7 Proven Health Benefits of Collagen

Collagen has made a strong name for itself for its anti-ageing properties. But what does the science say?

A recent study observed 69 women between the ages of 35 and 55 over eight weeks, who consumed a collagen supplement. The women who consumed the collagen showed significant improvements in skin elasticity compared to the women who took a placebo.

Another study showed that older women in the collagen group experienced more noticeable improvements. It was suggested that because collagen production decreases with as we age which would leave more room for improvement. Other studies have shown improved skin hydration levels with collagen supplementation.

For those who suffer from Irritable bowel syndrome (or IBS) and leaky gut syndrome understand how painful it can really be. IBS causes nutrients and toxic substances to be “leaked” back into the bloodstream. This causes negative effects like bloating, fatigue, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation and malnutrition. Collagen can be helpful as it breaks down proteins and soothes your gut’s protective lining and heals damaged cell walls.

The good news is that collagen helps heal leaky gut syndrome by repairing damaged tissue in the digestive tract so that food particles can no longer pass through it into your bloodstream where they don't belong.

Know more about leaky gut syndrome.

A study has shown that collagen IV is able to protect the brain against amyloid-beta proteins, one of the causes of Alzheimer’s. Collagen proteins create protection for your brain that combats the amyloid-beta proteins that attack neurons and cause Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies reveal that shows collagen may be able to relieve joint pain. A 4 month study monitored athletes who consumed a collagen supplement. They found that collagen reduced pain while standing, lifting heavy objects and even at rest. In another study, scientists experimented over 180 days to see if a collagen supplement would affect knee pain, participants experienced lower scores on the osteoarthritis index and less pain, stiffness and physical limitations.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It can be found in bones, skin, and connective tissue, and is responsible for keeping these parts strong and healthy.

Collagen is also an important component of cartilage, the rubbery substance that cushions our joints. We need collagen to keep our bones and cartilage flexible and lubricated.

A study gave 1,200 milligrams of collagen a day (or a placebo) to 200 individuals with back pain and who were over 50 years old, found that within 6 months, over 20 percent of the collagen group saw a significant improvement in their back pain after taking collagen every day.