The glow in your skin does not suddenly fade, aching joints or the thinning of hair do not happen overnight without warning. These quite visible changes occur in the body slowly with the decline of collagen level in your system. You might have heard about collagen on the internet these days, but it is more than just a buzzword; it is a protein that quite literally holds us together. From supporting muscles & joints, keeping bones strong, to forming the framework that keeps our skin firm, collagen is responsible for various important functions in the body. But with age, the production of this vital protein starts declining in the body. That’s where collagen supplements can come in handy to make up for the natural decline of collagen in the body. Let’s learn a little more about it and answer the questions you might have about collagen.
What Does Collagen Do?
Collagen is the structural protein that holds much of your body together. It forms the scaffolding of your skin, strengthens bones and tendons, cushions joints, and supports muscles, blood vessels, and even the lining of your gut. In simple terms, it is essentially the internal fiber that ensures our body remains resilient and flexible under the daily physical stress of movement and environmental exposure.
Your body naturally produces collagen using amino acids, vitamin C, zinc, and copper from food. However, this process slows with age, usually beginning in the mid-twenties. Sun exposure, smoking, high sugar intake, chronic stress, and poor sleep further accelerate collagen breakdown. As collagen levels drop, signs like wrinkles, joint stiffness, and weaker hair become more noticeable.
Why You Might Need a Collagen Supplement?
Although your body can produce collagen on its own, modern lifestyles often make it difficult to maintain healthy levels through diet alone. Many people do not get enough high-quality protein or the key nutrients needed for collagen synthesis. At the same time, ageing and environmental damage increase the daily breakdown of collagen. This is where supplements can help. Collagen supplements supply specific amino acids that the body uses as building blocks for tissue repair and renewal. Before collagen can be absorbed, it must be broken down into smaller amino acids. So collagen supplements do not include collagen.
They are collagen components that have already been broken down for easy absorption. Collagen supplements are available in both pill and powder form. For people noticing early signs of ageing or those with high physical demands, supplements can offer a convenient way to replenish what the body gradually loses over time.
Benefits Of Collagen Supplements
Skin Benefits
Collagen is an essential component of your skin. It helps to strengthen the skin while also improving elasticity and moisture. The natural age-related decline in collagen levels leads to dry skin and the appearance of wrinkles. Several studies have found that collagen peptides or supplements containing collagen can help reduce skin ageing by minimising wrinkles and dryness. These supplements work by promoting your body’s production of collagen and other skin-structure proteins like elastin and fibrillin.
Improves Joint Health
With your body’s collagen decreasing as you age, your chances of having issues with your joints, such as osteoarthritis, increase. Research shows that taking collagen supplements can help reduce joint pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis. Collagen supplements can build up in cartilage and encourage your tissues to produce collagen, leading to reduced inflammation, better joint support, and pain relief.
May Prevent Bone Loss
Collagen is an important component that makes up our bones. Collagen deteriorates with age, and bone mass declines. This can lead to reduced bone density and an increased risk of bone fractures. Supplementing with collagen has been found to help limit the bone breakdown that causes these difficulties, promoting bone health and lowering the risk of osteoporosis.
May Support Heart Health
Collagen gives structure to your arteries, which transport blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Without adequate collagen, arteries can become less flexible and elastic, leading to atherosclerosis, a disease characterised by artery constriction. This can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Some research suggests that consuming collagen supplements can help keep these vessel walls flexible and strong, resulting in improved blood flow.
Strengthens Hair
Collagen is essential for keeping hair strong and healthy. As we age, our natural collagen levels drop, making our hair weaker and more prone to damage and breaking. Incorporating collagen supplements into your regular routine can help to strengthen your hair resulting in healthier, glossier locks that are better able to handle external damage.
Muscle Mass Support
Collagen provides key amino acids that support muscle repair and growth after physical activity. It helps maintain the strength and structure of muscle fibres and surrounding connective tissues, which is essential for faster recovery after exercise. Supplementation may help preserve lean muscle mass, particularly in older adults who experience gradual age-related muscle loss. By supporting tendon and ligament health, collagen can also reduce the risk of strains and overuse injuries.
Replenish what time takes away—start your collagen journey now.
Is Collagen Supplement Safe For You?
For the majority of healthy adults, collagen supplements are usually considered safe in the right dosage. While serious side effects after taking collagen are rare and uncommon, some people may feel slight digestive discomfort at the start. It is important to choose the right supplement from a reputable brand. While collagen supplements help with declining levels of collagen in the body, they are not a substitute for a balanced and nutritious diet. Because individual needs and health conditions can vary, it is always wise to seek the guidance of a medical expert before starting any new supplement.
FAQs
Who should take collagen supplements?
Collagen supplements can be beneficial for people who are experiencing skin ageing, joint discomfort, weak nails, hair thinning, recurring injuries, or reduced recovery.
What time should I take a collagen supplement?
It can be taken at any time of the day. However, taking it in the morning or before bed is recommended for better absorption
Can collagen supplements help with my hair growth?
Collagen does not directly grow new hair. However, it can help hair by nourishing follicles and reducing breakage.
What foods can I get collagen from?
Collagen is present in foods like bone broth, chicken skin, and fish. However, supplements offer more concentrated doses. Supplements are also easy to absorb.
Can I take collagen supplements with other vitamins?
Yes, you can take a collagen supplement with vitamin C, zinc, or copper. Together, they help the body naturally produce and absorb collagen.
(The article is written by Ehsan Siddiqui, Team Lead and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Deputy Manager, Clinical Health & Content, Medical Affairs)
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