Food Label: Collagen Peptides
Collagen is a fibrous, structural protein that is abundant in nature. This protein exists in connective tissues, tendons, skin, cartilage, and bone. Collagen's main role is to provide structure, strength, and support throughout your body. Collagen peptides found on supplement labels are a more bioavailable form of collagen made from animal parts.
By James Herb Updated : 3/26/2024
How Does Collagen Work
Collagen works by providing structural support to various areas in the body. It is very flexible and strong, allowing it to be adaptive. Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids, and these amino acids are made of proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids group together to form triple helix structures giving the molecule stability, explaining why collagen is the building block of our bodies.
Collagen Benefits
Collagen has numerous benefits depending on the different areas of the body where it is stored, For example:
- Skin - Supports cell growth, elasticity, firmness, and hydration
- Joints - Flexible tissue that supports joint cushions and mobility
- Muscles - Promotes muscle contraction and muscle stability
- Bone – Strengthen bone density and structures
Collagen in Supplements
Collagen has become popular as a top-selling supplement. Marketed as an “anti-aging” pill, the protein collagen cannot be absorbed in our bodies, hence it is sold as collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen. These collagen peptides are easily absorbed throughout our gut. Once absorbed, these peptides are broken down into amino acids like keratin and help form hair, nails, and your skin's outer layer (epidermis). Commercial collagen is commonly extracted from animal parts like, cow skin, pig bone, and sheep placenta.
In a double-blind study, 69 women were given Collagen hydrolysate for 4 weeks and the results were improvements in Skin elasticity, skin moisture, transepidermal water loss, and skin roughness.
Side Effects
Collagen peptides have been recorded as safe up to doses of 10 grams daily for 5 months. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding there is not enough evidence to support collagen is safe and as a precaution, it is recommended to avoid it.
FAQ
Does collagen expire?
Collagen quality can degrade over time along with its quality. Collagen peptides are animal-based proteins and can have a similar shelf life as whey protein which is 12 months if stored in a cool dry location.
Is it good to take collagen every day?
Research has affirmed collagen peptide dosages as safe from 2.5 to 15 grams daily, indicating that large consumption of collagen can benefit
OUTLINE:
Collagen is a protein found in connective tissues, tendons, skin, cartilage, and bone, providing structural support and strength throughout the body. Collagen has health benefits as a dietary supplement in its peptide form.
