Benefits of Collagen Powder

Benefits of Collagen Powder

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A version of this post was originally published on HVMN

The Use of Collagen Powder in Popular Culture

Peruse the aisles of any health food or supplement store and you’ll likely see collagen powder (or products containing collagen). Collagen has become a popular addition to any nutrition stack, something often lauded by health experts and gurus. It can be found in a number of different consumer products including creams, cosmetics, and most recently, in protein powders.

Although the fever around the products appears to be new, collagen isn’t new at all.

In fact, collagen has been viewed as a fountain of youth across the world for centuries. Several decades ago, it became popular in America as an injectable filler used to make lips appear fuller while smoothing out wrinkles (collagen is used far less for this purpose now).

Recently, the use of collagen has expanded from cosmetic use into other products due to an ever-growing amount of evidence that it can provide several health benefits. In 2018, it was estimated that consumers spent over $122 million on collagen products, a 30% uptick in sales from the previous year.1

Collagen has caught on like wildfire in America, but few people understand what it truly is and how it can help with various ailments including those involving the skin and joints. Let’s take a look at what collagen is and what makes it unique from other forms of protein.


Why is Collagen Important?

Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body.2 This is because collagen is a connective tissue, meaning it is a key element in the structural component of many parts of your body including you skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Collagen is made up of essential amino acids including glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine. As a naturally-occurring protein it can be found in just about every part of the body including: muscles, skin, blood, bones, cartilage and ligaments. It can even be found in places you might not expect such as blood vessels, corneas, and teeth. This is in stark contrast to protein consumed from outside sources such as found in whey protein supplements.

Although there are numerous types of collagen in the body, the main types are type I, II, III, and IV.3

Let’s take a closer look at the different types of collagen and how they function within the body:

  • Type I: Nearly 90% of the body’s collagen falls within the type I category.4
    As the most abundant form of collagen in the human body, it comprises fibers that form the structural and mechanical makeup of bones, skin, tendons, cornea, blood vessel walls, and other important tissues.4
    It is considered a key structural part of several human tissues and is the predominant component of the interstitial membrane.
  • Type II: This type of collagen makes up the majority of proteins found in cartilage, the connective tissue that forms joints.5
    As you may be aware, the main role of cartilage is to cushion joints. You might benefit from collagen supplements if you’ve got creaky knees.
  • Type III: This form of collagen is involved with various immune-related pathologies and helps support the interstitial matrix, which is a gel rich in salts, fluids, tissues and other chemicals found in the extracellular matrix (the tissues surrounding your cells).6
    It is also found in the connective tissues of the lungs, liver, kidneys, skin and vascular system.
  • Type IV: This type of collagen is found primarily in the skin and micro-vessels and is a major component of the basement membrane (a highly specialized extracellular matrix) which regulates cellular behavior.7
    It is often co-assembled with type II collagen and both are related to joint health.



Collagen supplements typically contain Type I and III, as long as you purchase from a reputable company that can provide you with a high-quality product from grass-fed and pasture-raised animals.

As we get older, the body stops making collagen naturally. Although this process isn’t well understood within the scientific community, it appears that the process is multi-factorial and is influenced by age-related changes in fibroblast function and mechanical stimulation.8

The decrease in the production of type I and III collagen fibers (the fibers associated with structure) begins in our 20s and continues to decrease with age.9 As we age, the thickness of skin-related collagen also declines as a result of increased production of degrading molecules in the extracellular matrix, which affects the assembly of collagen monomers.9

Collagen type II fibers appear to lose their elasticity and strength with age due to increased production of proteolytic enzymes which degrade these collagen fibers.10 Although the mechanisms are not understood, it appears that collagen type IV fiber production increases with age, which might sound good, but it appears this may not be the case; we’ll discuss this later.

Collagen fibers I and III play a crucial role in supporting our skin, giving it both the firmness and elasticity needed to move and function.

As collagen fiber production declines within the body, the structures of the skin begin to weaken, which in turn can thin out the skin and trigger excessive sagging and wrinkles. Sagging skin is a sign of the reduction in the quantity and quality of collagen fibers. Collagen fibers type II, and type IV to a lesser degree, are involved with mobility and the degradation of these fibers, and as we age, can contribute to the joint pain we often associate with aging (think knee pain) and osteoarthritis.10

Collagen is a crucial element of maintaining youthful-looking skin along with the ability to move around pain-free.

As mentioned, it appears collagen fiber type IV increases with age. This isn’t a health benefit because these fibers are associated with micro-vessels—vessels that carry blood and oxygen around your body). Increased production of these fibers cause a thickening of micro-vessels.11

High levels of type IV collagen fibers have been found in individuals suffering from hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is no need for concern because this type of collagen isn’t found in collagen supplements.



