Collagen for Healthy Aging: Is It Effective?

The benefits of collagen for your body are a controversial topic in the medical industry, especially since the opinions of medical practitioners towards its efficacy has been divided for years. In understanding whether or not collagen is truly effective, we should first understand the different preparations of collagen, as well as how it is being absorbed and utilized by the cells in the body. For menopausal women who inevitably suffer from decreased skin elasticity and bone density, collagen can actually help prevent the rapid progression of these losses, making sure that you are able to age gracefully.

Understanding Collagen ​

Being one of the most important proteins in the body, collagen is formed from different types of amino acids, namely glycine, hydroxyproline, and proline, which are coiled into each other to create a very stable structure that helps form your body tissues together.1 Collagen can be found almost anywhere in the body, including your skin, bones, teeth, muscles, organs, and blood vessels. In fact, collagen can also be found in animals! This means that the wonders of collagen in maintaining structural integrity is not only limited to humans. In cases of collagen supplementation, we can get this essential protein from many sources! 

​The wonders of collagen in maintaining your body’s healthy state cannot be understated. Collagen not only helps in the development of your organs, but also repairs wounds and damaged tissues.1 Additionally, collagen plays a vital part in bone development and remodeling, which is a process that normally declines as you age. Did you know? Your body actually begins to lose collagen from 18-29 years old and eventually will lose around 1% per year after you reach 40 years old.1 By the time you reach 80 years old, your body’s collagen production decreases to up to 75% (of its own original production) compared to your younger peers!

The Benefits of Collagen Supplementation

1. Bone health. ​Taking collagen supplements can help nurture bone mineral density, which measures the amount of calcium and minerals present in the bone that make it strong and less likely to get broken.2 
2. Skin integrity. Collagen supplementation can help increase the activity of fibroblasts (cells that help form tissues) in the skin and hair. This strengthens the structure and functions of your skin, especially its role in protecting your body from harm due to pathogens in the environment. Collagen hydrolysate, in particular, can help prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which accounts for water loss from the surface of the skin and shows the integrity of your skin barrier. It can also help reduce wrinkles and nurture the skin’s elasticity. 
3. Hair & Nail health. Collagen helps regulate blood flow to your hair follicles, thereby nurturing keratin formation that strengthens and protects your hair from damage. Interestingly, keratin also makes up your nails! Hence, the increase in blood flow due to collagen can help keep your nails strong and healthy, especially as you age. ​

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​The Naturopathic Approach

With the controversies associated with collagen supplements and their massive available variations in the market, it is important that you should first talk to your naturopathic doctors to discover the right supplements for your health. Additionally, the wonders of collagen for your health can only be fully experienced through nurturing your holistic well-being.
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This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. 

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REFERENCES:

1. León-López A, Morales-Peñaloza A, Martínez-Juárez VM, Vargas-Torres A, Zeugolis DI, Aguirre-Álvarez G. Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications. Molecules. 2019;24(22):4031. Published 2019 Nov 7. doi:10.3390/molecules24224031
2. ​Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, König D. Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides in Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: Long-Term Observation in Postmenopausal Women. J Bone Metab. 2021;28(3):207-213. doi:10.11005/jbm.2021.28.3.207