Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in our body and constitutes most of the proteins in our skin and connective tissues. As we age, the main structure of our skin begins to deteriorate and can lead to any number of dermatological conditions. In addition to our natural decline in skin health, environmental and nutritional factors, such as smoking, drinking, diet, and sun exposure can be detrimental to our dermatological health.
According to Debra Jaliman, M.D., author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist, “after the age of 25, we break down more collagen than we make, so that’s why we start to see fine lines and wrinkles.” There is mounting scientific evidence that collagen peptide supplements can improve skin moisture and hydration by improving the collagen network on the skin surface.
Reverse the Signs of Aging
One of first signs of aging for many is the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Our bodies have begun to break down the collagen in our skin into its’ original building blocks, peptides and amino acids. One of the unique and critical amino acid building blocks of collagen is hydroxyproline. Hyroxyproline makes collagen what it is…a tough, strong, and unique protein to provide a barrier for our bodies.
To reverse the signs of aging and overcome the breakdown of collagen, a daily supplement of hydrolyzed collagen peptides has resulted in a measurable increase in hydroxyproline both in blood tests and skin surface collagen measurements.1,2 Hydroxyproline is a key component of human collagen that is otherwise lacking in our diets (essential amino acids), unless you tend to eat organ meats or bone broths on a regular basis.3
Typical results of a collagen supplement include reducing fine lines and wrinkles and decreasing the appearance of cellulite. In a double-blind study in women ages 45-65, a 2.5 g (2,500 mg) daily dose of collagen peptides resulted in a noticeable reduction in eye wrinkles in 8 weeks. 4 And, besides reducing eye wrinkles, long term use of 2.5 g daily dose of collagen for 6 months resulted in a decrease in cellulite appearance in women ages 24-50.5
Move Better, Feel Better
Collagen peptides are not only important for looking younger by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin hydration, and reducing the appearance of cellulite, but it can also improve the way we feel and move.
Collagen seems to be especially effective to combat joint pain associated with osteoarthritis and to improve bone density, especially with postmenopausal women.6 Patients on a 10 g dose of collagen for 3 months had an improvement in osteoarthritis symptoms including reduced swelling and pain in knees and other joints compared to a daily dose of glucosamine.7 The joint pain improvements can be attributed to the cartilage-repairing ability of collagen peptides. The benefits of reduced joint pain and swelling have also been documented in collegiate athletes taking a daily collagen supplement.8 It’s not just for reversing the symptoms of aging but can reduce pain and swelling from wear-and-tear on our joints.
There are many short- and long-term health benefits to adding a collagen peptide supplement to your anti-aging regimen. The growing scientific evidence for collagen suggests that it may be the ‘Fountain of Youth’.
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About the author:
Dr. Josh Kogot is a Ph.D. Protein Biochemist and founder of AlcheVita. He has numerous publications and patents in protein and peptide biochemistry and enjoys “spreading the word” about the amazing properties of proteins.
References:
1. Shigemura Y, Suzuki A, Kurokawa M, Sato Y, Sato K. Changes in composition and content of food-derived peptide in human blood after daily ingestion of collagen hydrolysate for 4 weeks. J Sci Food Agric. 2018;98(5):1944-1950. doi:10.1002/jsfa.8677
2. Yazaki M, Ito Y, Yamada M, et al. Oral Ingestion of Collagen Hydrolysate Leads to the Transportation of Highly Concentrated Gly-Pro-Hyp and Its Hydrolyzed Form of Pro-Hyp into the Bloodstream and Skin. J Agric Food Chem. 2017;65(11):2315-2322. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.6b05679
3. Asserin J, Lati E, Shioya T, Prawitt J. 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. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015;14(4):291-301. doi:10.1111/jocd.12174
4. Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S. Oral Intake of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides Reduces Skin Wrinkles and Increases Dermal Matrix Synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):113-119. doi:10.1159/000355523
5. Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S, Proksch E. Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology. doi:10.1089/jmf.2015.0022
6. König D, Oesser S, Scharla S, Zdzieblik D, Gollhofer A. Specific collagen peptides improve bone mineral density and bone markers in postmenopausal women—A randomized controlled study. Nutrients. 2018. doi:10.3390/nu10010097
7. Trč T, Bohmová J. Efficacy and tolerance of enzymatic hydrolysed collagen (EHC) vs. glucosamine sulphate (GS) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Int Orthop. 2011;35(3):341-348. doi:10.1007/s00264-010-1010-z
8. Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, et al. 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008. doi:10.1185/030079908X291967