Although time is the main culprit of decreased collagen, there are other factors that can also diminish production, including:8

  • Poor dietary choices: diets high in sugar and refined carbs can deplete natural collagen levels12
  • Excessive sun exposure: ultraviolet radiation can inhibit the body’s natural ability to produce collagen13
  • Smoking: smoking decreases the synthesis rates of type I and III collagens14

Why is it important to ensure our collagen levels stay within healthy ranges? Let’s dive into some of the benefits of collagen production and/or supplementation.

Benefits of Collagen

As one of the major building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, collagen can provide a number of different health benefits.

You already know collagen is a vital protein for your body. You already know collagen production decreases with age. And you know we must ensure collagen levels remain normal with age. But do you know why all that is important?

Below are some of the most notable benefits of collagen:

  • Easing Joint Pain

Type II collagen makes up a substantial portion of our cartilage. As cartilage decreases with age, it’s common to experience stiff, achy joints. One way of combating this problem is by taking collagen supplements to help improve joint health.

In a 2009 study, a group of 52 participants underwent a type II collagen supplementation regimen over the course of 90 days with clinical assessments occurring every 30 days. The results showed a 40% decrease in arthritis symptoms. The patients also reported the severity of their symptoms decreased by 33% as well.15

A secondary study conducted in 1993 used type II collagen supplementation, resulting in similar findings. 60 patients who were suffering from severe rheumatoid arthritis underwent a randomized, double-blind trial. They were given type II collagen produced from chickens (bovine is usually the main source of collagen today). Out of the group, four of the 60 patients reported a complete remission from the disease.16 There was also a notable decrease in the number of swollen joints and tender joints in those receiving collagen supplementation.16

There are other studies that have used collagen and/or gelatin supplements and have found that this leads to a decrease in osteoarthritis, joint mechanics, and joint pain.17,18 Although the type of collagen fibers in the supplements wasn’t specified since most supplements contain type I and type III fibers, it’s likely that these supplements contained fiber types I and III suggesting that types may also help with joint health.

The results of the studies show statistical evidence of collagen protein to be a successful form of treatment from severe joint pain.

  • Better Skin

Perhaps one of the most notable benefits of collagen is its ability to promote better skin health. If collagen levels are maintained to adequate standards, you may expect glowing, youthful appearing skin as a byproduct.

Since collagen is closely related to skin elasticity, it can help skin appear to look more youthful and vibrant.

As we age, our skin can lose elasticity—this is what causes wrinkles. That’s why it’s important to up your collagen intake with collagen supplements.

A double-blind study was conducted on 69 women between the ages of 35 – 55 years of age. The study aimed to discover if a collagen hydrolysate, made of collagen peptides, could help decrease aging. Participants received either 2.5g or 5.0g of collagen hydrolysate or a placebo over the course of eight weeks. Skin elasticity, skin moisture, trans-epidermal water loss, and skin roughness were all objectively measured prior to beginning the study, after four weeks, and after eight weeks. The results of the study showed skin elasticity in the collagen groups were statistically improved compared to the placebo group.

A secondary study looked at 114 women between the ages of 45 – 65 years old who received a bio-active collagen peptide or placebo for eight weeks.19 There was a statistically significant reduction of eye wrinkle volume in the collagen group.

We can conclude from both studies that taking collagen can be an effective form of skincare, helping skin look youthful and wrinkle-free.

  • Helps Build Muscle

Many people are aware of the skin benefits associated with collagen powder, but few are aware that collagen is a major component of muscle tissue.

Collagen contains an amino acid known as glycine, which is involved in the production of creatine. Creatine can help power you through workouts and aid in muscle recovery and strength building.

Collagen protein powder has been increasingly found on store shelves for good reason.

A 2015 study looked at 53 male subjects who completed a double-blind placebo-controlled study.20 They each underwent a 12-week resistance training program and either supplemented with collagen peptides or were given a placebo.

Following the training program, participants who were given the collagen increased fat-free mass and bone mass while simultaneously decreasing fat mass more than the placebo group. The scientists also reported no significant difference in protein intake between groups, suggesting that a difference in dietary consumption wasn’t the cause of the difference in body composition between groups.

The data demonstrates that collagen supplementation when implemented with a well-structured workout program, can result in improved overall body composition.20 It also suggests that collagen supplementation alone may aid in weight loss but future studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

  • Better Digestive Health

Another function of collagen you may be unaware of—its role in digestive health.

