The craze around collagen is hard to ignore and the fad continues to spread across the country. While you may be planning to increase your collagen intake, know these facts about it.
Health Shots reached out to Dr. Kashish Kalra, Director of Dermatology at Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital in New Delhi, to find out some facts about collagen supplements.
What is collagen?
Collagen as a protein is abundant in our body. It is the main component that makes up the structure of bones, muscles and ligaments.
There are several types of collagen, but here are three of the most common ones you should know about.
Type 1: This type makes up the majority of collagen in the body. It contains densely packed fibers necessary for teeth, bones, ligaments, skin and connective tissue.
Type 2: This type exists in the elastic cartilage that supports joints.
Type 3; This type is present in arteries, organs and muscle structures.
As we age and grow, our bodies begin to produce less collagen, which can lead to skin aging and wrinkles. Some also damage collagen production in the body.
Collagen supplements have benefits, but you should also be very aware of the other side of the story.
Collagen Supplement Facts
Collagen supplements have become a hot topic in an era where supplements can be easily taken. Taking a pill and wiping away years of skin sounds very tempting. But is it true? Let’s answer Dr. Carla’s frequently asked questions.
1. Are all collagen supplements equal?
Few studies claim that marine collagen is superior to bovine collagen. However, in reality, it is more important whether it is in the form of collagen, i.e. in its hydrolyzed form. The hydrolyzed form is better, whatever the source, because it needs to be broken down into amino acids to be absorbed.
2. Collagen Can Reverse Signs of Aging
Although there have been many arguments against and in favor of this, a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial concluded that taking collagen improves skin elasticity. However, it had no effect on wrinkles and aging.
3. Are collagen supplements regulated?
One of the biggest concerns is that collagen supplements are not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), requiring manufacturers to prove they are safe or effective before putting them on the shelf or selling them. It’s not necessary.
Also Read: If You’re Collagen Deficient, Turn to These 7 Foods to Restore a Healthy Glow
4. Should I take collagen supplements?
Collagen supplementation isn’t harmful, but it may not be worth the hype. Our bodies are able to synthesize collagen from amino acids ingested from plant and animal proteins. A proper protein diet is sufficient to maintain collagen in the skin and joints.
5. So what is the best way to produce collagen?
A better way to induce collagen production in the skin than eating collagen powder or gummies is to apply the right active ingredients. It induces collagen in a much more efficient way than supplements.
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