived collagen supplements and not as easy to purchase as it’s not made in huge quantities (yet), but with the growing demand for sustainable and vegan collagen, we’re sure this will be a trend which is soon more widely available. Vitamin C to promote your body’s own capability to produce collagen is a vegan-friendly, low-cost method making it much more accessible to most.
Benefits of Collagen
1. Bones
Studies show that collagen can increase bone mineral density and relieve symptoms from joint pain and other symptoms related to osteoarthritis. The amino acids in collagen protect and rebuild joint cartilage and stop brittle bones rubbing together.
2. Hair
Collagen contains amino acids which are used to build keratin. Keratin is a substance that helps create and maintain healthy hair and nails. Collagen also has anti-oxidant properties; good for fighting off damage to the hair follicles, prevent thinning and greying.
3. Immunity
While collagen alone doesn’t prevent against catching cold and flu, its anti-inflammatory properties may aid in giving your overall immune system a little boost. Collagen also consists of glutamine and glycine which are amazing for detoxing the body. This is just what is needed to help rid the body of any toxins when you are ill.
4. Tissue repair
Due to collagen’s role in cellular turnover, it can be used as a medical dressing as it aids in the wound healing process. The anti-inflammatory properties activate and allow the ease of blood clotting. Collagen regulates all these functions as a key protein in connective tissue and has been used for soft tissue repair including the formation of scars and the promotion of new tissue growth.
Which collagen should I buy?
Marine collagen is typically absorbed more efficiently then other collagens.
Type 1 collagen is the strongest form. If you’re looking for a collagen for supporting skin health, type 1 is a top choice since it is literally a building block of the skin.
Hydrolysed collagen means the collagen has been broken down into small peptides, which are easy for the body to digest.
And most importantly, what collagen does Jennifer Aniston use?
“My go-to collagen routine is adding Vital Proteins’ Collagen Peptides in my morning cup of coffee or smoothie.”
fix picks: Collagen
-
Trending
Collagen Peptides (Unflavoured) 567g – Vital Proteins
£49.99 Add to basket -
Grass-Fed Collagen Powder 400g – APE Nutrition
£31.50 – £35.00 Add to basket -
Marine Collagen Powder 450g – Planet Paleo
£45.99 Add to basket -
Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate 454g – Great Lakes Gelatin Co.
£34.99 Add to basket
References
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen#supplements
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen#what-it-is-and-uses
https://heivy.com/blogs/news/can-collagen-boost-immunity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8151502/
https://www.woundsinternational.com/uploads/resources/content_10039.pdf