Collagen can be found in the gut’s connective tissue and can strengthen your digestive tract. If the digestive tract becomes weakened, leaky gut syndrome can occur causing particles such as food particles, bacteria, and toxins to leak into the bloodstream, leading to gut irritation, discomfort, and inflammation.21

In a study performed on 170 patients dealing with inflammatory bowel disease, researchers found that these individuals had lower levels of serum collagen.22 In other words, those with lower levels of collagen were more likely to experience inflammatory bowel disease and inflammation. Increasing collagen intake may help strengthen the gastrointestinal tract as a byproduct and prevent inflammation from occurring, however, future studies are needed to confirm this premise.

  • Reduction of Cellulite

Cellulite is fat located under the skin that pushes against it, forming a lumpy appearance—this is another problem we face with age.

Approximately 80% -90% of women suffer from cellulite due to aging.23 It can cause people to become self-conscious and uncomfortable about their appearance. The good news is, collagen appears to be a viable and relatively cheaper (when compared to surgical options) treatment option.

A study was conducted on 105 normal weight and overweight women aged 24 – 50 who underwent a collagen regimen for six months.24 They consumed 2.5g of collagen peptides or a placebo over the course of the study. Cellulite was measured prior to beginning treatment, after three months, and after six months. Other measurements such as skin waviness, dermal density, and subcutaneous fat were taken.

The results of the study showed a clear improvement in skin appearance in women suffering from moderate cellulite.24 Interestingly, there was a greater improvement in the normal-weight women compared to the overweight women. The data suggest collagen can be an appropriate form of long-term therapy leading to an improvement of cellulite and better overall skin health.

As you can see there are a number of benefits that can be experienced with regular collagen supplementation. The key is just making it a regular part of your diet.


Other Uses of Collagen

Most people are familiar with collagen for its cosmetic capabilities, but collagen can also be used in a number of other ways as well. In a limited number of situations, collagen has also been used for the following:

  • Skin fillers: Collagen can be used to help improve the contours of the skin in the form of fillers. Fillers containing collagen are cosmetically used to remove lines and wrinkles from the face.25
  • Wound dressing: People can use collagen to heal wounds by attracting new skin cells. It can help grow new tissue by healing chronic wounds that do not respond to alternative treatments, rotting wounds, second-degree burns, and even used for skin grafting.26
  • Periodontics: In one study investigating oral surgery, collagen can help tooth cells regenerate by preventing damaged cells from migrating to wounds.27
    However, this study was done in dogs and needs to also be done in humans to make more definitive conclusions, but it does show promise.
  • Arterial reconstruction: In some instances, collagen tissue has been used by donors in peripheral nerve regeneration and arterial reconstruction. The research is limited on this form of collagen use but does show promise.28

As you can see, collagen can be used in a number of different ways outside of just cosmetic skincare. With its ability to repair bodily tissues, we are only scratching the surface of the potential capabilities of this remarkable substance.

How to Add Collagen to Your Diet

Collagen can be incorporated into your life in a number of different ways. Here’s a few ways you can increase your collagen intake:

  • Eat Foods Containing Collagen

Collagen is found within the connective tissue of animals. Therefore, virtually all protein-rich meat sources contain viable levels of collagen, including beef, fish, pork, and poultry.

Collagen production also requires vitamin C, zinc, and copper so you can get these other valuable nutrients by consuming various fruits and vegetables (more on this later).

  • Bone Broth

Bone broth can be a mystery to those unfamiliar with it. As you might imagine, bone broth is created through an extraction process which absorbs vital nutrients from bones. It also happens to be one of the best sources of collagen.

Whether you choose to make it yourself or purchase it from the store, bone broth can be used in numerous recipes; for example, you can use it as a cooking base in a number of different foods including: soups, stews, and whole grains such as rice and quinoa.

The beauty of bone broth is you can get creative with how you choose to include it in your diet. You can even enjoy a cup of broth on a cold night.

  • Collagen Supplements

If you struggle to get enough collagen through other dietary measures, consider a supplement like H.V.M.N. Keto Collagen+

This supplement is made with grass-fed bovine collagen protein along with those three all-important co-factors to support natural collagen production (vitamin C, copper, and zinc). It is made with pure C8 MCT Oil Powder and prebiotic acacia fiber—it’s also keto-friendly, with zero net-carbs.

The best part is, you can add a scoop to just about anything to get a boost of essential protein, healthy fats, and more. MCT oil powder is available in a variety of flavors including chocolate, vanilla, and unflavored if you prefer. Plus, they mix extremely easily; no clumps of powder floating on the surface.

