From the category archives:
Collagen
Collagen supplements claim to slow down the aging process, but is it true?
Collagen is the glue that holds our bodies together. Even its name comes from the Greek word kolla, meaning glue. Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the body and there are about fourteen known types. This protein is the major component in the connective tissues of the body. It also give skin, hair and nails thickness and strength. Because of its importance to our overall health it’s no wonder an entire industry has sprung up around collagen supplements.
Collagen depletion can cause numerous problems because it affects so many areas of our body. As we lose collagen, our skin thins out and wrinkles develop. As connective tissue degenerates it leaves our joints unprotected, allowing them to rub against each other, causing pain, bone erosion and inflammation. If this process isn’t stopped or slowed it can result in damage and a permanent crippling disability. Collagen supplements come in many forms, including pills, injections and liquids. These supplements promise to compensate for age related collagen reduction. They claim to slow down or stop the aging process by replacing the lost collagen. They are manufactured in different ways, but generally are processed from the tissues of cows, pigs, chickens and even fish.
There are three main types of collagen, type one, two and three. Type two collagen supplements have the most clinical data behind them and are used for people who want to build strength and stability in their joints. It’s the type of protein that your body uses to repair and maintain the cartilage and tendons in your body. This usage of collagen supplements shows the most promise.
If you’re seeking collagen supplements to fight the visual effects of aging you’ll need those that contain types one and three. These types of collagen are also used by the body to build and strengthen your organs and arteries as well as your skin. Because of this, when you take a supplement your body will first prioritize its use for your organs or arteries and not your skin, negating the effect you were seeking. Because of this fact, collagen supplements taken to counteract the effects of aging on the skin have not shown promising results.
There are few dangerous side effects from the use of collagen supplements. But one that you must be aware of is the allergy factor. These supplements are derived from animals and if you have allergies to these animals, including shell fish there could be inherent side effects in their use.