Jennifer Aniston, Madonna, or Cameron Diaz, among others, confess to taking it. Need more reasons to join this trend? We'll give them to you.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. As we age, the ability to synthesize it decreases, and in certain situations (overweight, excessive sports activity, etc.), wear and tear accelerate. That's why it is recommended to take it as a supplement to the diet, and here are a handful of reasons not to postpone it too much.
It's not easy to absorb it in meals.
“Foods containing collagen are usually discarded or consumed in small quantities (fish skin and bones, cartilage in meat, broths, gelatins, etc.),” says Mari Luz García Toro, communication director of Arkopharma, who explains that the collagen we ingest in food must first be hydrolyzed, broken down into amino acids, to be absorbed and act in the body. “The current nutritional pyramid already indicates that dietary supplements are essential in our diet,” notes Dr. Sara Segovia, medical director of Código372. 2- We make sure to take the right one.
Not only in quantity; Mari Luz García Toro recommends 10g as the recommended daily dose. But also regarding the type of collagen. More than 20 types have been described, with the most important being types I and II. “Collagen type I is mainly found in bones, tendons, cornea, intervertebral discs, and skin,” enumerates Mari Luz, who explains that the way its fibers are grouped provides flexibility and resistance to the organs that contain it. “Collagen type II is the main component of cartilaginous tissues, although it is also found in intervertebral discs and in various embryonic stages,” says the communication director of Arkopharma.
Meritxell Martí, pharmacist and owner of Farmacia Meritxell (Andorra), adds that with collagen supplements, the dose is much higher and more effective than what we can ingest with food, and we also ensure that what we take is effective for what we want: “Generally type I and III for the skin, and type II for the joints.”
3. Are you over 25 and/or an athlete?
“From the age of 25, we start losing 1.5% per year of age,” says Dr. Segovia, who recommends starting to take it there. “Not to mention from the age of 40 when the oxidation process of our body begins, so I consider it essential,” she declares. Collagen intake fights sagging, not only in the face but throughout the body. “There are studies showing that it increases the density of dermal collagen fibers and helps suppress the damage caused by radiation to the dermis,” says Mari Luz García Toro. But most published medical studies refer to its effect on cartilage degeneration (osteoarthritis). Meritxell Martí assures that “collagen helps improve muscle mass and strengthen all the fibers around the joint, contributing to support and prevent them from straining so much.” If, in addition, the product contains other actives such as hyaluronic acid, magnesium, or turmeric, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, they will improve the cartilage and prevent discomfort from wear or friction.
4- Other proven benefits
Dr. Sara Segovia assures that there are multiple published medical studies demonstrating the effectiveness of orally taken collagen supplements, not only on the skin (including hair and nails) and joints but “also on ligaments, vitreous humor, teeth, and gums. It is the glue of our body (its name comes from colla and gemen) and provides us with the strength and structure for our organs,” she affirms.
5- Prevents and cures
The intake of collagen can prevent cartilage degeneration and also favor its regeneration, depending on the type of collagen they contain. “Age, injuries, or even overweight trigger an immune process against collagen that is destroyed and initiates an inflammatory process in the body. This is where collagen type II is very important because through contact in the intestine, it can neutralize this immune response and prevent collagen degradation,” explains Mari Luz, who ensures that daily consumption favors the elimination of damaged tissue and its replacement with healthy material.
6- It usually goes very well with others
Pharmaceutical preparations usually contain other ingredients in their formula that improve the effectiveness of collagen “such as hyaluronic acid (which has a structural function and provides firmness), vitamin C (promotes collagen synthesis), glucosamine (which provides elasticity to the joints),...” enumerates Mari Luz. Meritxell assures that the one she has formulated “is an excellent complex of natural origin nutritional supplements, in addition to containing actives that prevent the accumulation of toxins in the digestive system that interfere with the absorption of these actives,” and points out that it improves the luminosity of the skin, hydrates it, prevents sagging, and contains antioxidants that preserve it from aging.
7- Effects are noticed quickly
Although the benefits of nutricosmetics are perceived more and better in the long term, Dr. Segovia assures that with the intake of collagen, "we will notice improvement in hair and nails in 10 days. In 2 or 3 weeks, in our skin, and in the joints, after 6-8 weeks.” Meritxell assures that from the first day, there is a noticeable increase in brightness and energy in the skin, at 15 days it is perceived as more hydrated and elastic, and in a month, it is noticed that firmness improves.
8- It has no contraindications and is for life
At the recommended doses, these supplements have no contraindications, “except for allergies to any of the components of the preparation,” says Mari Luz García Toro. It can be taken continuously for as long as desired. “It's like if we liked to eat apples every day and they asked us if we can or should take a break,” Meritxell illustrates. Dr. Segovia recommends taking it regularly “since it is proven that by stopping supplying it for 15 days, our collagen levels begin to decrease again.”