Health Benefits of Collagen Supplements and Risks

B

Medically reviewed by

Bajaj Finserv Health

Nutrition

4 min read

Synopsis

Collagen, a protein, serves a variety of essential functions, including the provision of structure to the skin and the strengthening of the density of the skeletal system. Several foods, like pig skin and bone broth, have the ability to increase your collagen intake naturally. One may also utilise collagen supplements to promote healthy living.

Key Takeaways

  • Consuming supplements could help you create more muscle, prevent bone loss, relieve joint pain, and Improve skin health
  • Even though some foods contain collagen, it is unknown if they provide the same benefits as collagen supplements
  • It is safe to take collagen supplements, they are easy to use, and it is beneficial to do so based on your health goals

Collagen is the predominant form of protein storage in your body. It is the fundamental component of connective tissues, responsible for developing numerous body parts, including tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles. The nutritional collagen supplements are usually available in powder form, but capsules are also available. Depending on the product, dietary supplements may contain between one and five different types of collagen. 

Nutritional Value of Collagen Supplements

Collagen is sometimes referred to as a "complex protein," which is not unexpected given that it includes a staggering 19 distinct amino acids. 

The largest concentrations of amino acids found in collagen, along with some of their most important effects, are as follows: 

Proline

Proline comprises approximately 15% of collagen. Proline and glycine, in particular, play a significant role in the proper functioning of your body. Proline helps protect blood vessel integrity, improves joint health, and provides numerous cardiovascular advantages. 

Glycine

Glycine comprises approximately one-third of the protein present in collagen. Despite being the smallest amino acid, glycine has significant effects. To maintain the normal functioning of our cells, glycine aids in synthesizing DNA strands. 

Collagen Supplement

Glutamine

Considered one of the most important and plentiful amino acids in the body, glutamine is produced by our muscles and ingested through meals. High nitrogen levels produced by glutamine aid in wound healing and prevent muscular atrophy and joint aches. It is also known to deliver muskmelon benefits

Arginine

Arginine (also known as L-arginine) breaks down in the body into nitric oxide, an essential component for artery and heart health. It has also been demonstrated that arginine improves circulation, helps strengthen the immune system, and has a good effect on male libido. 

Additional Read: Muskmelon Benefits and Nutritional Value

Health Benefits of Collagen Supplements

Collagen offers a number of benefits, many of which are mentioned below: 

1. Easily Digestible Protein Source  

Adding collagen supplements or even natural supplements like sweet lime to your diet may be a more practical way to improve your protein intake. Hydrolyzing collagen allows collagen peptides to dissolve in water, which facilitates their use in daily-consumed foods (like water or smoothies). 

2. Better Skin Health 

People who use collagen supplements frequently do so as collagen benefits for skin and improves both the appearance and overall health of their skin. Numerous individuals feel that collagen supplements can help slow the ageing process by boosting the skin's pliability and moisture content and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. 

The skin of the ladies who took the supplement was more supple and contained more moisture. The benefits of collagen for skin are the same as watermelon benefits. Additionally, there are suggestions that collagen can help prevent skin diseases like acne.  

health benefits of Collagen Supplement

3. Reduces Joint Pain 

There is evidence that collagen supplement benefits include reducing joint pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis in older individuals with joint problems. Typically, these people suffer from osteoarthritis. 

4. Reduces the Likelihood of Developing Atherosclerosis 

The illness known as atherosclerosis is caused by the formation of plaque on the inner surface of artery walls. When the collagen surrounding the plaque loses some of its resistance to strain, the stability of the plaque itself will diminish. Plaques with a higher collagen content are less prone to burst. 

5. Improves cardiovascular system 

There is evidence that including collagen in your coffee is also helpful for your heart. Thirty-two participants who took a collagen tripeptide supplement twice daily participated in a short study with an open-label and no controls. Following a six-month period, assessments of cholesterol and vascular stiffness indicated improvement. Collagen could help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, decreasing the probability of artery disease

Additional Read: 6 Important Reasons to have Watermelon

Potential Risks of Collagen Supplements 

Collagen benefits imply that supplements are generally safe when prescribed by a skilled medical professional. Before using a new supplement or altering the dosage of an existing one, a person should always contact their primary care physician or book online doctor consultation. 

When taking collagen supplements, mild adverse effects are possible. These possible adverse effects include diarrhea, a continuous feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, and rashes.

On the other hand, certain dietary supplements are made with fish, shellfish, and eggs, which are frequently connected with allergic reactions. People with food allergies should avoid collagen supplements since they contain components derived from allergen-containing foods.

Some users of collagen supplements have reported feeling nausea and bloating; however, these side effects have not been demonstrated to be caused by the pills themselves. 

Additionally, it may cause digestive side effects such as heartburn and a feeling of fullness. Regardless, nutritionists believe that most individuals can safely utilize these supplements.

Collagen-containing supplements are generally well taken and have few unwanted effects. It is, therefore, safe to consume collagen supplements. One can also rely on the aforementioned natural collagen supplements to boost our body's overall health.

Published on 8 Aug 2022Last updated on 21 Dec 2022

Please note that this article is solely meant for informational purposes and Bajaj Finserv Health Limited (“BFHL”) does not shoulder any responsibility of the views/advice/information expressed/given by the writer/reviewer/originator. This article should not be considered as a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your trusted physician/qualified healthcare professional to evaluate your medical condition. The above article has been reviewed by a qualified doctor and BFHL is not responsible for any damages for any information or services provided by any third party.

article-banner

Health Videos

background-banner-dweb
Mobile Frame
Download our app

Download the Bajaj Health App

Stay Up-to-date with Health Trends. Read latest blogs on health and wellness. Know More!

Get the link to download the app

+91
Google PlayApp store