Much has been said about the wonders of collagen, with some going so far as to call it a miracle cure that can reverse signs of aging. More and more people are taking collagen supplements in the form of powders, pills, and drinks to get in on the trend. But is the hype backed by science? What are these collagen drink benefits and how accurate are these claims?
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a structural protein that serves as one of the building blocks of the skin, bones, and other connective tissues. It is the body’s most abundant protein, but we tend to produce less of it as we age.
It comes as no surprise that some people look at collagen supplements as a way to reverse signs of aging. In recent years, collagen supplements have grown in popularity as celebrities threw their weight behind the products. Let’s go through these collagen drink benefits and explore what the research has to say.
Collagen Drink Benefits: Could Rejuvenate Skin
One of the most popular collagen drink benefits is its supposed ability to reverse or slow down skin aging. As we age, structural changes in the dermis can cause the skin to become dry and loose. This leads to wrinkles.
A study shows that volunteers who took collagen supplements daily showed a marked improvement in skin properties, specifically a reduction in wrinkles and facial lines.
Taking collagen supplements may also improve skin firmness. Most collagen supplements contain peptides that increase the amount of collagen in the dermis. In turn, these peptides stimulate dermal tissue to produce more collagen and other useful proteins that may improve the overall integrity of the skin.
Collagen Drink Benefits: May Reduce Joint Pain
Collagen accounts for 60% of cartilage, a rubbery tissue coating the bones in the joints. It is collagen that strengthens the cartilage. When collagen production is reduced, it may contribute to cartilage loss.
This problem is particularly prominent for people with osteoarthritis or wear-and-tear arthritis where the cartilage breaks down over time, resulting in joint aches and stiffness.
Doctors have yet to fully understand the exact mechanism of cartilage loss in osteoarthritis. But if you’re looking for pain management options for arthritis, it may be worth looking into collagen supplements. Initial research suggests that collagen in hydrolysate form can improve pain and function for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis.
But before taking these supplements, make sure to consult with your doctor first.
Collagen Drink Benefits: May Improve Bone Health
In the same way it may help with skin aging, taking collagen supplements may slow down or prevent age-related bone loss. But large human studies remain lacking, although the effect on animal models has shown some promise.
In an animal study, growing rats that took hydrolyzed collagen and participated in running exercises showed signs of improved bone mass. In animal models, collagen intake has been shown to improve bone mineral density, which is a measure of the density of calcium and other minerals in the bones.
Collagen Drink Benefits: May Strengthen Muscle Mass
Collagen is an important component of all sorts of connective tissue. Like how it builds up the cartilage, collagen accounts for 1%-10% of muscle mass dry weight.
Some studies show that taking collagen supplements may help with muscle mass and strength, although more research is needed on this front.
How Safe And Effective Are Collagen Supplements?
There are several other collagen drink benefits, like how it may help with heart and gut issues. But much has yet to be known about the effect of these supplements on the human body.
Although there are some studies with positive findings, large-scale human studies confirming the effectiveness of these supplements remain lacking. More research is needed before we can make any definitive conclusions about its true value.
Moreover, some of the studies mentioned are funded by industries that stand to benefit from a positive view of collagen supplements, indicating a potential conflict of interest.
While there is significant promise, it’s best to err on the side of caution. So if you want to take collagen supplements, it’s best to check in with your doctor first.
Learn other Nutrition Facts here.
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