Collagen is a vital component of the human body, playing an important role in healthy skin, bones, and connective tissues. It helps to keep joints strong, makes skin elastic, and protects organs. Collagen supplements are associated with several health benefits and few known risks. Collagen is a protein that provides elasticity to healthy skin and joints.
It's found in bones, muscles, and blood, and makes up three-quarters of the skin and one-third of the body's proteins. Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular due to their promise of youthful skin and long-lasting beauty. Studies have also shown that they can help inhibit bone breakdown that leads to osteoporosis, as well as act as mild pain relievers for those with knee osteoarthritis. Collagen supplements are widely marketed for their purported benefits in wrinkle reduction, skin rejuvenation, skin aging reversal, and skin plumping.
However, it is difficult to determine how effective they really are and if they are worth their often high price. Type 1 collagen is the most common form found in the body and is present in the skin, tendons, internal organs, and organic parts of bone. People have long sought to replace some of this lost collagen in order to keep skin looking and feeling healthy. Oral collagen supplements in the form of pills, powders, and certain foods are thought to be more effectively absorbed by the body than other forms.
There is also a “gut healing theory” about collagen that suggests it may be beneficial for those with inflammatory digestive conditions such as irritable bowel disease (IBD). If you decide to try collagen supplements, make sure that the product you choose provides good absorption of the active ingredients.
