Collagen

Types of Collagen

Type I: The most abundant collagen, found in all connective tissues

Type II: Present in joints and discs (cushions used as shock absorbers for the spine)

Type III: Main component of reticular fibers, found in the skin and blood vessels

Type IV: Components of the kidneys, inner ear, and lens

Collagen supplements have become popular in recent years. Most are hydrolyzed, which means the collagen has been broken down to make it easier to absorb. These supplements mainly come in powder and capsule form.

The Role of Collagen

As humans age, collagen synthesis decreases, and tissue becomes thinner, weaker, and less flexible. Collagen supplements are designed to maintain the health of human skin, hair, nails, joints, muscles and heart.

Improve skin condition

Collagen is involved in our skin's elasticity, hydration, wrinkles, smoothness, and more. What's frustrating is that we adults lose 1% of our collagen every year, and since women don't have as much total collagen as men, this loss is more pronounced.

In 2015, Asserin J. et al. found in a double-blind experiment that the experimental group of oral collagen hydrolysates observed an increase in collagen density and a decrease in the degree of collagen network damage from the 4th week onwards, and by the 8th week collagen skin hydration was significantly increased in the protein group. In addition, these effects persisted 4 weeks after drug discontinuation. [1]

Boosts muscle mass

Collagen supplements can promote lean muscle growth, reduce recovery time, rebuild damaged joint structure and improve cardiovascular function. This is achieved by collagen boosting natural creatine, an essential amino acid for new muscle growth after a workout. The arginine in hydrolyzed collagen also promotes muscle mass. Therefore, the field of sports nutrition needs collagen.[2]

Relieve joint pain

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in the general population, causing more pain and dysfunction than any other musculoskeletal disease. Collagen hydrolyzate supplements (about 10 g/day) have been shown to thicken cartilage in osteoarthritis patients and reduce knee pain in athletes. [3]

Ali Mobasheri et al. noted that lower molecular weight peptides may be more readily absorbed in the small intestine, increasing the likelihood of delivery to other parts of the body, such as joints. The proposed concept for the delivery of collagen peptides to synovial joints is shown in the figure below. [4]

Supports gut and digestive health

Collagen supplements have potential gut health benefits, a relatively new area of research in collagen supplements. Studies have found that L-glutamate, a major amino acid in collagen, supports the gut by neutralizing oxidative stress and serves as a major source of fuel for gut cells. [5]

Precautions

Collagen supplements are generally well tolerated with few reported side effects. However, some supplements are made from common food allergens, such as fish, shellfish, and eggs. People with allergies to these foods should avoid collagen supplements made with these ingredients. Before taking collagen supplements, it is best for you to seek professional advice from your doctor.

References

1. Asserin J. (2015). "The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials," Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 14(4), 291-301.
2. Hashim, P. (2015). "Collagen in food and beverage industries," International Food Research Journal 22(1), 1-8.
3. McAlindon, T.E. (2011). "Change in knee osteoarthritis cartilage detected by delayed gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging following treatment with collagen hydrolysate: a pilot randomized controlled trial," Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 19(4), 399-405.
4. Ali Mobasheri. (2021). "A White Paper on Collagen Hydrolyzates and Ultrahydrolyzates: Potential Supplements to Support Joint Health in Osteoarthritis?" Current Rheumatology Reports 23, 78.
5. Meng Lin. (2014). "L-Glutamate supplementation improves small intestinal architecture and enhances the expressions of jejunal mucosa amino acid receptors and transporters in weaning piglets," PLoS One, 9(11), e111950.

※ These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.