Do Collagen Peptides Really Work? Should you Believe the Buzz

do collagen peptides really work

 Before you scoop collagen powder into your drink, get the facts!

Powders, pills, and creams, Oh my! Collagen has been hailed as a promising panacea for improved health and better reserves of energy everywhere. Social media feeds, scientific journals and health news channels all are touting collagen for its enormous benefits. It has been claimed that the collagen market worth could reach up to $16.7 billion by 2028. 

Collagen is a type of protein that promotes healthy joints and skin elasticity. It is in your bones, muscles, blood, and skin. Despite the hype, the question remains whether it delivers on its popular health claims. This article will review the effectiveness of collagen in the light of scientific evidence. 

What exactly is Collagen?

To understand what collagen is and what it does, it helps to know a bit about the structure of a collagen molecule

Collagen is a protein composed of amino acids, which are built of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen molecules. Glycine, Proline, Hydroxyproline, and Arginine are the specific amino acids found in a collagen molecule. The molecules in the most types of collagen are tightly packed together to create long, thin fibrils.

There are at least 16 different forms of collagen, but we mostly have types 1, 2, and 3 in our bodies. Human collagen, or collagen VI, is present in connective tissues, organs, and blood. It helps bring the tissue together to form the cells that comprise connective tissue. 

This type of collagen is found in the muscles, skin, nails, and tendons in the human body, as well as in bones, cartilage, teeth, tendons, ligaments, tendons, and the skin of domestic pigs. 

Human collagen is the second most abundant protein in the body after fats. It’s the main constituent of connective tissue, which is the most abundant tissue in the human body. This is where a vast majority of muscle and skin tissues are found.

What Happens to Natural Collagen Production in Our Bodies?

Our collagen stores decrease as we age, and our bodies produce lower-quality collagen. Collagen is lost at varying rates in different people resulting in collagen depletion and lower collagen levels. While age is a significant determinant, the environment and heredity also play a significant role. Poor lifestyle choices, such as smoking and eating a high-sugar diet, are examples of environmental variables. 

Collagen reserves are also depleted when exposed to high levels of UV radiation and pollutants. Nutritional deficits caused by genetic abnormalities can influence the processes involved in collagen formation.

What Are Collagen Supplements? Do Collagen Peptides Really Work in the Form of Supplements?  

Collagen supplementation consists of a type of protein that is made from animal products. These supplements are available in a variety of forms. Most collagen supplements have been hydrolyzed, which means that the collagen has been broken down into peptides so that the body can absorb and use it.

Collagen supplements are offered in the following forms:

  • Powder
  • Tablets
  • Capsules/Pills

Benefits of Collagen Hydrolysate Supplements

Do Collagen Supplements Promote a Healthy Skin? 

Collagen supplements are taken by a huge number of people for the possible benefits to their skin. By enhancing skin suppleness, increasing skin hydration levels, and minimizing wrinkles, collagen supplements can help slow down the aging process. 

Collagen supplements are good for skin health, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Nutrition and Nutraceuticals. Several women who took a collagen supplement containing hydrolyzed collagen reported considerable changes in the moisture and flexibility of their skin, according to the study.

Similarly, another study published in the Journal of Drugs and Dermatology confirmed that the women who took the collagen supplement had increased skin moisture levels and enhanced skin suppleness at the end of the 8-week experiment. Although some acne sufferers believe collagen supplements have helped them, this has yet to be verified.

So do collagen peptides really work to give you a youthful skin? There’s ample evidence to prove that the answer is yes. 

Does Collagen Reduce Cellulite?

With 85% of women over the age of 20 suffering from cellulite, various supplements have been tried in the hopes of finding one that can help them minimize their skin’s orange peel appearance. According to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, collagen peptide was given to women with moderate cellulite for six months in one research. These women demonstrated a considerable reduction in cellulite and skin waviness. 

The collagen treatment was found to be effective in both normal and overweight women in the study. 

So do collagen peptides really work for the reduction of cellulite? Our answer is yes. 

Read our article on the best collagen supplements for cellulite

Does Collagen Improve Bone Density?

Not only does our skin lose its strength and structure as we age, but our bones also reduce their mass as we grow old. Collagen is a protein that makes up our bones, and its production slows as we age, making our bones weaker. A study found that supplementing with collagen plus calcium (rather than calcium alone) can help prevent bone degeneration and joint pain. 

The combined supplement may also enhance bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women, lowering their risk of osteoporosis. 

