There is an increase in the trend of supplements in the market nowadays. First, it was the protein powder that made the buzz, promising increase in muscle mass and weight loss through the absorption of amino acids. Recently, there is a new trend that follows the footsteps of the protein powder: the collagen peptides powder. Collagen is a type of protein and the major component of connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, and skin.
How Does Collagen Function?
The main function of collagen is to provide the skin with structure, keep moisture intact, and strengthen the bones. As a person grows older, the amount of collagen that the body can produce decreases. Hence, companies who produce supplements develop the collagen peptide powder to replenish old collagen and replace it with healthier ones.
Since collagen is a naturally-occurring type of protein, eating foods such as pork skin and bone broth can increase the number of collagen in the body. Although there is a lack of certification from the FDA, studies show that a daily intake of collagen peptides powder has a variety of benefits.
What Are The Benefits Of Collagen Intake?
First, drinking collagen peptides powder can help slow skin aging by reducing wrinkles and dryness. Collagen keeps the skin moist, and the intake of collagen supplements can produce more moisture for the skin.
Second, drinking collagen peptides powder can decrease the risk of degenerative joint disorders and osteoporosis. Collagen can help in strengthening the bones and the muscle connected to it to avoid these disorders.
Some studies also declare that taking collagen peptides supplements help with the digestion through the amino acid called glycine. Glycine helps reduce gastrointestinal inflammation.
Taking collagen peptide supplements can increase the strength of the hair and nails as well as trigger its growth. Another advantage of taking collagen peptide powder is it can help treat the leaky gut syndrome.
Be Wary Of Choosing A Brand
Scientists study the effects of the collagen peptide powder, but the results often vary. Nevertheless, there is nothing wrong with taking these supplements with the aid of a healthy diet and proper exercise.
A word of caution from doctors: be mindful of the collagen peptide powders available in the market. Doctors would advise that in choosing which brand to consume, people should choose the ones with few simple sugars and, as much as possible, do not buy the flavoured ones.
Flavoured collagen peptide powder contains sugars that can upset the gastrointestinal tract and can contribute to an increase in calorie count.
Check For Certifications
Doctors would also advise checking for certifications. Although FDA regulations are scarce with the collagen peptide powders, there are still third-party certifications awarded to trusted brands.
Of course, the collagen peptide powder will not be effective if a person is not consuming healthy foods that are rich in protein. As previously mentioned, the number of collagen in the body can increase by eating pork skin and bone broth. But eating lots of vegetables and seafood can also help.
In the end, doctors are still not 100% sure if these collagen peptides powders can help increase the number of collagen in the body because results often vary. However, those results are not disheartening. As long as it can cause more benefits than harm, then taking collagen peptide supplements is okay. It can probably help the body in its little way and assist in the natural process of proteins.