What Are the Benefits of Taking Collagen Supplements?
Collagen is a fibrous protein that functions as a building block for skin, tendons, joints, other connective tissues and bones. Collagen also keeps skin, bones, teeth and blood vessels healthy. Taking collagen supplements helps replenish and replace natural collagen, which decreases with age.
Reduction of Skin Wrinkles
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), skin wrinkle reduction is one of the possible benefits of taking collagen supplements. As people age, their skin’s natural elasticity lessens because of the decrease in collagen production. When the skin loses its elasticity, wrinkles and fine lines start to appear and skin will seem less firm and look loose.
Consideration
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The AAD notes that collagen supplements is one of several things you can do to improve your skin's elasticity and ability to recover from wounds. Wrinkle reduction and skin repair can also be achieved by using moisturizers, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and by stopping smoking.
Reduction of Joint Pain and Stiffness
Relief from joint pain and stiffness is among the many benefits of taking collagen supplements, as described by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) . Collagen is responsible for keeping cartilage and joints intact and mobile by maintaining the fibrous and elastic structure of bones and joints. This elasticity enables people to move freely without pain or discomfort. Taking collagen supplements enables the joints to flex and extend properly. It also allows joints to absorb the shock associated with such everyday movements as walking and doing other activities.
- Relief from joint pain and stiffness is among the many benefits of taking collagen supplements, as described by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) .
- This elasticity enables people to move freely without pain or discomfort.
Faster Wound Healing
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According to the NIAMS, one of the benefits of taking collagen supplements is faster wound healing. Skin repair and wound healing after an injury usually happens on its own, but collagen supplements may speed up the process by stimulating tissue formation and wound contraction.
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References
- The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Osteoarthritis
- American Academy of Dermatology: Wrinkles
- Asserin, J., Lati, E., Shioya, T., & Prawitt, J. (2015). The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from anex vivomodel and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 14(4), 291–301. doi:10.1111/jocd.12174
- Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz ML, Mesinkovsk NA. Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(1):9-16.
- Cúneo F, Costa-Paiva L, Pinto-Neto AM, Morais SS, Amaya-Farfan J. Effect of dietary supplementation with collagen hydrolysates on bone metabolism of postmenopausal women with low mineral density. Maturitas. 2010 Mar;65(3):253-7.
- Czajka, A., Kania, E. M., Genovese, L., Corbo, A., Merone, G., Luci, C., & Sibilla, S. (2018). Daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides combined with vitamins and other bioactive compounds improves skin elasticity and has a beneficial effect on joint and general wellbeing. Nutrition Research, 57, 97–108. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2018.06.001
- García-Coronado, J. M., Martínez-Olvera, L., Elizondo-Omaña, R. E., Acosta-Olivo, C. A., Vilchez-Cavazos, F., Simental-Mendía, L. E., & Simental-Mendía, M. (2018). Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. International Orthopaedics, 43(3), 531–538. doi:10.1007/s00264-018-4211-5
- Hays NP, Kim H, Wells AM, Kajkenova O, Evans WJ. "Effects of whey and fortified collagen hydrolysate protein supplements on nitrogen balance and body composition in older women." J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Jun;109(6):1082-7.
- Kirmse, M., Oertzen-Hagemann, V., de Marées, M., Bloch, W., & Platen, P. (2019). Prolonged Collagen Peptide Supplementation and Resistance Exercise Training Affects Body Composition in Recreationally Active Men. Nutrients, 11(5), 1154. doi:10.3390/nu11051154
- Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):113-9.
- Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert J, Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(1):47-55.
- Tomosugi N, Yamamoto S, Takeuchi M, et al. Effect of Collagen Tripeptide on Atherosclerosis in Healthy Humans. J Atheroscler Thromb. 2017;24(5):530–538. doi:10.5551/jat.36293
Writer Bio
Helen Nnama has six years of writing experience. She is a health contributor to TBR Journal, editor of fertility confidential manuals, published poet, and a greeting card writer. She has a B.S. in microbiology, an M.S. in epidemiology, and is an M.D. candidate. A former state HIV/AIDS epidemiologist and NIA fellow at Johns Hopkins, she has research experience with published work.