Why You Should Consider Adding Collagen to Your Supplement Routine

Collagen Supplements
Why You Should Consider Adding Collagen to Your Supplement Routine

Collagen is a substance in your body that supports a lot of functions. It is part of the structure of healthy joints, blood vessels, skin, and nails, for example. The body can only make so much collagen, so you might be thinking about taking collagen supplements. Here are some reasons to consider adding collagen to your supplement routine.

Basics on Collagen

Collagen is part of your bones, skin, joints, muscles, and blood vessels, among other structures in your body. In other words, it is important! In fact, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body!

There are a few different types of collagen. Collagen Type I is the most common in the body. It is in skin, ligaments, tendons, joints, bones, and even teeth. Collagen Type II is in connective tissue, such as ligaments and tendons. Type III is blood vessels and some organs, and there are more types.

Reasons to Take Collagen

Your body makes a certain amount of collagen, but you might consider adding it as a supplement to increase the amount in your body. In addition, the body’s ability to make collagen decreases with age, which can be another reason to think about taking collagen.

Collagen has roles in many areas, including the following.*

  • Joints: Having adequate collagen is necessary for maintaining optimal cartilage, and cartilage is part of healthy joints. In fact, cartilage makes up much of the structure that cushions joints and prevents bones from rubbing on each other. Without enough collagen, you may develop arthritis or pain, and have trouble staying active.
  • Bones: Strong bones include minerals, but a major part of bone structure is collagen. Even if you are adequate in bone minerals, such as calcium, and nutrients that help absorb them, such as vitamin D, having less collagen makes you more likely to have low bone mineral density. That increases risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures, and the chances increase with age.
  • Skin: Collagen is part of youthful-looking skin. As levels get lower, you may see signs of aging, such as wrinkles and a reduction in elasticity, or a sagging appearance.
  • Blood vessels: Collagen is part of blood vessels, which are part of your cardiovascular system. For cardiovascular health, blood vessels need to be elastic and able to respond to changes in the demand for oxygen as blood circulates. Otherwise, high blood pressure or extra stress on the heart can result.
  • Muscle mass: Working hard can help increase muscle strength and mass, but having enough collagen is necessary for optimal gains. Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in muscle. 

    • Collagen may have these effects.*

    • Support bone and joint health.
    • Reduce joint pain linked to reduction of cartilage.
    • Promote heart health.
    • Maintain normal skin appearance and function.
    • Protect cells against damage.

    You can get collagen from some foods, including those with gelatin. Since collagen is part of connective tissue, it is in foods such as pork and chicken skin, as well as beef and fish.

    Even if you do get a lot of collagen from food, it is not certain if your body uses it the same way as collagen from supplements. For the most benefits of collagen, talk to your healthcare provider before choosing and taking a supplement.

    How to Choose a Supplement

    There is a lot to think about each time you want to add a supplement. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider if it is a good idea, and how to choose the best supplement for your needs and goals. 

    These are some factors when choosing a collagen supplement. 

    • Form. Do you prefer a liquid, a powder that you mix with fluids, capsules, or a patch, for example?
    • Other nutrients. Vitamin C, for example, is necessary for synthesizing cartilage, while calcium and vitamin D can be great choices if you are concerned about bone mineral density. Iron may be a concern if you are training hard or are not eating a diet rich in animal-based foods.
    • Digestibility. Hydrolyzed collagen is partially broken down into components called amino acids. Hydrolyzed collagen supplements tend to be easier to digest and absorb than non-hydrolyzed supplements, at least when talking about oral supplements.

    A healthcare provider can help you make a good choice for a collagen supplement if you decide to take one.

    Types of Collagen Supplements

    There is a wide variety of collagen supplements. These are a few options that are at Netrition. 

    Liquid Collagen Protein

    Liquid Collagen Protein by ProT is hydrolyzed and easy to take. They come in Whey Protein and Collagen Shots.

    Benefits: You can take them anywhere for a convenient and great-tasting supplement in a fruity flavor.

    Flavored Collagen Protein Powder

    With Flavored Collagen Protein Powder, you get collagen and protein in an easy shake. Obvi comes in these flavors. 

    BariatricPal Collagen Types I, II, III Powder comes in Chocolate or Vanilla flavors. Just mix them with water or another beverage. They have 9 grams of protein in only 35 calories, and are sugar-free.

    Benefit: These powders taste amazing and can turn your collagen supplement into a treat to look forward to.

    Unflavored Collagen Protein Powder

    Another option is unflavored collagen protein powder, such as from Obvi or Codeage.

    Benefit: You can mix this powder with a favorite beverage or a food such as oatmeal, cottage cheese, yogurt, or soup, and you will get a dose of protein, too.

    Capsules

    NOW Veg Capsules are easy-swallow sources of Collagen Type II.

    Benefit: These are easy to take, and contain 60 capsules per bottle.

    Patches

    A patch, such as the PatchAid Collagen Plus Vitamin Patch, is absorbed transdermally, or across the skin. Just stick it on and keep it on for up to 8 hours.

    Benefit: you can take them without worrying about timing them with food or other supplements. There are also no gastrointestinal side effects when you use topical patches.

    There are a lot of available supplements, but collagen may be worth considering before many of the rest. Whichever type of supplement you choose, Netrition is sure to have a version that works for you. Check out all of our choices, and ask your healthcare provider for approval before taking any. Then see whether collagen supplements can help you reach your goals!*

    *The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. Netrition products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Anyone with a medical condition should seek the advice of a licensed medical practitioner. Individual results may vary.

    Tags: Collagen supplements