Collagen is a protein that is involved in skin elasticity, or stretchiness, as well as joint health. It makes up three-quarters of your skin and a third of the protein in your body, and it’s found in your bones, muscles, and blood.

As a consequence, a growing number of individuals are turning to collagen supplements. Powder supplements are the most common, although capsules and liquid supplements are also available.

These proteins help construct and keep bodily components including muscle, hair, skin, bones, and tendons together by forming fibres. There are at least 28 varieties of collagen discovered by researchers, but type I, II, and III collagens account for 80 percent to 90 percent of all collagens.

Collagen loss occurs as people age, resulting in less firm skin, thinner cartilage in joints, and other changes. Collagen supplements have grown popular as a result of this.

What Functions Does Collagen Serve?

Collagen’s primary function is to give bodily components with building blocks and to maintain them robust and flexible. Collagen comes in a variety of forms, each with its own set of features and purposes.

Each collagen fiber is braided together by millions of proteins called peptides, much like a rope of interlaced strands. Collagen is a protein that helps the body’s tissues keep their form, suppleness, and strength.

Types of Collagen:

• Type I: Skin, ligaments, teeth, bones, and tendons contain the most collagen, which is made up of long, densely packed fibres.
• Type II: Shorter fibres present in cartilages that help produce strong, flexible tissues in joints, ears, and noses.
• Type III: Helps blood clot and wounds heal; found in bodily components such as blood arteries, intestines, and skin.

Collagen supplements, when used as directed by a healthcare expert, are typically safe. Before beginning any new supplement or increasing the usage of an existing supplement, a person should always consult with their doctor.

Collagen supplements have a variety of adverse effects, which might include:

• Diarrhoea
• A sensation of overall heaviness in the stomach.
• Rashes

Taking collagen supplements, on the other hand, should not offer any substantial health hazards in most individuals.

Potential Negative Effects:

Collagen supplements, like other supplements, are not required by the Food and Drug Administration to be approved before being sold.

If you do decide to use one, look for one that has been quality-certified by a third party, such as USP. You can at least be confident that what’s on the label is what you’ll receive in the bottle if you do this.

In addition, please consult with your healthcare physician before using any supplements.

Collagen supplements should only be taken under the supervision of a skilled healthcare expert for certain persons. 

Some of these organizations are as follows:

• Those who are afflicted with a medical problem.
• Those who are on a medicine regimen.
• Children.
• People who are expecting a child.
• People who are breastfeeding.

Collagen supplements should also be avoided by persons who are allergic to fish, shellfish, or eggs since many of them include these substances.

Concerns:

Here are a few things to keep an eye out for:

• Adverse effects: Mild digestive issues or a foul taste in the mouth are common side effects of collagen supplements.
• Oxidative stress: Increasing collagen synthesis might lead to an increase in oxidative stress (when free radicals enter your body and overwhelm its defences). Cell and tissue damage may be caused by oxidative stress.
• Recalls: The FDA has issued a recall for several collagen products due to fraudulent claims.

The FDA considers 11 products that increase collagen synthesis or promise to erase wrinkles to be medicines rather than supplements. As a result, before these products can be sold, they must show that they are safe and effective.

Is it okay for vegans and vegetarians to eat them?

Most collagen supplements aren’t suitable for vegans or vegetarians. Animal bones and protein are often used in their manufacture.

There are, however, several vegans and vegetarian collagen choices. Vegan choices aren’t always readily accessible, although many are available online.

Collagen supplements may also be used when on a ketogenic diet. A person may want to seek a collagen supplement that is particularly designed to complement the keto diet, similar to vegan choices.

Synthetic Collagen

Collagen’s chemical structure is so intricate that scientists have had difficulty replicating it. However, scientists are coming closer to developing synthetic collagens that aren’t derived from animals or people for medicinal uses.

Rice University, for example, has produced synthetic collagen that may aid wound healing.

Emory University researchers have produced shape-shifting collagen that might be utilized for medication delivery and tissue engineering.

Collagen Production Affecting Factors:

Collagen synthesis is reduced due to a variety of factors, the most common of which is aging. Collagen production is reduced due to a variety of causes, including aging.

Collagen synthesis may be slowed by a variety of factors, including:

• Smoking destroys collagen and reduces the quantity of oxygen delivered to the skin, making tissue regeneration harder.
• Inflammation and collagen hardness and fragmentation may be caused by a diet heavy in processed meats and refined sugar.
• Sleep is crucial since it is at this time that the body develops new cells and collagen.
• UV radiation causes collagen to break down and promotes skin cells to repair improperly, resulting in wrinkles.
• Inflammation and antibodies attacking collagen in the skin, joints, and other body components are caused by autoimmune illnesses and connective tissue diseases.
• Collagen synthesis is slowed by too much stress.

Collagen supplements have become more popular, mostly as a means of rejuvenating old skin, increasing muscular mass, and alleviating arthritis pain. Collagen supplements are derived from animals such as cows, fish, and chickens. Powders, liquids, and capsules are available for purchase.

However, the majority of scholars think that there isn’t enough high-quality data to say whether or not these strategies succeed. Although the research is promising, many of the studies are sponsored by collagen supplement companies.