What is the Collagen? Is Collagen Supplements Useful?

Collagen simply stated, is a substance naturally produced in the human body (and also in mammals) that diminishes as a person grows older, and is also affected greatly by environmental stress such as exposure to sunlight, skin damage, nutrition, and exposure to toxic substances such as pollutants, recreational drugs and cigarette smoke. It is a protein found in the body’s connective tissues and it is important to maintain the strength of certain parts of the body (such as nails). It also provides a structure that supports multiple body tissues such as ligaments, muscles and bones and helps prevent them from disintegrating. It also works alongside another compound known as Elastin to strengthen and give firmness to the tissues. This substance has been effectively used to fight against ageing for a long time now.

The consequences of the low production of this substance include wrinkles, thinning skin, brittle hair and folds around the mouth, among many others. As the skin suffers a natural chronological aging, and is attacked through photoaging, the skin structure begins to deteriorate. Luckily, lost body collagen stores can be effectively replaced through the right supplements. The collagen supplements come in various forms and the ones available in the stores and market aim to replenish the amount of the body’s collagen and a lot of people use collagen supplements to reduce bodily lines or wrinkles. Also, persons suffering from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis often take collagen supplements in order to replace the collagen in their joints.

A lot of people take collagen supplements for its rumored great health benefits to their bodies. However, the effectiveness of these supplements has been supported by little research that was done, so we cannot substantiate the proof to this assertion. Collagen has been said to help reduce pain and increase mobility. It is said that it improves the skin appearance as well as the nails and hair. The market contains several health products that also enhance the look of skin, besides collagen.

The most common side effects of collagen supplements are lingering taste in the mouth, possible allergic reaction for individuals allergic to collagen sources (bovine, porcine, fish, shellfish, chicken) and decreased appetite (depending on your particular situation, this could be a side effect or a benefit). They usually affect 1% of the collagen supplement users.

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Keywords: collagen supplements

By: micheldisuja

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