Collagen: Uses and Benefits
Collagen supplementation is one of the hottest trends in the wellness sphere for both beauty and overall health this year. But why the surge in popularity? The benefits may surprise you.
What is Collagen?
Collagen lacks one essential amino acid (tryptophan) needed for complete protein synthesis required for muscle building however, it is vital to various connective tissues in the human body including skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. A unique amino acid called hydroxyproline found almost exclusively in collagen supports its stability and helps to form its strong triple helix shape. Our bodies can form hydroxyproline (with the support of Vitamin C) to produce healthy collagen. Without Vitamin C to make hydroxyproline, the body stops producing collagen. Thankfully, studies have shown that increasing hydroxyproline in the bloodstream encourages skin fibroblasts (specialized cells responsible for making new collagen) to multiply. This becomes increasingly important as we age since natural collagen production starts to decline in our 20s.
Benefits
- Most abundant structural protein (approximately 25-30% of total protein) in the human body
- Provide source of essential amino acids
- Help maintain bones, cartilage, teeth and gums
- Reduces joint pain associated with osteoarthritis
- Collagen fibres are woven throughout cells and organs to support their structure and function
- Supports skin elasticity and hydration
- Maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails
There are five main types of collagen. Type I is the most abundant in the human body, but others are present in various small amounts. The type you choose will depend on which part of the body you are trying to support. So which one do you need?
- Type I: Bovine, Marine, and NEM <natural eggshell membrane> (skin, hair, nails, joint support)
- Type II: Chicken (joint pain and muscle recovery)
- Type III: Bovine (skin, hair, nails, joint support)
- Type V: NEM (joint pain and muscle recovery)
- Type X: NEM (joint pain and muscle recovery)
If you’re considering adding this powerhouse to your supplement regime, we suggest collagen peptides like the ones found in Natural Factors Total Body Collagen https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/collagen/total-body-collagen-500g/. These smaller, “hydrolyzed” peptides are easier for the body to use and digest. A bonus? Total Body Collagen contains other beneficial nutrients like Vitamin C, glutamine, hyaluronic acid, biotin, and tryptophan (the essential amino acid that is typically missing from collagen supplements). Consider adding it to your coffee, tea, smoothie, oats, soup, or any other hot or cold beverage.
Interested in additional immune support and improving collagen production? You may pair Total Body Collagen with Medi C Plus <https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/vitamins-and-minerals/medic-plus-with-magnesium-powder-citrus/> for improved collagen production, cardiovascular health, increased skin health, maintaining healthy joints, and to assist exercise performance and recovery.
October: Women’s Health Focus
Supplements that make a big difference in women’s lives.
- Vitex (also known as Chasteberry): helps to normalize the ratio of progesterone to estrogen, providing relief from common PMS symptoms https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/women/women-sense-vitex-chasteberry-extract-90-veggie-caps/
- AdrenaSense: a natural formula containing potent adaptogens rhodiola, suma, Siberian ginseng, schisandra, and ashwagandha to counter the negative effects of stress due to elevated cortisol that can result from busier lives with more commitments and chronically inflated levels of mental and physical stress https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/women/adrena-sense-90capsules/
- EstroSense: a complete natural formula containing calcium D-glucarate, indole-3-carbinol, green tea extract, turmeric extract, rosemary extract, lycopene, sulforaphane, and milk thistle seed extract to promote healthy estrogen metabolism and hormone balance for women experiencing heavy or painful periods, hormonal acne, PMS, ovarian cysts, fibrocystic breasts, endometriosis, and more https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/women/women-sense-estrosense-60-veggie-caps/
Bringing it together: 6 Benefits of Collagen for Women’s Health
- Collagen promotes healthy skin elasticity and hydration.
- Collagen may improve bone health and bone mineral density, which is particularly important during menopause and post-menopause.
- Collagen may help stabilize blood sugar levels due to its rich concentration of glycine.
- Collagen may support post-exercise recovery, contributing to strengthened and more robust connective tissue as well as improved elasticity in ligaments and tendons.
- Collagen may improve digestive health and the integrity of the gut lining.
- Collagen may act as a thyroid support by converting thyroid hormones into their active form. It may also assist to detoxify thyroid suppressant hormones and chemicals.
The content in this post is for information purposes only and is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment of conditions that your health care practitioner should assess. The products discussed may not be suitable for you. Always read and follow the label.
For additional collagen and women’s health recommendations, you are always welcome to visit us in-store at 317 Brock Street S Whitby, ON L1N 4K3.
At FeelGood Natural Health, we deeply appreciate the ongoing support of our customers (returning and new) over the past 26 years. Like all small businesses, it is our customers that have allowed us to operate as long as we have and to continue doing our best to meet your natural health needs.
References:
Aiglon, K. 2021. “All In For Collagen”. <https://www.alive.com/health/all-in-for-collagen/>
Bitz, N. 2019. “An ND Explains The Science of Collagen”. <https://www.alive.com/beauty/an-nd-explains-the-science-of-collagen/>
Landry, S. 2021. “9 Ways I’ve Learned to CUltivate Inner Beauty”. <https://www.alive.com/beauty/an-alive-three-part-series-part-i-beauty-from-the-inside/>
Planet Paleo. 2024. “Top 6 Benefits of Collagen for Women’s Health”. <https://planetpaleo.co/blogs/blog/top-6-collagen-benefits-for-womens-health>