The Collagen Craze: The Fountain of Youth or Unrealistic Hype?

Have you ever wondered why babies and young children have skin that is radiant, firm, and rosy?

The answer is collagen, elastin and healthy skin fat.

Babies are born with a lot of collagen in their skin, which is an important structural protein present in the skin and throughout the body.

Collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, holds individual cells together and also strengthens and supports the skin through the formation of long fibrils of collagen molecules.

One of the primary building blocks of bones, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, organs, teeth, and even the digestive system is collagen.

However, while we're born with an abundance of collagen, with time, age, dietary choices, environmental circumstances, and other things cause our body to produce less collagen naturally, which weakens the cell structures.

Our bodies start to cease making collagen around the age of 30, and our skin's normal cell renewal process becomes less frequent. Collagen is the substance that gives our skin strength and structural integrity. Even worse, beyond the age of 30, our body's collagen levels start to decline by roughly 1% to 2% annually.

The fundamental structure of our skin begins to deteriorate as we age.

The collagen in the skin is also weakened by smoking, UV exposure, and poor nutrition. Loss of elasticity, fine lines, and thinner, rougher skin that is generally more prone to injury are the final results of naturally dropping collagen levels and damaging environmental elements, such UV radiation or smog.

Collagen is crucial for the strength and firmness of your skin, therefore as your collagen levels decline, so does your skin's resistance to wrinkles, damage, and sagging.

Sagging skin is triggered by a gradual loss of elastin and collagen, as well as broken and damaged collagen fibers.

Studies show that collagen supplementation may help adults maintain healthy skin and bones as they age.

One study found that taking 5 grams of collagen peptides daily for a year significantly increased BMD of the femoral neck and spine in 102 postmenopausal women with reduced bone mineral density (BMD), indicating decreased bone breakdown and increased bone formation.

The use of collagen is not new. Even while existing for some time, it is today undergoing some evolution as it gets more well-known and accessible. A rising number of women (and men!) are turning to collagen as a way to get a radiant, beautiful complexion without ever having to visit a doctor's office or use a needle. In the past, collagen may have been associated with wrinkle fillers and injections.

In fact, everyone from health and beauty bloggers to actress Jennifer Aniston herself is extolling the virtues of collagen, which is often obtained from grass-fed cows, chickens, fish, and some plant-based sources.

But is it really the fountain of youth that we mortals have been looking for or is it just an unrealistic hype? And is the hype justified?

Research reveals that taking collagen in the appropriate doses is safe and does not cause any undesirable effects. Depending on your health objectives, collagen supplements are relatively safe, easy to use, and effective.

Science Facts on Collagen

Collagen Peptides for Pain and Recovery. Current study shows that collagen peptide supplementation enhances pain and function and activates metabolic pathways linked to the development of muscles and tendons. 

Peptides of Collagen for Skin Elasticity. Collagen peptides taken orally daily along with vitamins and other bioactive substances increase skin elasticity and promote joint and overall health.

Collagen for Healthy Skin. Oral administration of intact or hydrolyzed collagen enhances the clinical expression of skin health, according to the findings from systematic studies.

Collagen for Bone Tissue Regeneration. In the last decades, increased knowledge about collagen's organization, structure, and properties (particularly concerning interactions between cells and collagen-based materials) has inspired scientists and engineers to design innovative collagen-based biomaterials and develop novel tissue-engineering products.

Benefits of Collagen Supplement

• Improves skin health. Collagen is a significant protein that strengthens and hydrates your skin.
• Relieves joint pain. It is well known that over time, the cartilage structure between your joints deteriorates. Collagen supplements help to keep the collagen structure healthy and reduce joint pain.
• Boosts muscle mass. As collagen is the most prevalent protein in the body, skeletal muscle heavily depends on it.
• Improves gut health. According to studies, those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have reduced collagen levels and an unbalanced collagen synthesis and breakdown process.

How Safe Are Collagen Supplements?

According to research consuming them is safe. Yet, it's crucial to consult your physician before taking any new supplements.

Like with any supplement, you should be aware that the FDA doesn't control collagen peptide products, so you'll have to conduct some research to make sure you're buying a high-quality item that has been examined and approved by an impartial third-party laboratory, like NSF.

Finally, avoid collagen supplements that don't contain hydrolyzed collagen, especially those that have added sugar, which has no nutritional value and can be harmful to your health if taken in excess over time.

The Inspirer,
Dr. Lilian O. Ebuoma

We offer collagen gummies to those seeking healthy sweet snacks. Due to the fact that they give your body essential protein and collagen while also bolstering your immune system with Vitamin C, these are the ideal replacement for regular sugar gummies. Check it our here to learn more. This is a powerful combination because Vitamin C aids collagen absorption into the bones. This greatly improves bone and joint strength and stability.