ABC – All about the benefits of collagen

 You might have seen collagen ads floating around these days. Many people have started incorporating collagen tablets and powder into their wellness routine. If you want to jump on the bandwagon and are wondering – what is collagen, the benefits of collagen, collagen side effects, and which is the best collagen tablets, then you’ve landed at the right piece of information. 

What is collagen and how does it work? 

Collagen is one of the most abundantly produced proteins in the body. It compounds the structure of the connective tissues throughout the body and plays an important role in keeping your skin supple and firm. With age, the collagen levels in the body start receding. There can be other factors that lead to collagen loss like – sun exposure, stress, smoking and alcohol consumption, not eating a healthy diet, etc. That’s why it is recommended to include collagen supplements in your routine. Collagen supplements are available in the form of powder and collagen tablets. Ask your doctor which one would be suitable for you. 

There are a total of 29 types of collagen. But the three main types are – 

• Type I collagen is most abundantly found in skin, bones, and tendons. 
• Type II is mainly found in cartilage. 
• Type II collagen exists along with type I in your skin, blood vessels, and different organs. 

There are so many types of collagen supplements available in the market that you may get confused. Hydrolyzed collagen is the one that’s most abundantly found in supplements. It is also known as collagen peptides and is collagen broken into small, easy-to-digest particles. When you buy collagen tablets, check if it is hydrolyzed collagen or not for best results. 

Who needs collagen tablets? 

If you fall into one of the following categories, then you should include collagen tablets as part of your wellness routine – 

• People who want to prevent skin aging 
• Those recovering from injuries 
• People with joint issues and inflammation 
• Athletes and active adults 
• People with brittle nails and dull hair 
• People with digestive issues
• Vegans and vegetarians (they can opt for vegetarian or vegan collagen supplements)

Collagen-rich foods 

You can include the following foods in your diet to get the daily dose of collagen – 

• Bone broth 
• Green leafy vegetables – kale, spinach 
• Citrus fruits and vegetables like orange, lemon, and lime 
• Eggs 
• Fish – salmon, mackerel, tuna etc. 
• Shrimps 
• Chicken 
• Berries – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries 

Include a combination of collagen-rich foods and collagen tablets in your routine to see the best results. 

Benefits of collagen 

It is a common myth that the benefits of collagen are only for your skin. But you get a host of other benefits as well – 

• Keeps skin healthy and supple 

Want to keep your skin healthy and radiant? Adding collagen tablets to your routine is a great idea. There are so many benefits of collagen for your skin – prevents fine lines and wrinkles, maintains skin elasticity and firmness, is a strong antioxidant that fights oxidative damage, and keeps your skin plump and supple. 

• Supports bone and joint health 

Did you know about the benefits of collagen for your bone and joint health? Low levels of collagen may lead to joint-related issues like joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, and even increased risk of osteoarthritis. Collagen is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, relieves joint pain, and prevents bone loss. 

• Great for your hair and nails 

If you complain of dull and lifeless hair, and chipped nails, then you might want to add collagen tablets to your routine. Taking collagen tablets regularly increases the strength of your nails and hair and makes them shiny and strong. 

• Helps in wound healing 

Collagen plays an important role in wound healing. It forms a framework to help the growth and repair of damaged skin, muscles, and other tissues in the affected area. 

• Supports digestive and gut health 

Many people don’t know that one of the many benefits of collagen is that it keeps your gut and digestive system healthy and strong. The benefits are – it keeps the gut lining intact, aids in proper digestion, reduce gut inflammation, helps manage symptoms of digestive disorders like IBS and IBD, reduces bloating, maintains healthy gut bacteria, and improves nutrient absorption. 

• Supports heart health 

Collagen is known to support your heart health in the long run. Benefits of collagen in terms of heart health include – strengthening the blood vessels, helping maintain flexibility in heart arteries, maintaining healthy blood pressure, supporting heart muscle functions, aiding in cholesterol management, and may help reduce inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Can I take collagen tablets every day? 

It is safe to take collagen tablets every day. You can even take collagen powder every day to get all the benefits of collagen. Just make sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully. Do not consume more than the mentioned amount to avoid any side effects or allergic reactions. 

2. At what age should I start taking collagen tablets? 

Experts believe that you should start taking collagen supplements in your mid-20s to avoid the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and to keep your skin supple. But, if you haven’t started in your 20s, you can start in your 30s. It will act as a preventive measure and keep your skin naturally supple, boost firmness, and make it radiant. 

3. How is marine collagen different from other types of collagen? 

Many people have this concern – should I take marine collagen or normal collagen supplements? There are two main types of collagens – bovine collagen (derived from the hides and hooves of cattle) and marine collagen (derived from fish). We recommend that you consult your doctor to know which collagen supplements will work for you. 

4. Can both men and women take collagen tablets? 

Yes, both men and women can take collagen tablets to get all the benefits of collagen. 

If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, lactating, or take any medication for a chronic illness, then it would be best to ask your doctor whether you can take collagen tablets or not. 

5. Do collagen tablets have any side effects? 

In some cases, there can be certain side effects of collagen tablets that you should be aware of. The most common are – nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, gas, upset stomach, rashes and itching, heaviness in breathing, fever, etc. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop taking the collagen tablets and consult your doctor at the earliest.