Collagen is a special type of protein that accounts for as much as 30% of the body’s total protein. In particular, it’s a primary structural component of connective tissue. Collagen helps support: • Proper bone density (mass & quality) • Healthy skin elasticity, thickness, hydration & appearance • Nail health • Joint tissue health & function involving cartilage, tendons & ligaments • Muscle strength • GI tract health Collagen makes up 75% of skin, 70% of ligaments, 65-80% of tendons, 50% of cartilage, 30% of tooth dentin, 16% of bone, 10-11% of muscle, and is also part of the structure of arteries and veins. The amino acid composition of dietary collagens is very similar to those in human collagens, making dietary collagen peptides ideal for supporting body collagen turnover and renewal. These processes go on continually, so it’s important to ensure the body has enough raw materials to build healthy new tissue. Compared to other proteins, collagen has a unique amino acid composition and a distinct role in human anatomy. Collagen proteins are rich in the modified amino acid hydroxyproline (approx. 12%), and they have an unusually high content of glycine and proline (approx. 22% and 13%, respectively). While other dietary proteins—beef, poultry, or fish, for example—can provide these, collagen itself is a much more concentrated source, and as such, may be a more effective choice when someone has a health and wellness goal related to collagen as a structural protein, such as in supporting the strength and flexibility of bones, tendons and cartilage, as well as the appearance of skin and nails, and GI tract health. Slow The Aging Process?
Many individuals are trying to slow the effects of aging but do not consume adequate protein. Even among those with a higher protein intake, unless nose-to-tail eating is emphasized, the richest sources of collagen—animal skins, bones, and tendons—are not typically part of the modern Western diet. Since collagen powder can be incorporated into shakes & smoothies, coffee or tea, soups, stews and other foods and beverages, Whole Body Collagen is a convenient way to ensure adequate intake of these unique amino acids, and for those who may need more, such as athletes, aging individuals, and those recovering from injury. Osteoarthritis (OA)?
This is a major cause of musculoskeletal problems and loss of joint function. The standard of care for OA management focuses on partially and temporarily alleviating symptoms. According to a review published recently in International Orthopaedics, researchers demonstrated the efficacy of collagen supplementation for improving osteoarthritis symptoms.
The review consisted of 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2009 and 2016, encompassing 519 patients. The duration of treatment ranged from 10 to 48 weeks. Treatment with collagen supplementation demonstrated a significant reduction of the total WOMAC index, and a significant reduction in stiffness and VAS score. The possible beneficial effects of collagen for the treatment of OA have been controversial. It is essential to use collagen peptides that have a low molecular weight, which have demonstrated efficacy for specific applications, including osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are rich in proline and hydroxyproline, promote synthesis of hyaluronic acid from synovial cells. Upon digestion, collagen is mainly broken down into single amino acids and di-peptides. These enter the bloodstream and accumulate in joint cartilage. They stimulate the creation of cartilage extracellular matrix by increasing type II collagen and proteoglycan production.
This meta-analysis demonstrates that collagen is effective for improving OA symptoms. Other benefits of collagen supplementation include improving skin elasticity, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, blood pressure, and insulin resistance.