Considering collagen is just a regular protein shouldnt it be digested into amino acids before being absorbed and have no medical/cosmetic effect beyond being a source of protein just like eating a steak or an egg?
In: Biology
Collagen supports healthy joints, it makes up a significant portion of our cartilage and without it ligaments tendons and muscles can weaken. It also comprises 70-80% of your skin tissue, and is what give your skin elasticity and structural integrity, and we age and collagen production declines, our skin becomes thinner and more like papery.
Our bodies produce collagen from protein in our diets. its made of three amino acids in a triple helix. You need protein, vitamin C, zinc, and copper to produce it in your body. But as we age collagen production declines. Women lose up to 30% of their body’s collegen in the first five years after menopause. Doctors might recommend collagen supplements to people who dont get enough protein in their diet. Or people with joint conditions or Muscle weakness. Dermatologists might recommend collagen supplements for post menopausal women with crepey skin.
That said Collagen is not a regulated medication. Doctors do not prescribe it. It’s an over the counter dietary supplement. And consumers have no guaranty that any supplement they buy from a pharmacy is accurately labeled, or will do what it is advertised to do so you should consult with a doctor before adding any supplement to your regular routine, and you should look for supplement brands that are independently verified, if possible. ( in the US you’d want to look for brands that are NSF/ANSI certified.)
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