Collagen supplements may be a waste of money, depending on the results that you expect to see. If you are expecting improvement in the appearance of your skin, there are definitely better ways to spend your money.Â
Collagens are proteins, long chains of amino acids. A supplement containing collagens can be derived from a variety of different substances, including chicken bones.Â
There are a number of different types of collagens formed by the human body, each requiring different amino acids and other co-factors to form. Combined, they make up 25-35% of the total body’s protein count. They are the main components of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bone and skin. They strengthen blood vessels and play a role in the development of tissue. They are found in the cornea and the crystalline lens of the eye.
So, obviously, the proteins are important, but how important are collagen supplements? Supplement manufacturers claim that they improve joint function, help prevent osteoporosis and bone loss; improve the skin’s health and appearance, help the body build muscle and burn fat. Are these claims justified?
As a protein supplement for those that are exercising regularly and trying to build muscle, they improve the protein intake, without greatly increasing the caloric intake. Since protein is needed to build muscle, they could be beneficial for that purpose.Â
Claims that they help you build muscle and burn fat, in your sleep are misleading. You can only build muscle by exercising and increasing your protein intake. Building muscle does, in fact, increase your resting metabolic rate, so you do burn more calories at rest. But, collagen supplements aren’t magic pills. If you don’t do the work, you won’t build the muscle.
As for the joints and bones, supplements containing multiple nutrients that include amino acids, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D are more beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids are also important.Â
When it comes to the skin, topically applied creams containing amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are more beneficial. Short chains of amino acids, often referred to as peptides; support the production of new cells and fibers. Certain peptide complexes have been shown to increase skin-cell proliferation by 160% after three days of use, when applied topically.
Minerals are necessary to balance the skin’s moisture content. Antioxidants prevent and repair free radical damage in the skin’s cells. Free radical damage occurs due to overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and exposure to environmental pollutants, such as smoke.
When you take collagen supplements, they are broken down to their component amino acids by stomach acid. Whether those amino acids will recombine to form collagen or even if the body will use them, is unknown. The only known benefit, as I mentioned above is to improve protein intake. But, there are other supplements that are more effective, and less expensive, even for that purpose.
Good nutrition is important to all of the cells of the body and if you get the right nutrients every day, you can slow down the aging process and prevent chronic disease. But, collagen supplements probably won’t help you do that. If you have a minute to spare please check out my website.  Â
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