What is Collagen: Why and How to Take It
The human body contains a number of irreplaceable elements, the deficiency of which can lead to undesirable consequences. Collagen protein belongs to such components. It is collagen that maintains the optimal condition of cartilage, muscles, skin, tendons, and blood vessels. To avoid health and appearance problems, its stocks must be replenished regularly.
What Is Collagen and How it Works
When asked where it is produced, it must be said that it is the most abundant protein in the human body. These proteins form fibrils. In its action, collagen resembles a structural framework that provides muscle elasticity and epidermis smoothness.
Collagen Benefits
- Responsible for the youthfulness of the skin;
- Maintains an optimal level of moisture in the skin;
- Promotes joint flexibility;
- Strengthens the articular ligaments, preventing the development of inflammation;
- Prevents hair loss;
- Smoothes atrophic scars, acne marks, and stretch marks;
- Strengthens nails and teeth;
- Effectively fights heartburn and prevents the formation of ulcers.
However, collagen fibers have a significant drawback: they are able to quickly collapse under the influence of provoking factors. Among them – ultraviolet radiation, stress, changes in hormonal levels, sugar consumption in large quantities, nicotine. Vitamin C deficiency can also be the reason why a person does not produce collagen.
Protein synthesis inevitably decreases with age. This immediately affects well-being and appearance: the skin becomes wrinkled, joints lose mobility, and internal organs fail. That is why experts recommend taking collagen to all people over 35 at least periodically.
Collagen Types
Types of Synthetic Collagen, Which is Better
There is not enough collagen in food, so we do not get enough of this protein from food. It is worth thinking about dietary supplements that will replenish the level of the component in the body.
Three types of synthetic collagen are widely used today:
Animal
It is the most common and most affordable form of supplement. Made from a protein found in the epidermis and cartilage of livestock. It is well absorbed by the body and does not require special storage conditions.
Marine
It is obtained from the scales and cartilage of marine life. In structure, it is most similar to human collagen. Highly effective, because is completely absorbed by the intestinal walls, but requires careful storage. The complexity of the production of marine collagen leads to its high price.
Hydrolyzed
Created on the basis of fragments of individual amino acids. Unlike whole collagen molecules, they penetrate deeper into the dermis. Due to the most complex production, it is the most expensive option for synthetic collagen.
Animal and marine collagen are recognized as the most potent and easily digestible. The best effect will be obtained by alternating the two food supplements.
Types of Natural Collagen
Protein is made up of amino acids, three of which are predominant (arginine, glycine, hydroxyproline). Due to their location in the chain, 28 types of collagen are distinguished. The most important for the beauty and health of the human body are recognized the 1st, 2nd, 3rd types.
- 1st. Provides great benefits to bones and dermis. Collagen of this type is found in all tissues of the human body. Provides elasticity and absorption of nutrients, maintains optimal water balance.
- 2nd. Designed for joints. Provides effective treatment for inflammatory bone diseases. When using this type of substance, it is important to strictly adhere to the dosage and intake rules.
- 3rd. It is called the ingredient of youth. Responsible for metabolism, healthy skin, nails, and hair.
The 1st and 3rd types ensure skin health, body tone and prevent premature aging. Type 2 protein is very beneficial for joints, repairs damaged ligaments and discs.
Forms
The pharmaceutical market today provides a wide variety of collagen forms. Their main differences lie in the cost and ease of use, as well as in the individual preferences of buyers.
Powder
The most economical, fast-digesting, and inexpensive form. Within 30 minutes after ingestion, the agent begins to act, being absorbed in the digestive tract. The package is easily transported and supplied with a measuring spoon for the convenience of the user.
Capsules
Essentially the same powder, but in a soluble gelatin shell. The drug is easy to use and transport. Stands slightly higher than powdered collagen.
Pills
They require a large dosage, so the daily dose consists of six tablets. There are many auxiliary components in one pill, due to which the active substance is contained in a small amount.
Liquid
The most expensive form of collagen. It is often enriched with proteins, minerals, and vitamin complexes. The concentrated liquid is easy to digest, but the form is not very convenient to use and carry.
How to Use it Correctly, Admission Rules
How much collagen you need to take depends on the purpose of the intake. A prophylactic course is usually prescribed according to this scheme – three months of admission, three months off. The body gets enough of the protein it needs to start making its own. The treatment course lasts six months with two months off. This period is enough to start the process of bone tissue regeneration.
Collagen of different types is incompatible. It should be remembered that types 1 and 2 should not be combined with type 3 protein. These substances cannot be taken at the same time, because such a combination will not give a positive result.
A collagen shake is prepared like this:
- Dilute one spoonful of the substance (5 g) in 15 ml of a non-hot drink;
- Stir the drink until a homogeneous mixture is obtained and the lumps dissolve. After that, bring the volume of liquid to 200-250 ml;
- Any cocktail drink can be used. The main condition is that they should not contain protein. Most often, juices or water are used for this purpose.
How to take it to get the most of your nutritional supplement? In order for the body to receive the proper ratio of amino acids, collagen should be taken 30 minutes before meals.
How Collagen Works in Cosmetology (Creams, Injections)
Collagen is widely used in cosmetology. Creams and serums provide high-quality hydration to the skin, which helps to improve its appearance. They form an impermeable film on the surface of the dermis that does not allow moisture to evaporate. Thanks to this, the surface of the skin visually becomes smooth and taut. As part of cosmetics, collagen and hyaluronic acid are often paired – the latter helps collagen to be better absorbed.
These injections are a surefire way to deliver valuable protein to the deeper layers of the skin. According to dermatological research, “beauty injections” restore the elasticity of the dermis, smooth wrinkles, and improve the production of its own (endogenous) collagen.
Output
This protein is the basis of our body’s connective tissue. This essential component must be replenished regularly. The best way to replenish its stores is the intake of synthetic supplements because a person does not get enough of this protein from food.
Collagen is formulated for internal and external use. Nutritional supplements will help preserve youth longer, relieve joint problems, and prevent diseases of internal organs. Creams and injections significantly improve the appearance of the skin, replenish moisture deficits and restore destroyed collagen fibers.
See more topics:
- BCAA Supplement: Why Not Use It
- Best Protein Powder for Lean Muscles – Choosing Guide
- What Is the Best Form of Collagen to Take? 3 Types
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