Collagen Benefits -Sorting Out the Facts

Collagen is the most abundant form of protein in the body. Its fibre-like structures are used to make connective tissue. Connective tissue provides strength and structure to the body and is a significant component of bone, skin, muscles, tendons and cartilage. Collagen helps to make tissues strong, resilient and able to withstand stretching. Your body relies on the elasticity of connective tissue to support cartilage, bone, muscle mass and provides strength to the inner layer of the skin. There are 16 different types of collagen produced by your body, but 80-90% of your Collagen consists of types I, II, and III

As you age, collagen production decreases faster than your body can replenish it. Over sun exposure, smoking, and chronic stress can accelerate its decline. As Collagen decreases, wrinkles become more apparent; skin loses its elasticity and moisture. Muscles mass also begins to decline, causing muscle atrophy, and joint cartilage begins to weaken, leading to joint and mobility problems

Collagen -Sorting Out the Facts

Supplementing with collagen has a positive effect on reducing skin wrinkling, helping the skin to hold more moisture and improve its elasticity. Improving the overall look of skin

Collagen supplements may also provide therapeutic benefits for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis by supporting the integrity of your cartilage, bone mineral density and providing relief of pain. Referring back to collagen as the matrix for bone, a decrease in collagen production can also cause a deterioration of bone mass, resulting in osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Collagen supplements may help with hair growth if the cause of hair loss is caused by dry, damaged hair, dry scalp or some forms of dermatitis. Collagen will not cure hereditary baldness.

Other benefits of supplementing with collagen are heart health, strengthening and providing structure to arteries.

Collagen supplements do not produce weight loss; however, they can increase the feeling of fullness (satiety), reducing hunger and how many calories you eat. Subsequently, if you suffer from stomach disorders such as heartburn or delayed bowel emptying, proceed with caution with this supplement, so you do not aggravate symptoms.

Supplementing with collagen does not take away your body’s ability to synthesize collagen naturally. Collagen naturally declines with age.

Supplementing with collagen gives your body extra collagen to make up for its dwindling supply, but once you stop supplementing with collagen, your body’s stores will continue to decline as part of the continued ageing process. In effect, collagen supplements help slow the process down by supporting connective tissues.

How long does it take collagen to work?

Many studies have shown that it can take between 6- 12 weeks to see noticeable improvements in skin elasticity, hydration and density. If you are using collagen for hair and nail growth, it can take 2-6 months. If collagen is used to reduce muscle soreness, the benefits can be felt in a few days of use and for increased muscle strength within 12 weeks. It can take up to six months to improve joint health and up to a year of continued use to strengthen bones.

What should you look for in a collagen supplement?

Collagen supplements can provide a substantial boost for feeling and looking good, so it is no wonder it has become so popular.   The popularity of collagen has caused an onslaught of supplements to flood the market, so it is important to stick to brands that are transparent with their ingredients and manufacturing process. The form of collagen that was is most often used when studying the effects of collagen is “Hydrolyzed Collagen.” Hydrolyzed Collagen is most effective because it can be broken down into smaller molecules after consumption making it easier to absorb into your bloodstream. Hydrolyzed Collagen is flavourless, odourless, and can be added to foods, smoothies, water or juice.

Collagen supplements are either derived from bovine or marine sources, making them off-limits for vegetarians and vegans. Plant-based collagen supplements do not contain any collagen but rather help stimulate the body to produce more collagen. 

Organika Enhanced Collagen was not only one of the first Canadian companies to develop collagen supplements; their raw materials are derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised and antibiotic and hormone-free sources. Organika Enhanced Collagen Original is their most versatile collagen and supports skin rejuvenating, hydration and texture. It strengthens and promotes the growth of hair and nails, maintains healthy joints, and helps maintain muscle    Organika Enhanced Collagen can also support your weight management program by increasing satiety.

How to Use Organika Enhanced Collagen?

• Mix into your favourite hot or cold drinks
• Add to smoothies, cooking, or baking
• Completely flavourless and odourless

Mix 2 scoops (approximately 10 g) in half a cup or more of your favourite hot or cold drinks. Enhanced Collagen is virtually tasteless and can be used in desserts, baking, smoothies, and cooking. 

Supplementing with collagen has no known harmful side effects. However, some collagen supplements may have added vitamins, and herbs may pose interactions and allergies. Collagen supplements may aggravate some digestive disorders  and should be avoided if you are prone to kidney stones or have a kidney disorder.