The Many benefits of Hydrolyzed Collagen (HC)

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, providing structural support to connective tissues like skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It gives skin its strength and elasticity and plays a role in blood clotting and wound healing. 

As we age the enzymes involved in the processing of collagen decline which reduces the number of fibroblasts that synthesize collagen. Skin and bone fibroblasts are connective tissue cells critical for tissue repair; they maintain the skin and bone framework by secreting collagen. Fibroblasts in the skin maintain strength and elasticity and in the bone are involved in healing fractures and contributing to new bone formation.

Collagen and the skin

Collagen is the main protein structure of various connective tissues, and it makes up 80% of the skin.

Skin, the largest organ of the body and skin health and appearance is influenced by exposure to the external environment, nutrition and hydration. A healthy diet providing a source of amino acids, antioxidants, essential fatty acids provide the building blocks for skin regeneration while adequate hydration maintains moisture and elasticity.

The skin is home to a diverse ecosystem of microbes. The gut microbiome influences skin health (the gut-skin axis) by producing substances like SCFAs, which help regulate inflammation. When the gut microbiome becomes unbalanced, a condition known as dysbiosis, it can lead to chronic inflammation that may manifest as skin issues such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis. Preliminary studies have shown that collagen peptides can influence the gut microbiome in ways that promote SCFA production.

The decline in skin quality with age is characterized by a reduction in collagen synthesis, fibroblast activity and reduced vascularity all leading to decreased elasticity and the increased presence of wrinkles.

Collagen and the bone: Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis

Collagen is a key protein in bone structure, and HC supplements may improve bone health by promoting osteoblast (bone building cells) activity and mineralization while inhibiting bone breakdown. The result is an increase in bone mineral density (BMI) providing benefits for osteopenia and osteoporosis especially when combined with Vitamin D and calcium. Please speak to the knowledgeable staff at the vitamin Shop about the various choices for calcium supplements.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease, causing pain functional limitations and or disability and reduced quality of life.  OA causes progressive destruction of cartilage, affecting any joint but it is most prevalent in knee, hip, spine, and finger joints.

Hydrolyzed Collagen (HC)

HC supplements are the most popular and effective skin health supplements with studies demonstrating improved hydration and elasticity. In addition, HC contains active peptides that are able to reach joint tissues providing overall improvements in bone density and reduction in the symptoms or OA.

 It is best if HC is combined with Vitamin C which in addition to its role as an antioxidant, vitamin C supports the synthesis of collagen.

Foods containing Collagen

There are foods rich in collagen, specifically tough cuts of meat full of connective tissue like pot roast, brisket, and chuck steak.

Collagen is also found in the bones and skin of fresh and saltwater fish as well as the popular bone broths. 

Gelatin is a form of collagen made by boiling animal bones, cartilage, and skin for several hours and then allowing the liquid to cool and set. The breakdown of these connective tissues in meats produce gelatin, a form of collagen. HC that has been fully broken down by enzymes, has a smaller molecular size making it easier for the body to absorb and utilize. HC is generally better than gelatin for skin and bone health due to its superior absorption though both provide similar amino acids and can offer benefits.