Collagen is a protein that is key to bone, joint and skin health.
From the age of 40 and 50 , collagen levels decline rapidly, causing joint stiffness and arthritis.
Collagen supplements can help with muscle mass, bone health, and are also used in cosmetic fillers.
As we get older, aching limbs and sore joints become a regular occurrence that isn't much fun.
With the increase in health supplements on the market, understanding the specific nutrients your body needs is crucial to effectively targeting problem areas and maintaining overall health.
According to Healthline, collagen is one such protein, which is a key component in bones, skin, and muscles and can improve skin health, relieve joint pain, and prevent bone loss.
Linda Rath, medical editor for the Arthritis Foundation, explains: “Collagen is the glue that holds your body together. This critical protein provides structure and support to connective tissues, including your skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, and the cartilage that protects your joints .”
Starting in our mid -20s , the body's collagen production naturally declines. As we reach our mid -40s and mid- 50s , especially around menopause, hormone levels change and collagen levels drop significantly, contributing to stiff joints and conditions like osteoarthritis, where the cartilage that cushions the joints wears away.
“When it comes to your joints, collagen helps maintain their strength, flexibility, and overall health. However, as we age, natural production of collagen slows down, leading to a loss of this essential protein, which can negatively impact your joint health,” says Selvan Naicker, brand manager of joint supplement OsteoEze.
Selvan continues: “While we cannot stop the natural decrease in collagen production, we can control the unnatural causes that can have the same effect.”
We have compiled the health benefits of collagen so you can make an informed decision.
1. Ideal for skin, hair and nails
Taz Bhatia, MD, shares that collagen “can help with skin wrinkling, providing one of the key components for skin to stay firm and taut.”
Researchers have also found that when taken consistently, collagen helps support nail health and may help the body build keratin, which is what hair is primarily made of.
2. It can treat different types of arthritis
Collagen has been studied as a treatment for osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, which causes painful, swollen, and stiff joints.
Linda explains that “because collagen is anti-inflammatory,” scientists believe it may help with inflammatory forms of rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Helps bone health
Studies have shown that collagen may help with the bone destruction that comes with osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break, especially in postmenopausal women.
4. Increases muscle mass
Muscle mass and collagen production are closely linked.
“When you weight train, your muscles experience micro-trauma, or small damages,” explains Lucas Pinos, co-founder of supplement provider Novoma. “So collagen plays a dual role: It helps repair damaged muscle fibers and also maintains muscle structure.”
5. Can be used for cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers and microneedling
According to Medical News Today, cosmetic fillers that combine collagen dermal fillers with hyaluronic acid can improve skin elasticity by increasing collagen production.
“Dermal fillers are the treatment we turn to when we want to support sagging facial structures, replace facial volume loss or smooth out deep wrinkles,” explains Dr. Alek Nikolic, a medical doctor specializing in aesthetic treatments.
Dr. Alek recommends different aesthetic treatments tailored to your specific needs, including faster treatments and microneedling that stimulate collagen production for smoother skin.
Source : https://www.snl24.com