Now that collagen supplements are so fashionable, there is also a lot of information about their benefits and efficacy. You may think you're an expert, .... but are you sure you are? We propose you test what you know about collagen; are you up for it?
I DON'T HAVE TO TAKE COLLAGEN UNTIL I AM 40 YEARS OLD - FALSE
The body begins to lose 1% of collagen from the age of 25, and this loss increases as the years go by, by the age of 40, the loss of collagen is greater than 35%.
For that reason, the loss of collagen is usually evident after the age of 40, when we begin to notice less dense and hydrated skin, with less shine, thinner and more fragile hair and nails, or even joint pain.
As we age, our collagen production begins to decline rapidly, and it can start to show:
- Chronic joint pain
- Hair loss and weakness
- Weak and brittle nails
- Wrinkles and cellulite.
The possibility of taking hydrolyzed collagen helps to prevent or reduce the consequences of collagen loss in the body, as the body is no longer able to produce it naturally.
COLLAGEN IS ONLY IN THE JOINTS - FALSE
Collagen is an essential protein present in the skin, hair, joints, bones and tendons of the body.
Collagen makes up one-third of the protein found in the human body, more than any other type of protein.
COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS ARE FATTENING - FALSE
Collagen is a large protein with a low caloric value, i.e., by itself, it is not fattening. However, it is crucial to check that the collagen supplement does not contain added sugars. In this article, we expand more on whether collagen is fattening.
COLLAGEN SHOULD BE TAKEN AT NIGHT - FALSE
Although many experts recommend taking it in the evening, away from dinner, so that its absorption is the greatest possible, it is not scientifically proven that it is more efficient if taken at another time of day.
I CAN'T TAKE COLLAGEN IF I AM VEGAN - TRUE
Collagen is of animal, bovine, or marine origin, so if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet it is not an option for you.
I CANNOT TAKE COLLAGEN IF I AM ALLERGIC TO SHELLFISH OR FISH - FALSE
You cannot take marine collagen if you are allergic to fish or shellfish, but you could take collagen of bovine origin. Read well in the product which is the origin, usually, if it is of marine origin, it will be highlighted that it is from fish.
COLLAGEN IS NOT ABSORBED BY THE BODY - FALSE
Collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed by the body when they are in their natural state. Therefore, the molecules are hydrolyzed, a process that splits them into smaller chains, called "collagen peptides". These smaller peptides are absorbed much more easily by our bodies.
Therefore, it is better to take supplements with hydrolyzed collagen that are better absorbed and provide much better results and efficiency.
BIOAVAILABILITY IS IMPORTANT FOR EFFICACY - TRUE
Bioavailability means what is capable of being assimilated by the human organism. If the bioavailability is low, it will not do much good, and we would have to take very large doses of the product to achieve results. The collagen that is best assimilated is hydrolyzed marine collagen from registered brands such as Peptan®, for example, whose processes guarantee with clinical studies the bioavailability of this ingredient. These hydrolyzed marine collagens are purer and offer a bioavailability of more than 95%, so 5g daily is enough to notice the effect on the skin.
COLLAGEN REDUCES OR SLOWS DOWN THE CONSEQUENCES OF AGING IN THE SKIN - TRUE
One of the most well-known benefits of collagen is its ability to promote glowing, elastic, denser skin. This essential protein provides suppleness to the skin, giving it a younger, healthier appearance. As we get older and collagen production decreases, fine lines, sagging, and dry skin appear.
According to a study published in 2014 at the University of Kiel (Germany), 46 out of 69 women were chosen randomly, aged 35-55 years, to take a hydrolyzed collagen supplement. The rest (23 women) were given a placebo. The women who took the collagen showed a clear improvement in skin elasticity after four weeks of treatment.
NO NEED TO TAKE A BREAK FROM COLLAGEN - FALSE
Hydrolyzed collagen is not a drug, it is a protein that is generated naturally in the body but that loses its production capacity naturally over the years. As it is a food supplement, it is not necessary to rest, there is no possibility of suffering an "excess of collagen''. Moreover, it has been shown that, when you stop taking collagen, collagen levels begin to decrease again, and it is crucial to take it continuously, like a good cream.
POWDER IS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN TABLETS - FALSE
In general, the powder format is the most recommended because it allows one to take the daily dose more easily and comfortably, compared to capsules, taking 10g of collagen diluted in a little water is easier than taking at least 10 pills daily at once.
