Collagen: Whats all the hype?
Not just for skin
Taking collagen has become a popular trend in recent years and is well known for its skin plumping properties. Collagen helps reverse the signs of aging by reinforcing skin tissue integrity.
One way it does this is through regeneration of the deep layers of the skin, improving its hydration and reducing sun damage. Individuals taking only 1 gram of collagen per day found that in less than 12 weeks their skin was noticeably more hydrated with a reduction in visible wrinkling.
Collagen has also been shown to promote hair growth, increase nail growth and improve brittle nails.
What is it?
Making up 30% of our total body protein, your body needs plenty of collagen to help it heal and regenerate.
Collagen is found in the connective tissue of animals. It is the main protein responsible for keeping the tissue that connects, supports, binds, or separates other tissues or organs firm and flexible.
Over 26 types of collagen have been identified, with the three most abundant forms being types I, II, and III collagen. Whilst all types work synergistically, supplementing with different types will lead to different benefits.
Type I and III are found in your hair, skin and nails. Type II is found in cartilage sources, making it better for supporting joint health. A deficiency in collagen reduces the body’s ability to manufacture strong connective tissue, resulting in aging skin, brittle hair and nails, osteoarthritis, recurrent joint problems, and a reduced capacity to heal injuries.
Where do I get it?
Because collagen is found within connective tissue rather than muscle meat, the benefits of dietary collagen are often absent from modern diets. That said, the recent rise of dietary philosophies such as ‘nose to tail’ have made collagen-rich recipes such as bone broths, more popular.
Beyond the food as medicine approach, collagen can also be used as a protein supplement, ideal for those wanting to ensure adequate intake.
Why take it?
Collagen levels naturally start to decline from 18 years of age, progressing from decreases of approximately 1% each year after 40, and 75% by the age of 80. Factors that can also accelerate the rate of collagen loss include the performance of regular intense physical activity, oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, alcohol, smoking and hormone fluctuations.
Benefits besides the areas mentioned above, include helping to build lean muscle mass, and clinically I use Bioactive Collagen Peptides in digestive repair when supporting the gut barrier at a cellular level.
Finding a high-quality collagen product is as easy as finding a practitioner, as they’ll do all the hard work in sourcing the right type and dose of collagen for your presentation. Helping you both look and feel your best, helping you stay active longer and increase the vitality of your appearance.