When trends emerge, my first look is always a critical one.
It’s important to question and be skeptical as so much of this industry is about marketing.
So whencollagen supplementsexploded in the market, I raised an eyebrow.
As did many people, I might add.
Well, with research comes changing opinions.
Now that being saidnot all collagen supplements are created equal.
What is collagen?
Before we get into collagen supplement efficacy, we need to understand collagen itself.
If you’re into skin care, you’ve probably heard of collagen before.
It’s what helps keep your skin tight, structured, and firm.
- But it’s so much more than that.
Collagenis an impressive family1of proteins that are actually the most abundant proteins in the animal kingdom.
There are also different types of collagen in our bodies.
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Let’s talk about what it does.
This process happens throughout our lifetime; however, it alsodecreases with age.
“Our bodies always balance collagen production and degradation,” says board-certified dermatologistGary Goldenberg, M.D.
“When we are young, our bodies produce more collagen than we break down.
That balance tips the wrong way with age since tissue regeneration decreases.”
Additionally, yournatural levels can also be reducedby environmental factors and stressors.
Summary
How do collagen supplements work?
These are often referred to as hydrolyzed collagen, collagen hydrolysate, collagen peptides, or gelatin.
Once ingested, these short peptides and amino acids are absorbed into the body through the small intestine.
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What are the benefits of taking collagen, and how long does it take?
How long does it take collagen to work?
So part of seeing if a supplement supports a particular targeted health area is knowing how long it takes.
For our full guide on this topic on collagen timing, kindly see this piece oncollagen supplement results.
Of course, what option you decide to use is largely a personal choice.
Want some recommendations that include all of the above?
Here are ourall-time favorite collagen supplements.
But we recommend looking for a supplement that delivers 10 to 20 grams per serving.
As we’ve noted, collagen powders are the best delivery format for packing in these higher doses.
), be it on the packaging or website.
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Clean formulas
As with most things we recommend, check that the formula is clean.
If there’s a sweetener, we recommend premium options like organic monk fruit extract or organic coconut sugar.
(As far as supplements go, they fall into the “benign” bucket.)
However, every body is unique, and may react in different ways!
This is why some side effects are reported anecdotally.
Can you get collagen from food?
Yes, you certainly can get collagen from animal sources.
it’s possible for you to also eat various nutrients that will support your natural collagen levels and production.
Conclusion
Yes,collagen supplementsdo work (and have the research to back it up).
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