Collagen is a protein found in joints, bones, body tissues, and skin. It decreases with age leading to various health problems and skin wrinkling and sagging.
Collagen powder contains this collagen for supplemental use. Is it good to consume this powder? Is it effective? Are there any safety issues with the consumption?
Collagen and collagen powder
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is the building block in the skin, muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, and tendons. It is produced in the body.
But with growing age, the body’s production of this vital protein drops. The collagen breakdown is not replenished and there is a deficiency of it. This leads to several health issues involving the locomotor system of the body.
Skin starts wrinkling with age due to less collagen. To overcome all these issues, companies came up with collagen supplements. These are collagen powders that can substitute for the lost collagen.
Collagen powder (Source: Everyday Health)Collagen powder is a hydrolyzed form of collagen that is obtained from animal tissues. Since it is a partially broken-down version of the original collagen, the gut can easily absorb it.
It can be as a hydrolysate or as collagen peptide. This powder can be added to our foods and drinks and consumed for the desired effects.
Health benefits of the powder
Collagen powder helps in skin care and bone strengthening. But most of the research in collagen powder supplementation has been in its use of it for wound healing and arthritis of joints.
Scientists have also studied its benefits in the skin aging process.
There are claims that the powder can repair skin, repair muscles and strengthen them, increase muscle mass, make bones strong and relieve joint pains.
Moreover, some advocate its use for hair growth and nail health as well. But evidence supporting the latter claims is lacking. It is recommended for Achilles heel pains.
Powder of collagen of animal origin (Source: Body+soul)The powder can be beneficial if there are simultaneous healthy lifestyle choices made. It cannot substitute good healthy food but can supplement it.
Cons of this product
The USA FDA does not regulate collagen powders. Its consumption can cause a loss of appetite and local gut problems.
During the manufacturing process, certain contaminants such as heavy metals might enter the product and make it unsafe for eating.
Collagen cannot be absorbed by the gut in its whole form. It has to be metabolized to its amino acids before absorption.
Hence, the focus should be on adequate protein intake. These powders can be an add-on but cannot replace healthy eating.
Collagen added to a beverage (Source: Barely biology)Click the link ahead to read more on ‘Healthy’ snacking: is this 21st-century trend really good?
There are 5 types of collagen in the body-type I, type II, type III, type V, and type X. Collagen powders can come from different sources such as chicken, marine creatures, or cattle.
Based on the source of the collagen powder and its use and indication, one can decide which collagen powder to use.