Collagen is a protein that accounts for about 30% of the bodys total protein and provides structure, support, or strength to the skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Collagen is made up of amino acids, including glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which group together to form protein fibrils in a triple helix structure. Collagen supplements are made from the tissues of cows, pigs, chickens, fish, or vegan sources like bacteria and yeast.
Collagen supplements are associated with several health benefits, including improving skin health and appearance, increasing bone mineral density, and relieving osteoarthritis pain. However, there is still a debate around the usefulness of collagen supplements, and more research is needed to understand their benefits fully.
Here are some positive and negative aspects of collagen supplements:
Positive:
- Collagen supplements may improve certain aspects of skin health and appearance, such as reducing wrinkles and dryness.
- Collagen supplements may help increase bone mineral density, slowing the aging process that makes bones brittle and helping the body produce new bone.
- Collagen supplements may relieve osteoarthritis pain.
Negative:
- Manufacturers often combine collagen with other ingredients in supplements, and certain ingredients could pose health risks, such as herbs and high levels of vitamins in supplements formulated to support the health of the skin, nails, and hair.
- Collagen supplements may interact with commonly prescribed medications, and some aren’t safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- There is still a debate around the usefulness of collagen supplements, and more research is needed to understand their benefits fully.
Ingredients or materials in collagen supplements may vary depending on the brand and type of supplement. Collagen supplements contain amino acids, the building blocks of protein, and some may also contain additional nutrients related to healthy skin and hair like vitamin C, biotin, or zinc.
