I’ve noticed the buzz on many people taking collagen supplements, especially in their senior years. Why all the buzz? Here’s some basic information about collage; but remember to always check with your doctor before adding new supplements. Only your doctor can advise you on quantities and alert you to cross reactions with medications and side effects to be concerned about.
Defined
Collagen, the uncooked form of gelatin, is a structural protein that forms connective tissue in the human body. Collagen is the supportive material that gives our bones, organs, skin and connective tissue shape, flexibility and strength. Collagen makes up roughly 90% of our bones and roughly 80% of our skin.
It’s not digested well in humans unless cooked for hours to break it down. General foods that contain collagen are fish, chicken skins, and other connective tissue meats.
The Buzz
We all want to sustain the integrity of our tissues, skin and digestive system. These are some of the benefits that collagen can provide (food and supplements).
Youthful Skin
Anti-aging cosmetic products are big business, but a natural food substance with anti-aging potential characteristics can be gold. There are several studies showing that collagen supplements improve skin hydration, elasticity, cellulite changes, and wrinkle reduction.
Leaner and more muscular body.
Collagen has been shown to increased muscle strength in age related muscle loss for elderly men, especially in combination with resistance training (when compared with placebo).
More durable joints.
Collage supplementation appears to promote integrity of tendons, and be a potential therapeutic agent to support joint health and manage osteoarthritis issues.
Healthy gut.
It’s important to keep the intestinal epithelial layer healthy and intact. Collagen supports the health of the digestive lining (just like our skin), and in this way promotes a healthier gut and immune system.
Selection
There are many different collagen supplements on market, so strive to find one that is high quality, but low in sugar, and with minimal ingredients. After asking your doctor about adding collagen to your diet, I recommend Metagenics collagen.
This article is not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. Use of recommendations in this and other articles is at the choice and risk of the reader.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21582/
- https://benthamopen.com/contents/pdf/TONUTRAJ/TONUTRAJ-8-29.pdf
- http://www.jmnn.org/article.asp?issn=2278-1870;year=2015;volume=4;issue=1;spage=47;epage=53;aulast=Borumand
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23949208
- http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/jmf.2015.0022
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4594048/pdf/S0007114515002810a.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16161767
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24852756
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20401752
http://www.pathophysiologyjournal.com/article/S0928-4680(00)00045-6/pdf