A study published in the journal of International Orthopedics concluded that hydrolised collagen greatly helps in curing the symptoms of osteoarthritis and improving joint health. The researchers took their data from various controlled trials of the collagen supplements. The results indicated that collagen protein supplements significantly decreased the stiffness and improved other Osteoarthritis symptoms.   

 Another study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine also proved that drinking collagen supplements showed great support in curing the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The study concludes: “Collagen supplements provided moderate and clinically meaningful treatment effects on pain and function in patients with hand, hip or knee osteoarthritis.” 

However, both these pieces of research indicate that the same results need to be verified after experimenting with larger groups of people. 

Circling back to our question, “Do collagen peptides really work for improving bone density?” The short answer is, yes, it does.  

Read our article on the best collagen supplement for osteoporosis. 

Also read our review on Ancient Nutrition Collagen which is also a great choice to improve your bone health. 

Does Collagen Improve the Digestive System?

A hydrolysed collagen product may be beneficial to people who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Only a tiny amount of research has been done in this area, but it’s suspected that people with inflammatory bowel disease have lower levels of collagen IV, which is required for a healthy digestive system. Collagen supplements support the gut lining’s connective tissue. 

Do collagen peptides really work for improving the digestive system? The answer is yes. 

Does Collagen Improve Cardiovascular Health?

Atherosclerosis is a disease that occurs when plaque builds up inside the arteries. According to a study published in the Journal of Atherosclerosis, Collagen tripeptide could prevent the risk of atherosclerosis by reducing arterial stiffness and lowering bad cholesterol levels in a short six-month experiment. 

Do collagen peptides really work for improving cardiovascular health? The answer is “yes.” 

Buy our recommended collagen peptides formula for improving cardiovascular health here.

Do Collagen Peptides Really Work for Improving Mass of Muscles?

We all lose muscle mass as we get older, but if a patient has considerable muscular loss and weakness, a doctor may diagnose sarcopenia. According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, Sarcopenic men were treated with collagen and resistance training. These men significantly increased their muscular growth and strength more than those who just exercised. 

Do collagen peptides really work for improving muscle mass? Many scientific pieces of research prove that it is true. 

How Much Collagen Should You Consume Every Day?

The amount of collagen you should take daily is entirely dependent on your goals for using the supplement.

Thirty-one adults were given as much as 16 grams of collagen daily for six months to obtain a positive result in a trial employing collagen to reduce arterial stiffness. One study found that 2.5-5 grams of collagen per day improved skin suppleness and dryness.

Collagen is also hypothesized to have an accumulative impact over time, as it accumulates in cartilage and stimulates tissues to produce collagen.

There is no single study that can resolve all of the questions about how much collagen is enough. To backup all of the health claims, more human trials are required.

What are the most effective types of collagen supplements? Do collagen peptides really work in the form of supplements? 

How you take a collagen supplement is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to eat it, while others prefer to take it as a tablet or capsule-like other vitamins.

People often wonder which collagen supplement is the most beneficial because there are so many options.

  • Do collagen peptides really work in topical serums and creams? 

Because the molecule of collagen is too large to pass through the epidermis, it cannot be absorbed into the body. Collagen amino acids are tiny enough to penetrate the epidermis and reach the dermis’s deeper layers.

A modest investigation on the topical administration of collagen to cure lines and wrinkles was undertaken by researchers. The treatment was well tolerated and effective in improving participants’ lines and wrinkles in the short and long term, according to the three-month trial.

Skincare businesses make bold claims about their collagen-rich lotions. To have any possibility of permeating the skin, the component must be hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides. To make a difference, the cream must penetrate the dermis, which is tough to establish.

  • Do collagen peptides really work in the form of powder? 

Taking an oral collagen supplement from the inside out helps to support the skin’s structure. When collagen is taken into the bloodstream, it initially reaches the deeper layers of the skin.

  • Do collagen peptides really work in the form of capsules and tablets?

Those who prefer a quick and easy solution prefer the tablet and capsule form. Because the powder must be mixed into meals or beverages, it is not always practical.

Do Collagen Peptides Really Work if taken through Collagen-Rich Food? 

Eating a variety of foods containing amino acids can also help the body produce collagen. Amino acids can be found in protein-rich foods such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy.

Eating foods high in vitamins and minerals, which act as precursors for collagen formation and amplify the impact of amino acids, is also recommended.

The upshot: Do Collagen Peptides Really Work for Improving Health?

To get back to our question, “Do collagen peptides really work for improving health?” The simple answer is yes. 

Collagen supplements have certain health benefits, and the research findings appear to be promising. More human clinical trials, on the other hand, are required to provide robust scientific proof to support all claims. Before taking any supplements or changing your diet, you should always check your doctor.



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