The benefits of taking collagen supplements have been discussed widely by famous celebrities and talk show hosts, as well as normal people with no celebrity status. Collagen supplements are believed to give you a youthful appearance and to fend off wrinkles. It is the protein found in your connective tissue that gives your skin its elasticity and makes it supple. Supplements help to replenish the natural supply of collagen in your skin, leaving you with firmer, younger-looking skin.
The benefits of collagen supplements tend to be primarily cosmetic. Benefits of collagen supplements include stronger nails and younger-looking skin. Collagen supplements may also enhance muscle mass and bone strength. However, collagen supplements are not regulated by the FDA and can contain harmful substances; avoid them while pregnant or breastfeeding. Also avoid collagens when you have rheumatoid arthritis or an autoimmune disease, or when you suffer from nail fungus or fungal infections of the toenails.
Collagen works by providing your skin with the basic building blocks of its fibers. It helps your skin form and retains the structure that keeps your bones and muscles together. As we age our bodies produce less collagen and our skin loses its natural collagen glue, which allows bones to rub together. Bones that rub together tend to cause painful joints, as well as damage to cartilage and other connective tissues. So in order to protect against osteoporosis, strengthen your bones and build up your cartilage, and keep your joints supple, you need to use a collagen product.
The benefits of collagen are not fully understood. Some studies suggest that it may help treat osteoarthritis, but it has not been proven in any clinical trial to be effective for this condition. It has also been studied in elderly subjects who had decreased bone density and increased susceptibility to joint injuries. Collagen supplements did not reduce the risk of fractures, but they did improve measures of joint stability, which is probably desirable if you’re going to become obese or develop osteoarthritis. But the main question still remains: is collagen an appropriate therapy for osteoarthritis?
Another benefit of collagen therapy that hasn’t been studied much is heart health. Collagen seems to increase the thickness of the heart muscle, which can reduce blood pressure and thus reduce the risk of heart attacks. However, there is no large-scale clinical trial to support this benefit of collagen. One small 2021 study reported that people taking collagen tripeptide had lower blood pressure at the end of six months than those who took a placebo. This was a small study, however, and more research is needed to strengthen this link between collagen and heart health.
Finally, it’s important to note that collagen supplements are unlikely to lead to loss of bone density, even with extensive use. That’s because the body cannot break down the abundant protein contained in collagen, so the supplements act as merely a dietary source of existing amino acids. When taken regularly, these supplements can help you retain your existing bone density. And because they are made from natural ingredients, there is very little risk of side effects.
Collagen supplements contain both collagen and vitamin C, two nutrients essential for healthy skin and ligaments. Collagen has the added benefit of strengthening connective tissues, which help to keep bones strong and bones healthy. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps repair damaged skin cells. Both of these nutrients are important for maintaining skin elasticity, and research is currently underway on how best to optimize their use in topical creams. However, don’t expect to see any radical improvement in your skin or facial skincare, such as those provided by famous cosmetic firms. As far as anti-aging skincare treatments go, collagen supplements and collagens are really just placeholders for the more effective ingredients.
For the best anti-aging skin care treatment, try using a supplement containing compounds like active Manuka honey, avocado oil, Shea butter, and other nourishing natural oils, and including a good skin care cream that contains ingredients like Cynergy TK, Phytessence Wakame kelp extract, and CoQ10. If you’re looking for a supplement to simply give you more energy, look for one that contains Resveratrol. Remember to always use a high-quality skin and dietary supplement, and take them consistently as directed. You’ll have better results and enjoy a healthier life!