What are Hydrolyzed Collagen and its top 5 benefits?
Collagen, the most common protein in the human body, provides structure and support to tissues like skin, bones, and joints. Collagen that has undergone a process called hydrolysis, also known as collagen peptides, in which the protein is broken down into smaller peptides that are simpler for the body to absorb and use, is known as hydrolyzed collagen.
Hydrolyzed collagen is available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and liquids, and has become increasingly popular as a dietary supplement due to its numerous health benefits. We'll go over what hydrolyzed collagen is, how it varies from other kinds of collagen, and its top five advantages in this post.
What is Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Hydrolyzed collagen is derived from various animal sources, including bovine (cattle), porcine (pigs), and marine (fish) collagen. The collagen is extracted from the connective tissue of these animals and then subjected to a hydrolysis process, which uses enzymes or heat to break down the protein into smaller peptides. These peptides can offer a variety of health advantages and are more readily absorbed by the body.
Increases in skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness have been linked to improved skin health when using hydrolyzed collagen. Our bodies create less collagen as we get older, which can cause wrinkles, sagging, and dryness. Using hydrolyzed collagen supplements can assist to restore collagen levels and enhance the skin's general health and look.
How is Hydrolyzed Collagen Different from Other Types of Collagen?
Hydrolyzed collagen differs from other types of collagen in its molecular weight and size. Collagen is hydrolyzed to produce smaller peptides that are easier for the body to absorb and utilize. This makes hydrolyzed collagen more bioavailable than other types of collagen.
Additionally, hydrolyzed collagen is often derived from different sources than other types of collagen. For example, marine collagen is derived from fish, while bovine and porcine collagen is derived from cattle and pigs, respectively.
Top Five Benefits of Hydrolyzed Collagen
1. Promotes Skin Health
Increases in skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness have been linked to improved skin health when using hydrolyzed collagen. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to dryness, sagging, and wrinkles. Using hydrolyzed collagen supplements can assist to restore collagen levels and enhance the skin's general health and look.
A 12-week study found that elderly men who consumed 15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen daily had significantly more muscle mass and strength than those who took a placebo. According to a different study, women who consumed 2.5 grams of hydrolyzed collagen every day for eight weeks had significantly fewer wrinkles around their eyes than those in the control group.
2. Supports Joint Health
Hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to support joint health by reducing joint pain and stiffness and improving mobility. Joint cartilage, which helps to cushion and preserve the joints, is largely made up of collagen. Supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen can help to rebuild and repair joint cartilage, reducing pain and improving mobility.
In a 24-week study, athletes who took 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen daily experienced a significant reduction in joint pain compared to a placebo group. Another study found that adults with osteoarthritis who took 2 grams of hydrolyzed collagen daily for 70 days had a significant reduction in joint pain and stiffness compared to a control group.
3. Strengthens Hair and Nails
Hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to strengthen hair and nails by providing the necessary building blocks for healthy growth. As a vital component of hair and nails, collagen can assist to strengthen and toughen them up when taken as a supplement.
A 12-week study found that elderly men who consumed 15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen daily had significantly more muscle mass and strength than those who took a placebo. Another study found that women who took 2.5-5 grams of hydrolyzed collagen daily for 24 weeks had a significant improvement in hair thickness and growth compared to a placebo group.
4. Promotes Muscle Mass and Recovery
Hydrolyzed collagen can also help to promote muscle mass and aid in muscle recovery. Collagen is a key component of muscle tissue, and supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen can help to provide the necessary building blocks for muscle growth and repair.
In a 12-week study, elderly men who took 15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen daily experienced a significant increase in muscle mass and strength compared to a placebo group. Another study found that young men who took 15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen daily for 12 weeks had a significant improvement in muscle strength and recovery compared to a placebo group.
5. Supports Gut Health
Hydrolyzed collagen can also support gut health by improving the integrity of the gut lining and reducing inflammation. The gut lining contains a significant amount of collagen, which can be supplemented with hydrolyzed collagen to help maintain its integrity and lower the risk of the leaky gut syndrome.
In a 12-week study, patients with inflammatory bowel disease who took 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen daily experienced a significant reduction in gut inflammation compared to a placebo group. Another study found that patients with the leaky gut syndrome who took 5 grams of hydrolyzed collagen daily for 30 days had a significant improvement in gut permeability compared to a control group.
Dosage Recommendations
The dosage of hydrolyzed collagen that is advised varies according to the person and their particular health objectives. However, most studies have used doses ranging from 2.5-15 grams per day, with higher doses generally used for athletes or those looking to improve muscle mass and recovery.
It is important to note that hydrolyzed collagen is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. But like with any dietary supplement, it's crucial to speak with a doctor before starting, especially if you have any underlying medical issues or are taking any drugs.
Conclusion
Collagen that has been hydrolyzed has been reduced to tiny peptides, making it simpler for the body to absorb and use. Due to its many health advantages, hydrolyzed collagen is offered in a variety of forms and has grown in popularity as a dietary supplement.
The top five benefits of hydrolyzed collagen include promoting skin health, supporting joint health, strengthening hair and nails, promoting muscle mass and recovery, and supporting gut health. If you're thinking about using hydrolyzed collagen supplements, go to a doctor first to figure out the right dosage for your unique requirements and objectives.
FAQs
Q. What are the benefits of using hydrolyzed collagen?
Ans. Hydrolyzed collagen is helpful in reducing aging signs like fine lines, and wrinkles, and by building natural collagen it makes the skin look youthful.
Q. How long to take hydrolyzed collagen?
Ans. It is suggested to take hydrolyzed collagen for at least 8 to 9 weeks in order to notice the remarkable changes.
Q. Which food items are rich in collagen?
Ans. There are few food items that are rich in collagen and this includes beef bone broth, orange meats, broccoli, berries, sardines and many more.