How does collagen enter our body?First of all, with food. The main sources are animal protein, edible gelatin, bone broth, aspic. For the normal assimilation of amino acids, a full-fledged work of the gastrointestinal tract and the enzymatic ability of the body to absorb protein are necessary.
In addition, our own body synthesizes collagen. Collagen synthesis requires coenzymes – vitamin C, amino acids, as well as vitamins B6, B12, A, D and minerals – copper, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium.
With the use of additional collagen supplements.
Dietary supplements come in completely different forms (powder, tablets, drinking collagen) and origin (marine, animal, vegetable collagen).
To date, there are already quite a few studies supporting the benefits of taking collagen supplements.
Collagen helps to increase the elasticity and density of the skin, reduces signs of aging and dryness, and promotes wound healing.
Improve the quality of nails. Collagen supplements help increase the rate of nail growth, reduce nail fragility, and improve appearance.
Improve the condition of the joints. Supplements can reduce pain and inflammation in joints, prevent cartilage breakdown, increase cartilage density, and increase range of motion.
Reduce the risk of injuries to bones, muscles, ligaments, cartilage and tendons, increasing their density, elasticity and restoring integrity.
Improve the synthesis of your own collagen. Taking collagen supplements stimulates fibroblasts (cells that synthesize collagen) to work more efficiently.
Protect against inflammation due to the action of glycine.
What characteristics should be taken into account when choosing a dietary supplement with collagen?
Of course, the purity of the composition and the amount of ingredients. The purity of the composition will be indicated by a mark on the test for the absence of heavy ones. This is especially important for marine collagen, the raw material for which is fish, which can accumulate toxic substances.
In the amount of ingredients, the main rule is the less the better. Vitamins A, C, E, hyaluronic acid, biotin, silicon dioxide, alpha lipoic acid are needed for better absorption of the supplement. But flavorings and preservatives can cause side effects.
Why Should You Take Hyaluronic Acid with Collagen?Collagen and hyaluronic acid are the key components of healthy, youthful skin (as well as joints). They are a powerful duo that support one another, but individually they have very different benefits. Taking both is ideal if you are looking for a top notch anti-aging supplement plan. Below are tree reasons why:
- Hyaluronic Acid Binds Moisture to Collagen: Because of HA’s ability to attract and hold water, it serves as the mechanism within your skin that actually allows collagen to retain water.
“hyaluronic acid binds water to collagen, helping keep skin elastic.”
- It Reduces Wrinkles on its Own:One of the most heavily sought-after benefits of collagen is its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Coincidentally, Hyaluronic provides similar benefits on its own.
- Lubricates Joints & Reduces Joint Pain:Another benefit of pairing hyaluronic acid and collagen is that HA enhances collagen’s positive impact on joint health. That’s because HA is naturally found in the fluids that surround our joints. The cool part is that supplemental HA can improve joint health – in fact a thorough 12-month study conducted in 2012 showed that it (supplemented orally) improved symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
Who can benefit from supplemental collagen intake?In fact, collagen intake can be recommended to almost everyone:
– when recovering from fractures, sports injuries, high physical exertion.
– with osteoporosis to increase bone density and their resistance to fractures.
– with polymorphism of the gene responsible for the synthesis of collagen.
– as an anti-aging support for the deterioration of the skin, hair and nails.
How to use collagen correctly?Of course, it all depends on the form of the supplement and the manufacturer’s recommendations, but the basic rules are:
on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal or not earlier than two hours after the last meal, and if the dietary supplement does not contain vitamin C, an additional intake of 60–120 mg of vitamin C is recommended to increase the effectiveness of the supplement.
Let’s take a look at the example of several manufacturers what collagen supplements are.1) Neocell Super Collagen C
Collagen from Neocell contains collagen types 1 and 3, which is about 90% of the required supply of collagen that the body needs.
Vitamin C has been added to the product. Since vitamin C normalizes collagen synthesis, stabilizes the collagen molecule, protects it from damage, makes collagen more mature and stimulates the synthesis of its own collagen. Vitamin C deficiency leads to the fact that the quality of collagen synthesized in the body will be low, it will be looser.