So many supplements on the market today promise to help with aging skin and joints. Hydrolyzed collagen is one that has gained a great deal of attention lately.
Because of the hype, you may question whether this type of collagen can do it all claims. To answer this, you will need a better understanding of hydrolyzed collagen and how it works.
What Is Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Simply put collagen is a protein and all animals have collagen in their bodies. It is what makes up our connective tissues.
- Bones
- Skin
- Cartilage
- Organs
- Bones
Hydrolyzed collagen differs in that it is broken down into smaller particles, making it easier for the body to process. These particles are put into supplements for everything from skin to joints.
Can It Help Joint Pain?
Studies show that hydrolyzed collagen does help strengthen joints and help ease the pain associated with osteoarthritis.
This is true because cartilage needs collagen, and joint pain is often caused by a loss of collagen. Adding hydrolyzed collagen help strengthen cartilage and reduce pain.
Can It Help With Bone Loss?
Bone loss due is common in postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis is an issue that older women often face after going through the change of life.
Studies show that hydrolyzed collagen can help in the prevention and treatment of bone loss. It can help increase bone mineral density and increase bone formation to reduce degradation.
Can It Reduce Wrinkles?
Collagen protein is what makes up your skin, so hydrolyzed collagen can help restore and heal it. How effective collagen is can depend on how the body uses it.
However, research does show that taking hydrolyzed collagen supplements can help aging skin by reducing wrinkles and improving skin hydration and elasticity.
Supplements containing hydrolyzed collagen can help with joints and skin; however, it's important to thoroughly research supplements to avoid those that make false claims.
Some claims that aren't proven true include:
- Fixing digestive issue (leaky gut)
- Help with sleep issues (insomnia)
- Take years off your appearance
If a claim sounds too good to be true, consult your doctor about it. He or she can help you decide if a collagen supplement is right for you based on your individual needs.
When used as recommended and for the right purposes, hydrolyzed collagen is a safe and effective supplement. It is not a fountain of youth and it doesn't work miracles overnight, but adding it to your diet does have its benefits.