Major Benefits of Taking a Collagen Supplement

Collagen is one of the most abundant substances in the human body, making up about a third of all the protein in your body. It is found especially in the bones, skin, muscles, and tendons but can also be found in the internal organs. Collagen provides a sturdy structure and helps to keep joints, skin, and other parts flexible. Collagen production can decline with age, which can lead to joint pain, wrinkles, and other age-related issues. Collagen powder and  collagen supplements can help to boost collagen production and keep your body healthy and youthful.

Healthy Skin

As we age, our skin naturally starts to lose collagen. This lack of collagen results in sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles. While this is a totally normal part of the aging process, that doesn't mean we have to just sit back and accept it! A recent study showed that collagen hydrolysate (collagen that has been broken down into peptides for better absorption) can actually be absorbed into the skin from the bloodstream. This is great news for those of us looking for ways to keep our skin looking young and healthy. Collagen plays an important role in keeping skin elastic and youthful, so anything we can do to help our bodies produce more collagen is a major win.

Promotes Glowing, Silky Hair

As anyone who has dealt with hair thinning knows, it can be a frustrating and even distressing experience. Fortunately, there may be a simple solution in the form of collagen supplements. A 2012 study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles found that taking oral collagen supplements safely and effectively promoted significant hair growth in women with temporary hair thinning. The study participants were given collagen supplements for eight months, and at the end of the study period, researchers found that the average hair count had increased by 40 percent, and the average weight of each hair strand had increased by 17 percent. In other words, collagen helps keep your hair healthy, shiny, and thick! If you're looking for a way to improve the health of your hair, collagen may be worth a try.

Strengthens Nails

If you're struggling with brittle nails, you might be wondering if collagen supplementation can help. According to a 2017 report published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, the answer may be yes. In the study, participants were given 2.5 grams of collagen peptides daily for 24 weeks. At the end of the study, researchers found that collagen supplementation was effective in treating nail brittleness.

Eases Joint Pain

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, and it's no surprise that it plays a vital role in keeping our joints healthy. Collagen is the primary component of cartilage, which is the tissue that provides a buffer between bones and prevents them from rubbing together. A 2018 meta-analysis found that collagen supplements can be clinically effective in reducing pain for people with osteoarthritis, especially knee pain. The majority of collagen in the body is type I, II, or III – all of which are found in cartilage, the tissue that cushions joints. A 2018 meta-analysis published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders looked at the effectiveness of collagen supplements for treating osteoarthritis pain and found that  collagen Type II was associated with clinically important pain reduction in the medium term.

Burns Fat and Builds Muscle

Some research suggests that collagen may help with weight loss by burning fat. This is because collagen contains glycine, which is essential for creatine synthesis. Creatine is a compound that provides the body with fuel during physical activity. As a healthy counterpoint for the fat-burning amino acids in collagen, this abundant protein substance may also help you build muscle. A 2015 study found that after 12 weeks of collagen supplementation and resistance training, people saw a greater increase in muscle strength as well as fat burning than the control group. Collagen may be a helpful addition to your fitness journey!

Reduces Cellulite

We all know the dreaded "orange peel" effect that can happen when collagen levels drop: cellulite. Ugh. But did you know that collagen supplementation can help improve the appearance of cellulite? A 2006 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that after eight weeks of supplementation, subjects showed a significant improvement in the appearance of their cellulite. So, if you're noticing a little extra cellulite these days, it could be a sign that your collagen levels are low. And that's not all! Low collagen can also lead to skin that is less elastic and more prone to wrinkling. So, if you're wanting to keep your skin looking young and fresh, make sure you're getting enough collagen.

Strengthens Teeth

Did you know that collagen is not just good for your skin, but also for your teeth? That’s right, adding collagen to your diet can help keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free. Collagen forms one of the building blocks of healthy teeth, especially collagen type XVII which helps to form tooth enamel. So, if you want to keep your smile looking its best, be sure to include collagen in your diet!

Aids in Liver Detoxification

Collagen can also help support your internal organs, including the liver. In fact, collagen can be a great liver protector. The glycine in collagen can prevent this primary detoxification organ from getting overtaxed by too many harmful substances, according to an animal study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. Glycine is an amino acid that is essential for detoxification. It helps the liver break down fats and gets rid of toxins.

Great for Heart Health

As we age, our bodies begin to produce less and less collagen. This can lead to a number of problems, including wrinkles, joint pain, and muscle soreness. Collagen supplementation can help to offset these age-related changes by replenishing the body's supply of this important protein. In addition to its anti-aging benefits, collagen has also been shown to promote heart health. The amino acid content in collagen is one of the reasons why supplementation can be so beneficial. Proline is an important amino acid found in collagen that has been proven to help release fat buildup along arterial walls and in the bloodstream. Because of this, there is evidence to suggest that collagen can help with high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) as well.

Help Heal Leaky Gut

Collagen can help break down proteins in food and helps to soothe and repair the lining of the intestines. This keeps both bad and good bacteria in the digestive tract where it belongs. A 2003 study published in the Journal for Clinical Pathology found that individuals with IBS (inflammatory bowel disease) also suffered from lower concentrations of collagen. Supplementing with collagen could help these patients improve their symptoms.

Leaky Gut is a condition where microscopic holes form in the digestive tract, which can lead to a variety of health problems. Collagen supplementation has been shown to be helpful in healing Leaky Gut. This is an exciting and promising benefit of collagen that could help millions of Americans who suffer from digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, and neurological conditions connected to Leaky Gut.

The Bottom Line

Collagen has many health benefits ranging from healthy skin, hair and nails to relieving joint paint and aiding heart health.

MRI Collagen Powder contains Type II Collagen which specifically targets joints, rebuilds cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin and bones. Type II may also be good for the respiratory system, detoxification pathways, and more because it contains arginine, another amino acid that is vital for nitric oxide production. MRI Collagen also contains Vitamin D and Calcium. If you are trying to strengthen your bones, this combination can be especially helpful!