What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the single most abundant protein produced by the human body. It’s the main structural protein that forms the connective tissue throughout the body, from skin to bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
It has a wide range of applications, thanks to its neutral odor, colorlessness, solubility, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. It mixes well in smoothies, coffees, and baked goods. Collagen is easily absorbed into our bloodstream, making it highly digestible.
Why Women Need Collagen Supplements
Collagen makes up 80% of our skin, but as we age, our bodies produce less collagen. The collagen you had is being degraded and not replaced/repaired in the same way. Collagen levels begin to decline between ages 18-29. But after age 40 collagen production declines 1% each year. By age 80, collagen production drops to 25% of the collagen we used to produce when we were younger. (National Institutes of Health)
As a result, our skin can become dull, dry, and wrinkled. Our nails and hair can become brittle with slowed growth. Our bodies face joint pain and stiffness. And over time we can face unwanted weight gain.
As we age and produce less (and lower quality) collagen, we notice additional unpleasant changes like leaky gut, inflammation, poor sleep quality, muscle loss, and irritability that we can combat with collagen supplementation.
What Research Shows About Effectiveness of Collagen Supplements
Clinical studies show that collagen supplementation provides significant health benefits. Here are a few of the ways that collagen supplementation can help you.
COSMETIC BENEFITS
Collagen is a natural form of body care that improves the health of hair, nails, and skin. It stimulates the dermal cellular metabolism, restoring the dermal structure, while also stimulating production of hyaluronic acid.
Experts in hair growth and replenishment, like Dr. Julie Russak - Dermatologist and founder of Russak Dermatology Clinic and Russak+ Aesthetic Center in NYC and Dr. Melissa Anzelone - Director of Clinical Education & Corporate Wellness · NUTRAFOL, agree that collagen significantly helps hair thickness and follicle cell proliferation, resulting in hair growth and strength.
Supplementing with collagen improves the rate of nail growth and alleviates symptoms of brittle nails. (Brazilian Center for Studies in Dermatology)
Collagen has an anti-aging effect on skin, improving skin firmness, skin elasticity, and skin texture (including cellulite appearance). Since it has hydrating properties, side effects include a decrease in wrinkles and fine lines, and a reduction in the formation of wrinkles.
Topical collagen has been shown to slow down the effects of aging on our skin, but it only reaches the upper layers of the skin. Whereas oral collagen supplementation (ie: drinking bone broth or a collagen peptide drink) reaches the deeper layers of the skin, improving skin physiology and appearance by increasing hydration, elasticity, firmness, wrinkle reduction, and skin rejuvenation. (National Institutes of Health)
JOINT AND BONE RENEWAL
Collagen repairs the body. It has a beneficial effect on joints: less joint pain, improved joint mobility, and reduced risk of joint deterioration. (National Library of Medicine) Studies also reveal a decrease in osteoarthritis stiffness. Bones are 90% collagen, so supplementing with collagen helps fight bone loss and osteoporosis. It lessens inflammation and results in less body pain. Being able to enjoy an active lifestyle with improved athletic performance (and less post-workout soreness) lends itself to a youthful body.
GUT HEALTH
Collagen seals and heals the biggest immune system organ: the gut. Leaky gut (or intestinal permeability) occurs when we ingest foods, bacteria, and toxins that leak through our intestinal wall and create an autoimmune reaction. Collagen re-lines the gut to provide relief to digestive discomforts (bloat, gas, cramps, etc), leading to an effortless detox.
METABOLISM BOOST
Collagen boosts metabolism and builds lean muscle because it supplies much-needed protein to the body. This results in a strong, lean physique with abundant energy.
It is also an effective appetite suppressant that promotes satiety (feeling satisfied or full) and can help with weight loss. The body stays fuller longer when using collagen protein because it:
- Suppresses the hunger protein ghrelin
- Increases satiety hormones like peptide-1 and cholecystokinin
- Converts stored fat to energy through a process known as thermogenesis
- Takes more time to digest than carbohydrates or sugars
In these ways, collagen naturally reduces food cravings.
Collagen also reduces menopause-induced obesity which results from estrogen deficiency. Menopause dramatically affects women’s physiology and contributes to a variety of medical conditions, including obesity.
Obesity increases our risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and breast cancer.
Increasing collagen intake improves satiety, increases energy, and reduces weight gain and growth of fat tissues associated with menopause-induced estrogen deficiency. (International Journal of Medical Sciences)
HORMONE BALANCE
Collagen can bring relaxation and a sense of general wellbeing. Stress and anxiety cause our bodies to release adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, which triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response… air passages dilate to provide our muscles with more oxygen, blood vessels contract to redirect blood to our muscles, heart, and lungs. In a rush, your mind and body are prepared to protect itself against a perceived threat.
Collagen contains the long-chain amino acid, glycine, which has a calming effect on the brain and may help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep throughout the night, and have better quality sleep. When the body and brain are naturally relaxed, sleep quality improves, helping you feel more awake, alert, and effective throughout the day.
When choosing a collagen supplement, it is important to select a high-quality, bio-available, filler-free product that has been tested and proven effective at replacing the collagen our body is missing.
Mom Fuel is a convenient blend of collagen and protein powders that combine type I and type III bovine collagen - the most bio-available and effective forms of collagen to meet our body’s needs. Our Type A collagen plus plant-based protein provides a complete form of protein in the most convenient way possible that’s perfect for shakes, coffees, and baking.
Mom Fuel collagen protein powder contains no dairy, soy, gluten, GMOs, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners. Each scoop contains 15 grams of plant-based protein and 5 grams of collagen. Our natural protein powder is low carb and low fat, yet loaded with antioxidants and comes in two delicious flavors: Natural Vanilla or Dutch Chocolate.
How Long Do Collagen Drinks Take to Work?
Supplementing with collagen becomes a way of life forever as we need the continued benefits. While collagen is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, it can take weeks to months to notice changes. Be sure to supplement daily for the best results.
Learn More About Collagen and Mom Fuel
Cellulite & Saggy Skin - - Is There A Fix?
Mexican Chocolate Smoothie Recipe (A delicious, decadent, guilt-free way to enjoy collagen)