Help your body build healthy hair, skin, joints, and nails with all the essential amino acids required to build collagen.Be sure to protect your body’s natural collagen levels that deplete with age and try adding Keto Collagen+ into your daily nutrition routine.

  • Powdered Gelatin

If you aren’t familiar with it, gelatin is the cooked form of collagen.

Powdered gelatin can easily be added to recipes such as soups, broths, and stews as a way of quickly increasing collagen consumption (or as a thickening agent). You can even put it in your morning coffee or make homemade gelatin with it.


What to Look for in Collagen Supplements

The collagen market has become saturated with an abundance of new products. When this happens, it’s important to choose products from reputable manufacturers.

Pick a brand you trust and look for supplements containing hydrolyzed collagen with low molecular size, such as 10-15g of collagen per serving (considered the optimal daily serving size according to studies).29,18

This will allow you to experience benefits without overwhelming absorption capacities or unnecessarily increasing overall protein intake. Try to shop from companies that use bone and tissues from cage-free and antibiotic-free sources.

Choose high quality products that have been tested and purified, such as H.V.M.N. Keto Collagen+. With 10g of grass-fed collagen peptides, 5g of C8 MCT Oil Powder, and only 80 calories per serving, it’s the perfect addition to any drink.

How Much Collagen Should You Take Daily?

Clinical studies have suggested 10-15g of hydrolysate collagen should be taken each time you supplement with collagen. This serving size is sufficient to reduce pain in patients suffering from osteoarthritis, improve your overall complexion, strengthen your joints and bones, and reduce cellulite.30

Are You Ready To Try Collagen Powder?

Although collagen is naturally produced by the body, levels inevitably will decrease as we age. Research has shown that maintaining adequate collagen levels is vital for people suffering from skin issues, arthritis, and cellulite.

Collagen can be consumed through dietary means in animal products such as beef, chicken, fish, and eggs. The bad news is, simple diet might not be enough. That’s where collagen supplements come in handy.

Collagen has been clinically proven to provide a number of health benefits with no known side effects. Reduction of wrinkles, increased skin moisturization, and relief from joint pain are just a few of the benefits you may experience. If you want to look and feel younger, add collagen supplementation to your arsenal in the war against aging.



Scientific Citations

1. Nutrition Business Journal (2018). Retrieved from https://www.marketresearch.com/Nutrition-Business-Journal-v2520/Supplement-Business-11762976/
2. Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL, et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edition. New York: W. H. Freeman; 2000. Section 22.3, Collagen: The Fibrous Proteins of the Matrix. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21582/
3. Ricard-blum S. The collagen family. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2011;3(1):a004978.
4. Henriksen K, Karsdal M. Principles of Regenerative Medicine. 2016.
5. Bakilan F, Armagan O, Ozgen M, Tascioglu F, Bolluk O, Alatas O. Effects of Native Type II Collagen Treatment on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Eurasian J Med. 2016;48(2):95-101.
6. Karsdal M. Biochemistry of Collagens, Laminins and Elastin, Structure, Function and Biomarkers. Academic Press; 2016.
7. Abreu-velez AM, Howard MS. Collagen IV in Normal Skin and in Pathological Processes. N Am J Med Sci. 2012;4(1):1-8.
8. Varani J, Dame MK, Rittie L, et al. Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. Am J Pathol. 2006;168(6):1861-8.
9. Marcos-garcés V, Molina aguilar P, Bea serrano C, et al. Age-related dermal collagen changes during development, maturation and ageing – a morphometric and comparative study. J Anat. 2014;225(1):98-108.
10. Garnero P. Biochemical Markers of Osteoarthritis. 2007.
11. Kalaria RN, Pax AB. Increased collagen content of cerebral microvessels in Alzheimer’s disease. Brain Res. 1995;705(1-2):349-52.
12. Danby FW. Nutrition and aging skin: sugar and glycation. Clin Dermatol. 2010;28(4):409-11.
13. Bosch R, Philips N, Suárez-pérez JA, et al. Mechanisms of Photoaging and Cutaneous Photocarcinogenesis, and Photoprotective Strategies with Phytochemicals. Antioxidants (Basel). 2015;4(2):248-68.
14. Knuutinen A, Kokkonen N, Risteli J, et al. Smoking affects collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix turnover in human skin. Br J Dermatol. 2002;146(4):588-94.
15. Crowley DC, Lau FC, Sharma P, et al. Safety and efficacy of undenatured type II collagen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a clinical trial. Int J Med Sci. 2009;6(6):312-21.
16. Trentham DE, Dynesius-trentham RA, Orav EJ, et al. Effects of oral administration of type II collagen on rheumatoid arthritis. Science. 1993;261(5129):1727-30.
17. Bello AE, Oesser S. Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: a review of the literature. Curr Med Res Opin. 2006;22(11):2221-32.
18. Shaw G, Lee-barthel A, Ross ML, Wang B, Baar K. Vitamin C-enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105(1):136-143.
19. Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S. Oral intake of specific bio-active collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):113-9.
20. Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, Baumstark MW, Gollhofer A, König D. Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly sarcopenic men: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Nutr. 2015;114(8):1237-45.
21. Arrieta MC, Bistritz L, Meddings JB. Alterations in intestinal permeability. Gut. 2006;55(10):1512-20.
22. Koutroubakis IE, Petinaki E, Dimoulios P, et al. Serum laminin and collagen IV in inflammatory bowel disease. J Clin Pathol. 2003;56(11):817-20.
23. Friedmann DP, Vick GL, Mishra V. Cellulite: a review with a focus on subcision. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:17-23.
24. Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S, Proksch E. Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology. J Med Food. 2015;18(12):1340-8.
25. Shumaker PR, England LJ, Dover JS, et al. Effect of monopolar radiofrequency treatment over soft-tissue fillers in an animal model: part 2. Lasers Surg Med. 2006;38(3):211-7.
26. Holmes C, Wrobel JS, Maceachern MP, Boles BR. Collagen-based wound dressings for the treatment of diabetes-related foot ulcers: a systematic review. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2013;6:17-29.
27. Selvig KA, Bogle G, Claffey NM. Collagen linkage in periodontal connective tissue reattachment. An ultrastructural study in beagle dogs. J Periodontol. 1988;59(11):758-68.
28. Torikai K, Ichikawa H, Hirakawa K, et al. A self-renewing, tissue-engineered vascular graft for arterial reconstruction. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2008;136(1):37-45, 45.e1.
29. Borumand M. Sibilla S. Effects of a nutritional supplement containing collagen peptides on skin elasticity, hydration and wrinkles. Journal of Medical Nutrition and Nutritionals. 2015;4(1):47-53.
30. Moskowitz RW. Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2000;30(2):87-99.

