Collagen is a protein found throughout the body, especially in bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It provides structure, strength and elasticity to these tissues.
It also forms cartilage, which protects bones and joints. As a result, collagen deficiency can lead to joint pain and stiffness.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a type of protein that’s found throughout the body. It’s in your skin, bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage. It’s also in your organs, blood vessels and intestines.
It’s a significant immune system component and helps your body fight infections. It’s also responsible for building and maintaining your bones, hair strands, tendons and ligaments.
To build collagen, your body needs glycine, proline and hydroxyproline amino acids. It also requires the right amount of vitamin C, zinc and copper.
When you eat, your body breaks down the proteins in food into amino acids that can reassemble into the protein your body needs. But sometimes, your body doesn’t have enough specific amino acids in its diet, so you may need to take supplements containing these nutrients.
These amino acids are called “essential” because they must be present in your diet for the body to use them effectively. You can get these essential amino acids from lean meat, poultry and fish.
There are several types of collagen, but type 1 is the most abundant in the human body. It’s also found in your placenta and promotes healthy growth during pregnancy. It also helps form new bone and articular cartilage.
Why is it so important?
Collagen is the primary building block of bones, ligaments, tendons and skeletal muscles. It helps them to become firm, resilient and elastic – making them able to withstand stretching.
In addition, it supports connective tissues in the body, including skin and hair. It also provides a natural anti-aging effect and improves skin elasticity and moisture retention.
Studies show that taking a daily dose of collagen protein can help keep your skin firm and smooth, especially as you age. It can also help you reduce the appearance of wrinkles by forming fibroblasts and replacing dead skin cells.
Hydrolyzed collagen supplements such as Thorne.com are convenient, high-quality collagen protein absorbed quickly into your system. They also contain amino acids your body needs to make collagen, including glycine and proline.
However, not all supplements are created equal, so taking the right type for your needs is essential. One of the most common forms is gelatin, which tends to be easier on your stomach than hydrolyzed collagen.
Another collagen-rich supplement is a combination of vitamin C and collagen peptides, which may help promote wound healing, prevent joint pain and strengthen tendons. It can also be used to aid recovery after intense exercise.
The key to taking a collagen supplement successfully is to find a product formulated with high-quality ingredients clinically tested for their ability to nourish your body from the inside out. Look for a formula that contains collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, alpha lipoic acid, organic silicon, resveratrol, acai and vitamin C.
How does it work?
Collagen is your body’s natural protein glue, keeping bones, muscles, and skin firm and supple. It’s also responsible for giving structure to your hair and nails.
As you age, collagen production slows down in your body, and this can lead to loss of skin elasticity and wrinkles. Many people have turned to supplements for an extra collagen boost to combat this.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, most studies have found that a daily dose of 2.5-15 grams of collagen is safe and effective. Look for a supplement containing glycine, proline, and vitamins C and zinc.
Eating plenty of foods containing these amino acids, including chicken, beef, fish, dairy, eggs, beans, and citrus fruits, is also helpful. The more nutrients you get in your diet, the better you’ll feel.
A healthy lifestyle can help you produce collagen, so eating a balanced diet is essential. And remember to drink plenty of water, as dehydration can affect your collagen levels.
It’s also important to sleep well and avoid smoking or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Taking collagen peptides with your regular diet can help stimulate new collagen formation, helping to support a smooth and supple complexion.
How much should I take?
Collagen is a protein in your skin, bones, joints, and blood vessels. Taking collagen supplements can help you increase the amount of this protein in your body and may reduce the signs of aging.
Several studies have shown that a daily dose of 2.5 to 15 grams can benefit skin health, muscle mass, bone and joint strength, and more. However, this amount can vary depending on your goals and lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity.
In addition to collagen supplements, you can eat foods rich in this protein. These include fish, chicken, and beef.
Some people also take collagen in capsule form, such as Collagen-Plus. The capsules contain various types of collagen, including critical types I and III. One bottle contains 150 tablets or a 50-day supply of the supplement.
How much you should take will depend on your goals and your current level of collagen. Start with a lower amount to ensure you aren’t causing any side effects and work your way up as your health improves.
Some people have been able to decrease the appearance of cellulite by taking collagen supplements. This is because the protein helps keep your skin smooth and elastic to reduce the appearance of dimpled or lumpy areas.
