Collagen Tablets: What Are They and Their Major Health Benefits
Did you know collagen accounts make up for 30% of one’s body’s protein? Collagen essentially provides structure and support to one’s skin, connective tissue, bones, and muscles.
It is known that a balanced diet can provide an individual’s body with the raw material it needs to produce collagen naturally. However, individuals often take supplements like collagen tablets to keep their collagen levels up.
What is Collagen in the Human Body?
Collagen is the most abundantly found protein in one’s body. Collagen accounts for nearly 30% of our body’s protein levels. In fact, it happens to be the primary building block of our skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues. Collagen can also be found in our organs, intestinal lining, and blood vessels.
They are basically made up of amino acids, in particular proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine.
These potent amino acids then form protein fibrils to develop a triple helix structure.
Notably, the human body needs Vitamin C, copper, zinc, and magnesium to form a triple helix.
What Does Collagen Do?
Collagen is known to provide strength, structure, and support to one’s body. The following are the key roles of collagen:
- Helps fibroblasts develop in one’s middle skin layer – the dermis, which facilitates new cell growth.
- Helps replace dead skin cells.
- Provides a protective covering for essential organs.
- Gives strength, structure, and elasticity to the skin.
- Helps blood to clot.
What are the Different Types of Available Collagen?
Around 28 types of collagens have been identified so far. However, these types tend to differ by how their molecules are assembled, the cell components, and how they are used in the body. Notably, collagen fibrils tend to have a minimum of one triple helix structure. Notably, there are 5 types of collagens and their function –
- Type I
This type of collagen makes up around 90% of the body’s collagen. This type of collagen has been densely packed. It is used to provide substantial structure to the skin, tendons, bones, and ligaments.
- Type II
The type II is basically found in elastic cartilage that offers joint support.
- Type III
This particular type of collagen can be found in arteries, muscles, and organs.
- Type IV
This type of collagen can be found in the layers of our skin.
- Type V
The Type V collagen can be found in the cornea of one’s eyes. Some can also be found in skin, hair, and placenta tissue layers.
What Happens to Collagen Levels When We Age?
As we age, the human body processes relatively less. In addition, the existing collagen tends to break down at a much faster rate. Besides these, the quality of collagen starts to deteriorate with age. Women, in particular, witnessed a significant reduction in collagen levels after menopause and mostly after they turned 60.
How do you tell if the body’s collagen level is declining?
Notably, we cannot detect the signs of declining collagen levels through blood tests.
However, one can attest to the same if they notice one or more of the following signs and symptoms –
- Skin appearing crepey and sagging
- Appearance of wrinkles on skin
- Hallowing around the eyes and face
- Muscle aches
- Shrinking and weakening muscles
- Stuff and less flexible tendons and ligaments
- Osteoarthritis or increased joint pains
- Stiffness or joint damage due to loss of mobility
- Problems with smooth blood flow
- Gastrointestinal issues due to thinning of the digestive tract lining
What are the Health Benefits of Collagen Tablets?
Individuals take collagen supplements to effectively add more collagen to their daily diet. Notably, most popular collagen tablets undergo the process of hydrolyzation. Those supplements typically consist of broken-down collagen turned into peptides, which makes it easier for the human body to absorb and use it effectively. Today, collagen supplements are available in the market in the form of capsules, tablets, and powders. Individuals can pick the best type of supplements available for their needs.
Notably, the effectiveness of a collagen supplement depends on what an individual uses it for.
The following highlights the key health benefits of collagen tablets –
- Enhanced Skin Health
Some individuals resort to collagen supplements to enhance the look and feel of their skin and its overall health. Some believe that collagen supplements can also help slow down the signs of ageing, lowering the appearance of wrinkles and increasing skin elasticity.
- Improves Joint Health and Mobility
With age, our joints start to lose their smooth functioning. In fact, as we age, the spongy cartilage of our joints begins to lose its wear and tear. Potent collagen tablets can prove effective in restoring or reducing the rate of deterioration of the cartilage of our joints.
- May Help Increase Muscle Mass
Some individuals also use collagen supplements to boost their muscle mass. However, the impact of the same may vary among individuals and the build of their muscles.
- Prevents Significant Bone Loss
Since collagen makes up a significant amount of one’s bone structure, it plays a crucial role in keeping them strong. Hence, as we begin to age, the level of collagen production slows down in our body. As a result, the college level required to keep bones strong declines, causing our bones to get weaker. Often, such a situation can lead to osteoporosis.
- May Promote Heart Health
Collagen supplements can help support the health and functioning of our cardiovascular system. This could promote overall health and well-being.
Besides these, some of the additional health benefits of collagen can be described –
- Helps promote gut health
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
- Improves mood and well-being
- Reduces the level of stress and anxiety
- Promotes healthy growth of hair and nails
Hence, the health benefits of collagen are multifaceted, and it is vital in supporting the overall health and appearance of the skin and promoting vitality. However, individuals must also note its possible benefits related to bone health, joint strength, and heart well-being.
Today, individuals can easily avail of collagen supplements from their local medical stores or simply online. They can choose from different forms of collagen, including tablets, capsules, and powder, to pick the one that matches their preferences and dietary needs.
However, it is recommended that they consult professional experts to understand the supplement’s scope and potential scares, if any. Consulting a professional will also help them understand the ideal dosage and ensure they stick to the prescribed limits.