9 thoughts on “Benefits of Collagen Powder”

  • Oh this is wonderful, i didn’t know about collagen before and its importance to my system. I do have some very good diets like the ones you have listed here that collagen is contained but i think it will be really good if i can get a supplement as well because as you have said here, this foods might not be enough. Thank you for this.

    • You’re welcome John. It’s always good to be up on all the supplements that can help enhance our health.

      Cheers,

      Dawn

  • Thanks you for this discussion about collagen. I used to get collagen treatments when I go for my cosmetic facials, but recently I have started to use collagen powder to do some of the internal work of supplementation. It seems to be so essential to everyone especially myself at 66. I am glad to know the benefits on joints and help with workouts. I need now to be consistent with taking this product (along with vitamin C). Thanks for the suggested quantities.

  • I have been reading and have used collagen. You provide an excellent description of collagen, what it is, what are the benefits and how is is used commercially. As with most nutritional products, one of the key criteria is efficacy. I have most problems with this because it is very difficult to tell how effective each product can deliver the benefits to me. The other challenge is also the amount and/or time you need to take before seeing results. All of use respond differently to nutritional products and collagen is no different. It would be good to know the efficacy as it helps remove doubts of the product working.

    • Hi Stanley,

      I hear you! As with all supplements, do your due diligence about the source before trying any. Personally speaking, I have been using collagen powder in my cooking and I have found that after weeks of use, my knee pain has gone away. That is proof enough for me!

      Cheers,

      Dawn

  • This really good to see here and I must say that you have really provided a detailed information on collagen and the use of collagen powder. How unimaginable is the effect of the collagen powder and I can only say that I have found this very enlightening. I feel that buying supplements that supplies collagens would  be very good and would also aid its supplies into ourr body. Thanks for this post.

    • Hey Rodarrick,

      It’s definitely a good supplement to add to your arsenal if needed. You can get more than enough by eating foods rich in collagen.

      Cheers,

      Dawn

  • Collagen was somewhat of a mystery to me before reading this article.  I thought it was just something only doctors had access too.  To learn it is a type of protein that is easily available in some food sources, supplements and powder has made me realize how accessible it actually is.  I thought it was just used for vanity purposes such as making lips appear bigger and helping get rid of wrinkles.  Now I know it is used for more serious conditions involving muscles and arthritis  Having Collagen on.hand in powder form makes it easy to use as it can be used as an ingredient in most recipes.  It can also be used to make ointments.

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