Collagen Powder Benefits
Because collagen makes up so many critical parts of our bodies, it is not only beneficial but essential for maintaining good health. However, while researchers agree on several of its advantages, the full range of benefits from collagen powder and other supplements is still under scientific review. For instance, there’s reasonable evidence suggesting that collagen helps maintain skin hydration and relieve osteoarthritis pain. On the other hand, we need more research to fully understand benefits such as its potential role in lowering blood pressure and regulating blood sugar levels.
Here are some commonly cited benefits of collagen supplements:
Stronger bones:
As you age, your bones naturally lose density, becoming more brittle and prone to fractures. Additionally, they take longer to heal. Some research indicates that taking collagen powder daily may help increase bone density, thereby slowing down this aging process and supporting your body in generating new bone tissue.
Skin elasticity and hydration:
Moreover, collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity, especially in older adults. They may also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time.
Thicker hair:
While hair loss is more common in men, many women also experience thinning hair as they get older. In one study, women with thinning hair experienced significant increases in hair thickness, scalp coverage, and overall quantity after taking daily collagen supplements.
Healthier nails:
Furthermore, some individuals struggle with nails that break easily or grow slowly. In a specific study, women saw faster nail growth and fewer broken or chipped nails after just four weeks of consistent collagen use.
Reduced osteoarthritis pain:
For those living with knee osteoarthritis, collagen may serve as a mild pain reliever. Additionally, it may enhance joint function. However, it typically takes around 3 to 5 months of daily supplementation before noticeable results appear.
Increased muscle mass:
In one small study, men who took collagen peptides during a 12-week strength training program gained more muscle mass and strength than those who did not. This suggests collagen could enhance muscle development when combined with regular exercise.
Improved heart health:
Collagen helps maintain the structural integrity of arteries and blood vessels. Without enough collagen, arteries can weaken, leading to a higher risk of atherosclerosis. Notably, a small study involving healthy individuals showed that collagen supplementation helped support healthier arteries and potentially reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues.
A final note on absorption:
Keep in mind that once you ingest a collagen supplement, your digestive system breaks it down into amino acids. These amino acids are then reassembled by the body into new proteins. Therefore, despite marketing claims, you cannot directly target collagen’s benefits to specific areas like your skin, joints, or hair. Instead, collagen provides building blocks that support overall tissue repair and maintenance throughout the body.
This is an example of the nutritional content found in two scoops (20 grams) of a high-quality, grass-fed bovine collagen supplement:
- 72 calories
- 18 grams protein
- 108 milligrams sodium
A serving a bovine collagen contains the following amino acids:
- 1,462 milligrams alanine
- 1,517 milligrams arginine
- 1,192 milligrams aspartic acid
- 2,239 milligrams glutamic acid
- 3,719 milligrams glycine
- 144 milligrams histidine*
- 217 milligrams hydroxylysine
- 2,058 milligrams hydroxyproline
- 271 milligrams isoleucine
- 524 milligrams leucine*
- 614 milligrams lysine*
- 108 milligrams methionine*
- 379 milligrams phenylalanine*
- 2,076 milligrams proline
- 614 milligrams serine
- 342 milligrams threonine*
- 90 milligrams tyrosine
- 433 milligrams valine*
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