5 Benefits of Collagen

1. Relieves Joint Pain

As cartilage weakens and deteriorates with age, you may start to feel stiff , joint pain. Increasing your collagen intake may help reduce joint pain and relieve arthritis symptoms. In a 2009 study, participants took a collagen supplement made from chicken necks for 90 days and showed a 40% reduction in osteoarthritis symptoms and a 33% reduction in symptom severity.

In an earlier study from 1993, participants with severe rheumatoid arthritis who took the same collagen supplements saw a reduction in the number of swollen and tender joints. This supplement is non-denatured, which means the amino acids do not break down due to processing and exposure to high temperatures.

2. Reverse Skin Aging

One of the most well-known benefits of collagen is its ability to promote glowing, vibrant skin. This essential protein provides elasticity to the skin, helping it appear younger and healthier. But as we age, collagen production decreases, resulting in fine lines, sagging, and dry skin.

One study randomly selected 46 of 69 women aged 35-55 to supplement collagen hydrolyzate. The rest of the group took a placebo, and the women who took collagen showed improvements in skin elasticity within four weeks. Another study conducted in 2014, using the same supplement, significantly reduced wrinkles after only eight weeks.

3. Build Muscle

Collagen is a major component of muscle tissue, so it should come as no surprise that it can have a big impact when it comes to building muscle mass. In addition, collagen contains concentrated glycine, an amino acid involved in creatine synthesis. This provides your muscles with the fuel they need to exercise.

There aren’t many studies on collagen and exercise, but a 2015 study looked at collagen supplements in 53 older men with sarcopenia, a disease caused by aging. Which leads to a decrease in muscle mass. After 12 weeks, those who took the supplement and resistance trained had greater fat loss and greater muscle strength gains than the placebo group.

4. Improve cellulite

In addition to keeping your skin healthy and glowing, collagen can also help improve the appearance of stubborn cellulite. Cellulite is when the layer of fat under the skin pushes up on connective tissue, creating a dimpled or bumpy appearance on the skin. In another study to see what collagen does for cellulite, they randomly assigned 105 women aged 24-50 to take collagen peptides for six months, and those who showed significant improvement in skin texture and waviness.

While it appears promising, more research is needed to confirm whether collagen can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. A 2015 review found that only sound wave treatments may be beneficial in treating cellulite, but collagen may not be included. But remember, cellulite is very common, with an estimated 80 to 90 percent of women having it. It's a natural part of aging and skin formation, not a cause for concern.

5. Improve the digestive system

Collagen is located in the connective tissue of the intestines and can help support and strengthen the protective lining of the digestive tract. This is critical because changes in intestinal barrier function, also known as leaky gut syndrome, can allow particles to enter the bloodstream, which can lead to inflammation.

In fact, an earlier study from 2003 looked at 170 individuals with inflammatory bowel disease and found that they were more likely to have lower levels of serum collagen. So the current theory is that by increasing your collagen intake, you can help build the tissue that lines your gastrointestinal tract and promote better gut health. However, current research is limited to the direct effects of collagen supplementation on the digestive system.