Does Drinking Collagen Work? Expert Answers

“Preliminary results are promising for the short and long-term use of oral collagen supplements for wound healing and skin aging. Oral collagen supplements also increase skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density.”

Dr. Franchesca D. Choi, Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications

So, does drinking collagen work? We’re going to take a look at all things collagen! We’ll cover what collagen is, the benefits of drinking collagen, how it can help your body, and more!

What exactly is collagen?

Collagen is a protein that’s found throughout the body. It’s responsible for providing structure and support to our skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are 28 different types of collagen, but 80-90% of it is type I, II, and III collagen:

• Type I collagen is the most abundant type of collagen in the body. It’s found in our skin, tendons, organs, and bones.
• Type II collagen is found in our cartilage and is what helps to keep our joints healthy.
• Type III collagen is found in our skin, muscles, and blood vessels.

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen. This can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain.

So how does taking a collagen supplement help?

When you take a collagen supplement, the collagen peptides are absorbed into your bloodstream. From there, they travel to different parts of the body and begin to repair and rebuild the collagen in your skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and more! 

Collagen supplements have a wide range of potential benefits, including:

• Improving the appearance of your skin
• Reducing wrinkles and fine lines
• Strengthening your hair and nails
• Improving joint health
• Aiding with digestion

You can take collagen in a few different forms, including:

• Powders: You can mix collagen powder into smoothies, coffee, or water.
• Capsules: Collagen capsules are a convenient way to take collagen on the go.
• Gummies: If you don’t like the taste of collagen powder, you can try taking collagen gummies instead.
• Collagen drinks: You can find collagen drinks at many health food stores or online.

What are collagen drinks? 

Collagen drinks are a convenient way to get your collagen fix and are easily accessible. You can find them online, in health food stores, and in many pharmacies. They often come in powder form, which you can mix into water or juice.

Some collagen drinks also contain other ingredients like vitamin C, which can help your body absorb the collagen better.

Does drinking collagen work?

Yes, drinking collagen does work! Collagen supplements can help to improve the appearance of your skin, hair, nails, and joints. They can also aid in digestion and help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. 

Collagen drinks are an incredibly popular choice for upping your collagen intake. They’re easy to make and can be taken on the go. If you’re looking for a convenient way to get your collagen fix, collagen drinks are a great option!

Is there clinical research?

A lot of the research on collagen has been done in vitro (in test tubes or petri dishes) or in animals, so there’s not a lot of evidence to support its use in humans.

However, there is promising research that highly suggests that collagen supplements can have benefits for human health. 

One study found that taking a collagen supplement for eight weeks can improve skin elasticity and help to reduce wrinkles.

Another study showed that taking a collagen supplement for 12 weeks can increase skin moisture and reduce the depth of wrinkles. There is also some evidence to suggest that collagen supplements can improve joint health.

One study found that taking a collagen supplement for six months can decrease joint pain and improve joint function.

Another study showed that taking a collagen supplement can help to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Are all collagen drinks the same?

No, all collagen drinks are not the same. Some collagen drinks contain only collagen powder, while others also contain other ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and probiotics.

Be sure to read the label carefully to see what’s in each drink before you buy it. 

Are there any real benefits of collagen drinks?

Yes, there are real benefits of collagen drinks! Collagen supplements can improve the appearance of your skin, hair, nails, and joints. They can also aid in digestion and help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. 

Of course, everyone reacts differently to medications and supplements, so you may not experience the same benefits as others. It’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement, just to be on the safe side.

When should I start taking collagen drinks?

The best time to start taking collagen drinks is when you first begin to notice the signs of aging, such as wrinkles or fine lines. However, you can start taking collagen at any age if you want to improve your overall health. 

It typically takes between four to eight weeks for collagen supplements to start working, so be patient and give them time to work their magic. 

Are collagen drinks suitable for everyone?

No, collagen drinks are not suitable for everyone. If you’re allergic to fish or shellfish or follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, you should avoid collagen supplements as they are usually made from fish or shellfish. 

If you have any other allergies, be sure to check the label of the collagen drink before you buy it to make sure it doesn’t contain any ingredients that you’re allergic to. 

Isn’t collagen too large to be absorbed into the bloodstream?

The collagen that’s found in many supplement drinks is hydrolyzed collagen, which means that it’s been broken down into smaller peptides. These smaller peptides are more easily absorbed into the bloodstream, so they can be used by the body more effectively. 

If you’re concerned about the absorption of collagen, you can always speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian to get their professional opinion. 

How else can you boost your collagen levels?

In addition to collagen supplements, there are other ways that you can boost your collagen levels.

Eating a diet rich in collagen-boosting foods, such as bone broth, can help to improve your body’s collagen production. Getting enough sleep and managing stress levels can also help to improve collagen production. 

Exercise is another great way to promote collagen production. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals that help to stimulate collagen production. 

Here are a few other ways you can boost your collagen levels: 

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an essential summertime accessory when it comes to protecting your skin. Not only does sunscreen protect you from harmful UV rays, but wearing sunscreen can help to protect your skin from damage and actually prevent collagen breakdown. 

Look for a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 and be sure to reapply it every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. 

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are important for protecting your body against free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA. They’re also a major contributing factor to the aging process. Antioxidants can help to protect your collagen from damage and help to improve collagen production.

Some of the best foods for preventing free radical damage are fruits and vegetables, such as berries, leafy greens, and tomatoes. You can also take antioxidant supplements to help protect your body against free radical damage. 

Retinoids

Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that can be found in both topical and oral form. Retinoids have been shown to improve collagen production and help to prevent collagen breakdown. 

If you’re going to use a retinoid cream, be sure to apply it at night since sunlight can deactivate the ingredient. You should also start with a lower concentration and work your way up to a higher concentration as your skin becomes more tolerant. 

Lifestyle Habits

In addition to taking collagen supplements and following a healthy diet, there are other lifestyle habits that can help to improve collagen production and prevent collagen breakdown. 

Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, but it’s also essential for maintaining healthy skin. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol can break down collagen and lead to wrinkles. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. 

Managing stress levels is also important for maintaining healthy skin. When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol. As we already discussed, cortisol can break down collagen and lead to wrinkles. Try to find ways to manage stress through exercise, yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. 

The Bottom Line 

Collagen is an important protein that’s found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues. It plays a role in maintaining healthy skin and preventing wrinkles. 

You can boost your collagen levels by taking supplements, eating a diet rich in collagen-boosting foods, or using topical products with retinoids. You can also help to improve collagen production by getting enough sleep and managing stress levels. 

Now that you’re a little more informed about drinking collagen and the effects it may have on your body, you can decide if these supplements are the right choice for you!

The bottom line is, if you’re interested in improving your natural collagen production, boosting the look and feel of your skin and joints, and preventing wrinkles, drinking collagen is a great place to start! 

If you’re looking for more health tips and other organic supplements, browse through ample organic products today and find something that will best suit your body! 

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