What is collagen
Collagen - better known as gelatin - is the most abundant protein in the body, where it is concentrated in particular at the level of bones, tendons, cartilages, skin, membranes and blood vessels.
At the skin level, collagen helps to maintain firmness, tone and firmness of the skin, minimizing the presence of wrinkles. In fact, it is present at the level of the dermis where - together with elastic fibers and glycosaminoglycans - it gives rise to that three-dimensional structure that supports and supports the skin, giving it strength and elasticity.
Unfortunately, collagen synthesis decreases with aging, while its degradation increases and with it the roughness of the skin, which becomes less compact and thinner.
For this reason, collagen supplements are widely used in anti-aging nutraceuticals; the ingredient is also quite common in cosmetic products.
Naturally, the degradation of collagen due to aging phenomena occurs in the skin as much as in other areas where there is the presence of connective tissue, such as, for example, tendons and cartilages. Not surprisingly, the market offers a great variety of collagen supplements specially formulated to contribute to the well-being of the osteoarticular system.
Food Collagen
Collagen is particularly represented in the animal world; as such, it is introduced into the body mainly through meat foods. High percentages of collagen reduce the digestibility of the food and explain the greater digestibility of fish compared to meat, which is richer in connective tissue.
Collagen is synthesized by the body starting from the single amino acids that compose it. From a nutritional point of view, it is particularly rich in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, while it is deficient in sulfur amino acids. Precisely because it is rich in these amino acids necessary for its synthesis, food collagen, after being digested and broken down into the individual amino acids that compose it, can stimulate or in any case favor its re-synthesis in the organism.
Collagen Supplements
Composition of Collagen Supplements
Of course, the main ingredient of collagen supplements is represented by this precious protein which, however, being large in size, is difficult to digest.
To overcome this drawback, in the supplements that contain it, collagen is often present in hydrolyzed form (hydrolyzed collagen) - therefore partially digested - in such a way as to favor intestinal absorption, reducing its gelling power (much appreciated in pastry). The collagen used in these products derives largely from animal bones, skins and connective tissues, such as cattle, pigs and horses; even if, nowadays, many producers prefer to resort to the use of marine collagen, of fish origin (see paragraph: Risks ).
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Curiosity
Even at a cosmetic level, the application of collagen as such cannot be considered functional, as the protein is too large to be absorbed. It is precisely for this reason that even in quality cosmetic products it is preferred to use collagen in hydrolyzed or small form. precursor peptides such as Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4.
Depending on the condition (imperfections of time, joint disorders, etc.) that the supplement aims to improve, other active ingredients can be added to the formulation - in addition to collagen -.
For example, collagen in association with glucosamine and / or chondroitin sulfate is part of the composition of supplements intended to promote joint well-being, preventing arthritic processes (degradation of joint cartilage) and supporting recovery from traumatic events.
In antiaging supplements, on the other hand, in addition to collagen - or as an alternative to it - you can find substances able to preserve this protein from degradation, or to stimulate its synthesis by fibroblasts and chondrocytes (respectively skin and cartilage cells responsible for the production of collagen); this is the case, for example, of vitamin C and extracts of centella asiatica titrated in asiaticoside.
Furthermore, collagen is often combined with hyaluronic acid, a high molecular weight substance that retains large quantities of water in the skin and joint fluid, protecting the skin and joints from damage related to aging processes. The collagen-acid combination Hyaluronic therefore can be very useful both inside anti-aging products and inside supplements for the well-being of bones and joints. Furthermore, in the field of aesthetic medicine, collagen and hyaluronic acid can be injected (alone or in combination) as wrinkle filling agents (fillers) directly into the skin.
The synthesis of collagen can also be enhanced by the integration of single amino acids, such as arginine, hydroxyproline and ornithine.
Collagen and hyaluronic acid supplements
The supplement is produced in the format of vegetable capsules and guarantees the maximum concentration of excipients and purity and the minimum use of binders. The recommended daily dose is two capsules a day.
This supplement combines the moisturizing power of hyaluronic acid with the plumping virtues of marine collagen in a unique formula. It regenerates the cells in depth, reducing wrinkles and signs of aging from the inside and making the skin smooth, soft, supple and younger looking.
The association of the components contained in the supplement performs a quadruple regenerating and anti-aging action: hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, hydrolyzed marine collagen for its toning and restructuring action, vitamin C as a powerful natural antioxidant and vitamin A to revitalize the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid and Marine Collagen, then, are essential for protecting and regenerating the joints. For this, the product is useful for moisturizing, nourishing and contributing to the reconstruction of cartilage by relieving joint pain.
Did you know that ...
Growth hormone (GH) also has positive effects on collagen synthesis, while dihydrotestosterone seems to favor its degradation. Estrogens, on the other hand, seem to favor the synthesis of collagen, and perhaps for this reason soy isoflavones (genistein) have proven - in vitro - to stimulate collagen synthesis.
Of course, hormones cannot absolutely be included in the composition of common food supplements, since their use is authorized only and exclusively in the medical field for the treatment of certain conditions and pathologies.
Recommended doses
The normally recommended intake doses are quite generous, in the order of 1-10 grams of collagen per day. In any case, if the diet is balanced and optimal, without specific deficiencies, it is unlikely that the exogenous supply of collagen in large quantities will be able to stimulate its synthesis from scratch; rather than swallowing maxi doses of collagen, it would therefore make greater sense to integrate the substances that favor its synthesis and prevent its degradation, such as antioxidants and the aforementioned echinacea extracts (see the proposed formulation of the double action supplement reported in the figure). There are also several collagen creams for the skin
Side effects
Unwanted Effects of Collagen Supplements
Being a protein food, at the common doses of use there are no significant contraindications or side effects.
However, hypersensitive individuals may experience allergic reactions or complain of gastrointestinal complaints.
Risks
Potential Risks Related to Taking Collagen Supplements
Considering that collagen is obtained from carcasses and animal slaughtering waste, there are concerns about the possibility that gelatin acts as a vector for the transmission of TSE-BSE (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, among which mad cow disease stands out for notoriety). In theory, the processes of heating, filtration and alkalization of animal remains should be effective in "eliminating, or at least reducing, the levels of infectious agents (prions) that transmit TSE. Furthermore, the law governing and regulating the production of" supplements based on this protein require the execution of a series of rigorous checks, precisely in order to protect the health of the final consumer.
Despite this, most manufacturers (both of food supplements and cosmetic products) prefer to include marine collagen (ie, collagen of fish origin), or vegetable collagen (Natto Gum) in their formulations.
Read more about the Wrinkle Benefits of Drinking Collagen
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