Collagen for Women

by Vorst Canada July 15, 2022

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Have you ever thought that a protein found in bones and skin is required to be supplemented? Yes, we are talking about collagen-a substance that improves skin elasticity and bone health. Collagen supplements are widely used for increasing muscle mass, strengthening bones, and improving skin health, especially in women.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein naturally found in the body including the skin, joints, muscles, and blood vessels. It is an essential component of connective tissues which take part in building various body parts.

Collagen offers a myriad of benefits including strengthening muscles and bones and improving skin, hair, eyes, and digestive health. Research revealed that collagen supplements can make women healthier, stronger, and young looking.

Collagen is present in 28 different types, the most important of which include

Type 1: It is a widely known type of collagen present in connective tissues.
Type 11: Type 11 collagen is found abundantly in joints and intervertebral discs.
Type 111: Type 111 collagen is found in skin and blood vessels and helps in the formation of reticular fibers.
Type lV: This type of fiber is found in the inner ear, eyes, and kidneys.

Collagen is naturally found in various foods. Foods rich in gelatin, vitamin C, and connective tissues of animals may increase collagen synthesis in your body.

In recent years, collagen supplements have surged in popularity and are available in an easily absorbable form. These supplements are available in powder and capsule forms containing different types of collagen.

Collagen Benefits for Women

Boost Skin Health

Collagen is a major protein abundantly found in skin and improves elasticity and skin texture. As the person ages, collagen synthesis is reduced, making the skin dry leading to the onset of wrinkles.

Studies showed that collagen supplements nourish and hydrate the skin and slow the aging process. Collagen supplements stimulate the production of collagen and other proteins in the body that provides elasticity to the skin and improve skin texture.

There are some purported claims showing that collagen supplements may help prevent acne and other skin conditions, however, there is no scientific evidence to favor these claims.

Support Thicker Hair and Healthier Nails

Thinning of hair and hair fall are common problems most women experience in their life and condition worsen as the women age. According to a study, a group of women suffering from thinning hair experienced a significant improvement in hair quality, scalp coverage, and thickening of hair after taking collagen supplements.

In addition to improving hair, collagen supplements also help women suffering from brittle and broken nails. Research showed that collagen supplements can strengthen nails, increase nail growth and prevent brittleness.

May Strengthen Bones

Collagen is the main component present in bones which provides strength and structure to bones. Low levels of these proteins in the bone reduce bone mass, causes osteoporosis, and decrease the risk of bone breakage.

Collagen supplements when taken regularly increase bone mineral density, strengthen bones and lower the risk of bone fracture.

May Reduce Joint Pain

With age, collagen synthesis is decreased and a degenerative joint disorder called osteoarthritis may occur. Collagen provides strength to cartilage, a rubber-like tissue that provides protection to joints. Collagen supplements may prevent joint degeneration and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis-a condition in which joints are painful, stiffed, and inflamed.

For pain-relieving effects, collagen supplements are suggested to take 10 grams per day.

Improve Muscle Mass

Just like collagen increase muscle growth in men, collagen supplements also help women. Studies suggest that collagen can increase muscle mass and help people with sarcopenia. It helps increase the formation of muscle protein, creatine which increase muscle mass after exercise.

According to a study, premenopausal women undergoing resistance training took 15g of collagen daily for 12 weeks. They experience a significant improvement in body mass (fat-free mass) and increased body strength.

Support Gut Health

Collagen benefits are not limited to skin, hair, nails, and musculoskeletal health but also offer a perk of benefits to gut health. Collagen supplements provide two types of amino acids like glycine and glutamine which prevent inflammation and protect the stomach lining.

Studies showed that collagen deficiency leads to inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract like inflammatory bowel diseases. In the case of IBD, there is a disturbance in the synthesis and breakdown of collagen fibers leading to inflammation.

Collagen is the main component of connective tissues which make colon and other parts of the digestive tract. Taking collagen supplements increases the serum level of collagen and provides an environment good for healing the digestive tract.

Improve Heart Health

Collagen is a protein that makes up blood vessels and provides elasticity and flexibility. It may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition with narrowed arteries and a leading cause of heart attack. A study showed that individuals taking 16g of collagen daily, experienced a reduction in artery stiffness. In addition, a rise in HDL (good cholesterol) was reported which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and improves heart health.

Help with Menopause Symptoms

There is limited research showing the relationship between estrogen and collagen. There are some anecdotal claims showing that estrogen can increase collagen production. According to an animal study, rats with declining estrogen were given collagen supplements. Female rats showed a decrease in body weight and fat tissues which also affect blood glucose and lipid profile.

There is no scientific evidence concluding that supplementing with collagen can increase or decrease estrogen levels.

Possible Risks or Side Effects

Collagen is safe to consume and does not show any serious side effects. However, collagen supplements may cause some side effects.
Some people suffering from food allergies like shellfish, salmon, and eggs, may experience some allergic symptoms like itching and rash skin, runny nose, swelling of throat and lips, and, hives.
Collagen supplements may cause some digestive problems like nausea, abdominal bloating, fullness, and heartburn.
There is no evidence showing the safety of collagen supplements in pregnant women, to be on the safe side it is better to consult your health care professional before taking them regularly.

Bottom Line

Collagen is an abundant protein present in the body including connective tissues, skin, bones, muscles, and eyes. A lot of scientific studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of collagen on women. It helps improve skin, hair, and nail health, strengthen muscle and bones, improve heart and digestive health, and relieve joint pain.

Here you can check out Vorst’s premium supplements Salmon Collagen 200mg plus Vitamin C 90 Capsules.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542226/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507709/

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25884286/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25660807/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30681787/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28786550/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5793325/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30368550/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25368996/