What Does Taking Collagen Peptides Do?

Description

Collagen is the most dominant protein in the human body. It is the main structural protein present in the skin, muscles, bones, intestinal linings, tendons, and ligaments.

Collagen is made from four amino acids and grouped to form a collage. These amino acids are hydroxyproline, glycine, proline, and lysine.

Collagen forms a support structure that helps to strengthen organs. Collagen also provides elasticity for the skin and tissues.

The cosmetics industry has taken a fundamental interest in collagen over the recent decades after discovering its capabilities in promoting smooth, wrinkle-free skin and stronger nails and hair. Further, collagen helps maintain strong bones.

Taking collagen peptides provides your body with important amino acids (hydroxyproline, glycine, proline, and lysine). These amino acids form a support structure that strengthens organs and provides elasticity for the skin and connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments.

Some manufacturers use collagen in the production of oils and lotions. Collagen is known for its joint pain-relieving power, among many other benefits.

What are the Benefits of Taking Collagen Peptides?

1) Your skin may get plumper and smoother

Aging induces flabby skin. According to health experts, your skin becomes more delicate as you age because of reduced collagen production. A lack of sufficient collagen in the skin results in the increased formation of wrinkles.

According to an experimental and therapeutic medicine review study conducted in 2020, collagen peptide supplements presented skin-improving capabilities like reducing wrinkle depth among the elderly.

The study also revealed that these supplements might be a solution for dry skin. Avoid smoking, poor dieting, and extended exposure to sunlight to get the most out of the supplements.

2) Supports healthy bones

Osteoporosis is a condition caused by a lack of sufficient vitamin D and calcium levels in the body. Medical experts say collagen may help increase mineral bone density. 

Research involving 102 postmenopausal women had 51 of them taking 5 grams of collagen peptides while the rest took a placebo (a non-active substance used as a control in testing new drugs).

After twelve months, researchers noticed an improvement in mineral bone density (especially in the lumbar spine) in the women receiving collagen peptides vs. those receiving the placebo.

3) It may alleviate some signs of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis results from the tissue degeneration found in joints (cartilage), and it may also cause the underlying bone to wear out. 

During research involving 39 women, the 20 women who received collagen for three months reported less joint pain and increased joint movements than the women who didn’t receive collagen. 

4) Muscle density may increase

Collagen constitutes up to 10% of your muscle tissue. However, the muscle mass begins to reduce as age sets in, resulting in a condition known as sarcopenia. 

A researcher separated 27 men with poor muscle density into two groups. One group took collagen supplements, the other did not, but both groups conducted three months of exercise.

The men who took collagen supplements had significantly improved muscle density compared to those who didn’t take the supplement.

5) Collagen may support a heart-healthy

Collagen may support strong blood vessels. Healthy blood vessels ensure a steady flow of blood carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. 

Low collagen levels, on the other hand, may cause weak vessels. With weak vessels it is possible a person may be at risk of heart conditions, stroke, and other heart-related conditions.

6) Other Benefits

May reduce inflammation and intestinal permeability. Stomach wall permeability causes inflammation, but collagen may help increase the elasticity and strength of the stomach wall, lessening permeability. Some collagen amino acids, like glycine, have anti-inflammatory properties.

May promote stronger hair and nails. People who take collagen supplements may have healthy hair. The protein is also known to prevent finger and toenails brittleness.

May support a healthy weight loss. Collagen might help you lose a few ounces as it stimulates metabolism.

Does Collagen Peptides Really Work?

There are years of research and debate among medical experts and dermatologists about the efficacy of collagen with peptides. Dermatologists argue that collagen peptides need not be applied to the skin because collagen is found deep within the skin.

According to a team of researchers, collagen with peptides is more effective when taken orally than applied to the skin. 

For oral consumption, collagen peptides are broken into tinier pieces (hydrolyzed collagen peptides) to dissolve in both hot and cold liquids. 

Collagen exists in 29 different types in the human body. However, supplements usually only include three types:

• Type I: found in abundance in bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin.
• Type II: supplements source it from chicken bone and cartilage.
• Type III: present in blood vessels, organs, and the skin.

How Long Does it Take for Collagen Peptides to Work? 

Collagen peptides are generally fast-acting, absorbing into your bloodstream, and getting to work on your collagen within the hour. But there’s a massive difference between starting to work and seeing visible results. Most people will only begin to experience the effects after three months of taking collagen peptides daily. 

As an adult, try taking a daily dose of 2.5 and 10 grams of collagen to supplement your diet. 

Moreover, there are plenty of flavors, such as Chocolate Coconut Collagen Peptides, Berry Punch Collagen Peptides, Vanilla Flavored Collagen MCT Creamer, and even Unflavored Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides that you can add to your morning smoothie or coffee for blistering absorption speeds.

Other products containing healthy hydrolyzed collagen peptides include Bone Broth powder, Turmeric Bone Broth powder, and Instant Bone Broth Soup Base powder.

However, your lifestyle directly affects the immediacy and effectiveness of the collagen peptide intake. For instance, the outcome may take longer to manifest in smokers than non-smokers. 

Moreover, if you want to get the most out of collagen peptides, avoid poor diets by sticking with unprocessed foods. 

Visit the Z Natural Foods website today for the best selection of products with high levels of collagen peptides.

Please visit Z Natural Foods’ Grass-fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides product description for more information about collagen peptides.

References

1. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Collagen and biotin supplements. August 2021. Mayo Clinic
2. Beneficial effects of food supplements based on hydrolyzed collagen for skincare (Review). July 2020. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
3. Effects of Collagen Fluctuations. December 2014. Journal of Medical Nutrition and Nutraceuticals
4. Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women—A Randomized Controlled Study. January 2018. NCBI
5. Effects of Native Type II Collagen Treatment on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. June 2016. Eurasian Journal of Medicine
6. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. December 2013. PubMed.gov Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. May 2019. NCBI