What are Collagen Peptides and Do They Work?

You see them everywhere; collagen peptides. Celebrities use them, your neighbors gush about them, and they’re generally at every end cap of every vitamin section of every store. What are they anyway?

Collagen peptides-also known as hydrolyzed collagen (called s because the collagen has been broken down to make it easier to absorb) or collagen hydrolysate-are a supplement to help your body when it loses collagen. Collagen is important to your body because it keeps your joints strong, connective tissues protects your organs, and keeps skin healthy and more elastic.

There are 28 types of collagens but the 4 most common are Type I: found in all connective tissue; Type II: found in joints and intervertebral discs; Type III found in skin and blood vessels and Type IV: a component of your kidneys, inner ear, and eye lens.

We start losing collagen as early as in our 20s, and by the time we’ve hit 40 we’ve lost about 1% of our bodily collagen. Add to that menopause and you’ll find you feel stiffer, your skin will be more wrinkled, and you’ll notice your muscle mass has begun to decrease.

The question is, is it worth it to take collagen, and what are the added benefits? Well, let’s start with the side effects. Unless you’re allergic to the ingredients, there are no known side effects of taking collagen. Although, if you’re vegan or vegetarian, you’re going to want to stay away as collagen is animal-based.

Now, let’s talk about how to take collagen. You could consume it naturally through bone broth or foods that contain gelatin. Vitamin C is important for collagen to work well, so eating foods high in Vitamin C such as citrus fruits, broccoli, and bell peppers are best. It is believed that collagen in supplements that are hydrolyzed absorb more efficiently than collagen in foods, so do your research to find the right brand for you.

Some people add collagen supplements to their coffee or their iced drink. You can buy it unflavored or flavored, and really one or two scoops or tablespoons is all you need to get your daily recommended 2.5 to 15 grams of peptides. Collagen peptides don’t gel up or get gummy or lumpy so it won’t change the consistency of your drink. If you prefer, you can take collagen peptides in pill form as well.

Back to whether or not it’s’ worth it to take collagen peptides. Doctors say they are worth a try for people with arthritic pain, or for high-level athletes. They’ve been shown to reduce joint pain and degenerative joint disease. You can also slow down the effects of osteoporosis. From skin health to gut health and everything between, you’ll find collagen supplements bring many benefits for your body.

Of course, talk to your dietician or physician if you feel you need to discuss the added benefits of collagen. It does help your body as you navigate your journey of health, so take your time to figure out which approach works best for you. Know that it will take at least 8 weeks to see noticeable results, so patience is key. In the end, collagen supplements or any form of collagen you take is generally safe and worth a try as part of your health goals!

Want to discuss collagen with us to see if its right for you? Mention it to us the next time you come in; we’d love to be a part of your health conversation!