Collagen is a key component in skin, muscles, bones, and other body parts. Individuals often take collagen supplements to support skin health, among other things, but does it help? This article will cover 6 science-backed health benefits of taking collagen.
May Improve Skin Health
Collagen plays a role in strengthening skin, hydration, and elasticity. As you get older, your body produces less collagen, leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles.
However, multiple studies have revealed that collagen supplements or peptides containing collagen may help slow skin aging by reducing dryness and wrinkles.
May Prevent Bone Loss
Your bones are made mostly of collagen, which gives them strength and structure. Just as the collagen in your body worsens with age, so does bone mass. This could lead to conditions such as osteoporosis. Studies note that collagen supplements could help limit the bone breakdown that results in osteoporosis.
May Relieve Joint Pain
Collagen helps maintain the integrity of your cartilage, the rubber-like tissue that protects your joints. A review of some studies in individuals with osteoarthritis discovered that taking collagen significantly improved joining stiffness and overall osteoarthritis symptoms.
Researchers have theorized that supplemental collagen could accumulate in cartilage and stimulate your tissues to create collagen. This could lead to lower inflammation, better joint support, and reduced pain.
May Boost Muscle Mass
As the most abundant protein in your body, collagen is an important component of skeletal muscle. Studies suggest collagen supplements can help increase muscle mass in people with sarcopenia, a loss of muscle mass that occurs with age.
In a 12-week study, 27 older men with sarcopenia took 15 grams of collagen while participating in an exercise program. They gained significantly more muscle mass and strength than men who exercised but didn’t take collagen.
May Promote Heart Health
Researchers have theorized that collagen supplements could reduce the risk of heart conditions. This is because collagen provides structure to your arteries, the blood vessels that transport blood from your heart to the rest of your body.
May Promote Healthier Nails
Some individuals’ nails break easier than others and don’t grow as fast. However, research in a group of women revealed faster nail growth and fewer chipped or broken nails after only 4 weeks of daily collagen supplements.
Conclusion
Collagen supplements are connected with multiple health benefits and very few known risks. They could also boost muscle mass, relieve joint pain, improve skin health, promote heart health, and promote healthier nails.
Collagen supplements are safe to use and worth trying based on your health goals.
