Collagen Supplementation — Does It Work or Not?
Let’s just start by saying STOP BUYING COLLAGEN POWDER. Once collagen is broken down, the food you consume cannot “fix” or “rebuild” it. It is a BS supplement that is made to make you spend unnecessary money on an unnecessary supplement. (It is also RIDICULOUSLY expensive compared to average protein powder.)
Starters - “Collagen accounts for 30% of your body’s protein. It provides structure, and support/strengthens your skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. “Scientific research is lacking for most collagen supplements, but a well-balanced diet gives your body the raw ingredients it needs to help it make collagen naturally.” (Cleveland Clinic). Alright, so you’ve seen it from the experts, now let’s hear it from me (the total non-expert).
Entree - STOP BUYING COLLAGEN “PROTEIN” POWDER… unless this is your preferred protein powder, just stop. Collagen supplementation essentially does ~nothing~ for you, and you essentially now have expensive pee. Congrats!
Let’s consider how the body actually structures collagen. Collagen is the most abundant source of protein floating around in your system. Collagen builds your skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. In simpler terms, connective tissue connects and supports the body. Proteins (collagen) are made from amino acids. Collagen is made up of proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline (don’t worry about this if you don’t know what the f*** those are).
How do influencers prey on our lack of intelligence? They KNOW that most people, as they age, start to see fine lines/wrinkles, aching joints, muscle loss, etc. What better way than to capitalize on the loss of someone’s “youthfulness”, than to try and sell them a quick fix?! Your body naturally produces less collagen as you age, this IS a fact. Drinking a fancy supplement will do NOTHING to fix this. Collagen cannot *FOOT STOMP* CANNOT be absorbed by your body in its whole form. The body will break down this “collagen” into amino acids (fancy words) mentioned above. This can support the amino acid levels in your body, but will do nothing to help “rebuild” collagen in the body. (The AA will go wherever they are needed).
Some things that ACTUALLY help with collagen loss - sunscreen (less exposure to UV light) and a well-balanced diet (shocker, I know), top the list. Consuming healthy amounts of Vitamin C, Proline, Glycine, Copper, and Zinc can aid in the digestion and breakdown of collagen into the respective amino acids. Collagen treatments by dermatologists or plastic surgeons are also a part of this group.
Dessert - (Overall best part/most remembered part of the meal) Collagen cannot be directed to where you want the proteins to be used (example - wrinkles on your forehead). Most companies funding the “research” that claims it can spot-treat your wrinkles are paid off by the companies making the collagen. Your favorite influencer (who is probably not a research scientist) is getting paid commissions to promote total bullsh**. The research proves it is not significantly reducing signs of aging by erasing the look of wrinkles and fine lines on our bodies. I hope this information is easily digestible and allows you a deeper look into the crap that gets sold online.
Best Wishes!
- Jadon
Citations:
Collagen: What it is, types, function & benefits. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen
Links to more information:
Henry Ford Health Staff. (n.d.). The truth about collagen supplements: Are they really effective?. Henry Ford Health - Detroit, MI. https://www.henryford.com/blog/2023/07/the-truth-about-collagen-supplements
Payal Patel, M., & Maryanne Makredes Senna, M. (2023, April 12). Considering collagen drinks and supplements?. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/considering-collagen-drinks-and-supplements-202304122911