DRINKABLE IS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN POWDER - FALSE
The liquid version is the easiest to take because it comes already prepared in a single dose, ready to take. This mode of presentation usually needs to disguise the taste of the collagen, especially if it is marine, so sugars and flavorings are usually added. Collagen in liquid format loses effectiveness during the time it is packaged compared to the hydrolyzed powder format, and its taste tends to worsen. Normally, most drinkable formats are made with bovine collagen because they do not have this taste problem, but they are less bio-efficient (they are less well absorbed by the human organism). This format is also not very environmentally friendly since each single dose generates much more waste, usually plastic.
I AM 25 YEARS OLD, SHOULD I START TAKING COLLAGEN NOW - TRUE
Are you 25 years old? You should already be taking it. From that age, we start losing 1.5% each year progressively, and better safe than sorry. By the time we reach 40, we will have lost about a third of our collagen, which causes skin acidity, dehydration, and loss of elasticity. But, indeed, the daily dose needed is not the same at 25 as at 40 or 50. Moreover, at 25, you can start taking 5g of hydrolyzed marine collagen or even 2.5 g. enriched with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, while at 40, you will be looking for more enriched formulas.
MAXIMUM BENEFITS ARE REACHED AFTER 3 MONTHS - TRUE
Be wary of the message if it tells you to act on the first day. Consistency is the key to success, as in most things. If the product is good, you will start to notice effects after the first month and they will improve over time. Studies show positive effects on skin and hair health within the first three weeks and maximum benefits after three months of daily intake.
COLLAGEN SHOULD NOT BE MIXED WITH OTHER ACTIVE INGREDIENTS - FALSE
The ideal is to take enriched collagen, depending on the purpose for which we take the collagen: anti-aging, improving hair, improving joints, improving skin firmness. It is usually combined with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which also promotes collagen synthesis, but it can be enriched much more.
COLLAGEN SOMETIMES CONTAINS FILLERS THAT ARE NEITHER ACTIVE NOR RECOMMENDED - TRUE
Sometimes substances, such as maltodextrin or Aerosil, are used to facilitate its manufacture or to have a better cost, which add volume to the final preparation or facilitate the manufacturing process, but do not have any beneficial function for the body. It is crucial to monitor whether these ingredients are part of the formula and the amount per dose to assess the quality of the collagen.
THE BEST COLLAGEN IS HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN - TRUE
The hydrolysis process breaks down the large collagen chains to obtain much smaller molecules - peptides. In this way, collagen is better absorbed by the body, and its peptides can cross the intestinal barrier without any problem and reach the tissues where they fulfill their mission.
COLLAGEN HELPS REDUCE CELLULITE - TRUE
When you have cellulite, several factors cause the skin to look uneven with lumps and dimples, including the loss of elasticity of the collagen fibers. These fibers lose their natural flexibility and become rigid, pulling the skin inward, which produces a depression in the skin, forming a hole. Recovering its elasticity will help to reduce the "orange peel skin", although to really reduce cellulite, it is also necessary to act on other factors such as retention, micro-circulation, and reduce the size of adipocytes. What we have proven is that collagen is good for cellulite.
ALSO WORKS FOR HAIR - TRUE
Yes, its anti-aging effect reaches the hair fiber and scalp to strengthen the hair and prevent hair loss. Scientific studies have shown a 13% increase in strength and new hair growth after 6 weeks of use. In these cases, it is usually enriched with biotin and other vitamins such as chromium and zinc.
ALL COLLAGENS ON THE MARKET ARE THE SAME - FALSE
It is necessary to take into account its origin (marine, vegetable, bovine, or porcine) and to pay attention to its bioavailability level, the concentration in the formula, and with which other active ingredients it is combined.
IF YOU DO SPORTS AND YOU ARE OVER 40 YEARS OLD. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO TAKE REAL COLLAGEN - TRUE
In addition to its benefits for skin and hair, it reduces muscle pain and keeps joints and bones healthy. At this age, if you are concerned about firmness, it is recommended that they are enriched with star ingredients such as DMAE or MSM.
At Glo, we have one of the best collagen supplements, Skin910 Firming and Lifting Collagen. Its formula is enriched and designed to work in synergy, offering one of the most advanced and effective products on the market, especially to recover skin firmness, and improve cellulite and silhouette.
With a mild natural blueberry flavor, it comes in powder form (300 g) and is based on Peptan hydrolyzed marine collagen, which ensures optimal absorption of collagen. Our supplements are handcrafted without Aerosil or maltodextrin so that 100% of the formula is of active ingredients. In addition, it is sugar-free, non-fattening, and free of gluten and lactose.
