Key health benefits of collagen

When you think of collagen, you probably think of cosmetic products first. 

Collagen is naturally present in our organism and plays an important role inskin elasticity and firmness, as well as cell renewal. 

Over time, however, it becomes less and less. Already from the age of 20, thequality and quantity of collagen produced decreases. From the age of 30, this process accelerates even more. Depending on genes and lifestyle, collagen can dwindle more or less quickly. 

But collagen can do so much more than just support your skin!

Read about the health benefits of collagen!

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. 30% of our proteins are collagen. There are up to 18 scientifically confirmed types of collagen that participate in different metabolic processes and support your body's tissue structures from the inside.

Collagen is needed for healthy skin and strong connective tissue as well as for the natural function of muscle cords, blood vessels, joints, tendons, ligaments and teeth and gums. 

With age, this framework becomes increasingly unstable. The connective tissue becomes flabbier and wrinkles appear. Already from the age of 20, the quality and quantity of collagen produced decreases. From the age of 30, this process accelerates even more. Depending on genes and lifestyle, collagen can dwindle more or less quickly. 

What happens with a collagen deficiency?

The body's collagen production already decreases noticeably naturally from the age of 20.The body's own collagen is used up faster than new collagen can be replenished. This can be seen and felt above all in the condition of the skin and connective tissue: less collagen often means flabbier skin.

In women, the decrease in collagen can also lead to weaker connective tissue on the legs and buttocks. The extent to which you are affected, less affected or not affected at all depends on genetic factors. A collagen deficiency, on the other hand, manifests itself primarily in metabolic slowdowns: If not enough collagen is produced or supplied from outside, central organic functions can no longer be carried out properly.

This is first noticed in severe fatigue, concentration problems and memory problems. The strongest external indicator is a clearly deteriorated skin condition, which may also show a tendency to eczema. Furthermore, in the case of prolonged collagen deficiency, severe joint pain and a significantly increased susceptibility to injury of the ligaments and tendons can occur.

The top 6 health benefits of collagen

Taking hydrolysed collagen can positively influence your health in several ways!

Collagen is the main building block of connective tissue found in many parts of the body such as tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles. It performs important functions, including providing structure and firmness to the skin and robustness to the joints.

Here are 6 scientifically proven health benefits of collagen:

1. Skin: The skin tightens via the collagen framework. Collagen also binds water together with hyaluronic acid, which is also responsible for the skin's plumpness and moisture.  If the collagen framework is no longer optimal, the skin begins to shrink and loses its firmness. Various studies show that taking collagen hydrolysate can reduce signs of ageing such as wrinkles and dry skin.

2. Hair and nails:Collagen can help strengthen nails and reduce their brittleness. It may also stimulate hair and nail growth. The amino acids in collagen are the building blocks of hair.

3. Joints:75% of the cartilage mass consists of collagen. It ensures that the cartilage remains robust enough to act as a cushion between the bones. Over time, whether through ageing or wear and tear, the cartilage mass diminishes due to collagen degradation, contributing to pain and reduced mobility in certain joints. Collagen can support the structure and integrity of cartilage (rubber-like tissue used for cushioning in the joint) and thus mobility. Many studies also show a reduction in pain.

4. Muscles: Between 1-10% of muscle mass is made up of collagen. This protein wraps around the muscle fibres to keep them in position as well as together. This collagen layer is also involved in muscle function. Various studies show that collagen can support muscle growth and has a positive influence on muscle strength in cases of sarcopenia. Collagen can also be very valuable for regeneration after training. Glycine, which is present in high amounts, functions among other things as a calming neurotransmitter and is needed for the formation of the body's own master antioxidant glutathione.

5. Cardiovascular health:Collagen is an important structural component of the arterial vessel wall. Arteries transport oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. With age, as well as through oxidative stress, collagen synthesis deteriorates, resulting in poor quality arterial walls. They lose their flexibility and stiffen. Collagen can therefore support arterial health and possibly positively influence cardiovascular diseases. 

6. Bones: Bones are also mainly made of collagen. It gives them structure and keeps them strong, but also slightly flexible. Studies have shown that collagen supplements support certain metabolic pathways in the body that are central to bone formation.

You too can benefit from the many advantages of collagen.

Collagen is not only an anti-ageing agent - it also supports joints, tendons and bones. It is therefore particularly beneficial for athletes. Since the formation of collagen is limited or decreases with increased physical strain as well as with age, it can make sense to support the body with the intake of collagen.