The collagen supplement market is growing rapidly, reaching two billion dollars in the US alone. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, responsible for skin elasticity, hair growth and joint health. Collagen supplements have been growing in popularity in recent years, with people hoping to strengthen their nails, improve their skin, and reduce joint pain. But does collagen really have the “miraculous” properties that manufacturers claim?
According to Inc., according to specialists at the Cleveland Clinic, about 28 types of collagen have been identified in the human body, of which five main ones perform key functions: type I supports the structure of the skin, bones and tendons; Type II promotes joint health; type III is important for the elasticity of skin and muscle tissue; type IV is involved in gut health; type V supports the eyes, hair and placenta. Type I makes up about 90% of all collagen and is most often used in supplements.
Supplements come in different forms: powders, capsules, chewable lozenges, and liquid forms. They are made from a variety of sources – beef, fish, chicken or eggshells. Some products use « hydrolyzed collagen » or « collagen peptides » to make the protein easier to absorb. However, like many dietary supplements, collagen is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration as strictly as prescription drugs, so it is difficult to guarantee the claimed effects.
Scientific research shows that as we age, collagen levels decline by about 1% per year, leading to joint pain and wrinkles. A 2023 Florida State University study found that taking 10 to 20 grams of hydrolyzed collagen daily for six months significantly reduced pain in physically active people ages 40 to 60. One participant noted that after stopping use, the pain returned and that reintroducing collagen relieved symptoms again.
Additionally, a 2021 review of studies from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital found improved skin elasticity and a reduction in wrinkles in more than 1,000 women taking the supplement. However, scientists emphasize that the effect may be partly due to other ingredients in the drugs. As experts note, only a doctor can give the best advice.
Previously, Cursor wrote which dishes should never be washed down with water and why.
Source:
cursorinfo.co.il
