Are collagen supplements worth your money?
Collagen is the main structural protein that helps build the connective tissues throughout the body but its effectiveness as supplement is not well known.
Mounting to the big claims made by collagen supplement companies about young and supple skin, string nails and bones, it’s no wonder that collagen has become a popular ingredient in the beauty and wellness communities. Unfortunately, its effectiveness is still not widely known. Here’s what is known so far.
What is collagen
One of the most abundant nutrients in the body, collagen is known to play a role in the formation of various tissues, such as bones, ligaments, muscles, and skin.Around 80% of our skin is made up of collagen, and it works with another protein known as elastin to keep it elastic. However, as we age, the body's natural production of collagen begins to decrease. This is similar to how ropes of protein are formed in the skin. When we're young, the ends of these ropes remain tight, but as we get older, they start to fray.
Does collagen supplement work
Some studies suggest that people who take collagen supplements for a couple of months can improve their skin's elasticity and reduce their signs of aging. Others claim that it can boost the density of bones and improve joint and knee pain. Unfortunately, most of these studies are small and are funded by companies that make the supplements.A 2019 review of the literature, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that some of the benefits of collagen can be achieved through a combination of clinical trials and placebo-controlled studies. These studies suggested that it can improve the appearance of skin's elasticity, as well as its collagen density and hydration.
