While collagen is commonly associated with beauty products, it has recently become a star player in the world of nutrition. Today, collagen is being added to various foods as a biologically active ingredient that supports our body’s physiological functions.

This rising trend is well-founded—collagen peptides is known for its potential to enhance natural beauty and health while helping to replenish the body’s diminishing collagen reserves.

Given that collagen performs numerous essential functions and is the most abundant protein in the human body, its presence is of significant importance. Discussions about collagen and its benefits are becoming increasingly common, even in Latvia. But before we delve into how collagen can improve your appearance and overall health, let's explore what this crucial protein is and why it matters.

Collagen is a key component of connective tissues. It is primarily found in fibers such as tendons and skin, making up about 30% of the total protein content in our bodies. Think of collagen as the structural foundation that supports your body’s framework.

The importance of collagen is even reflected in its name. The term “collagen” comes from the ancient Greek word “κόλλα,” meaning “glue.” Collagen is essential for the structure of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, and hair. Its primary role is to strengthen cells and tissues, providing form and functionality to various organic structures. Simply put, collagen acts as the glue that helps maintain your body’s appearance and function at its best.

In our bodies, collagen is synthesized by specialized cells known as fibroblasts. Due to aging and lifestyle factors, various metabolic processes change, affecting these cells' ability to produce proteins, including collagen. Typically, the natural loss of collagen begins around the age of 25, when signs of aging start to become noticeable.

By the time we reach our early 40s, the breakdown of collagen starts to outpace the body’s ability to produce it. Around the age of 60, collagen synthesis may have decreased by about half. The visible signs of diminishing collagen are just the tip of the iceberg.

The reduction in collagen synthesis impacts all our tissues and organs, leading to decreased functionality, resilience, and elasticity.

This causes a series of reactions that lead to:

While these changes can gradually reduce our quality of life over time, many of us don’t pay attention to them, especially in our 30s and 40s when they don’t yet cause serious health issues or pain. However, the decline in collagen levels does impact our overall health and well-being.

By taking steps to maintain a healthy collagen structure and providing your body with the raw materials it needs for collagen synthesis, you can experience a range of benefits. These include improved skin, hair, and nail health, as well as stronger joints, bones, and cartilage.

Enhancing Skin, Hair, and Nail Health

Collagen is often highlighted as a key solution for improving skin health and appearance. Beyond improving the structure and look of your skin, collagen also supports the healthy appearance of nails and hair. Research shows that collagen enhances skin structure, elasticity, and its ability to retain moisture.

Collagen isn’t just crucial for the skin—it also plays a vital role in hair and nail health. The body uses the amino acids in collagen to build hair proteins that support hair roots, promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss.

As for nails, clinical studies have shown that taking collagen peptides can improve nail growth by 12% and strengthen brittle nails, reducing breakage by 42%. Additionally, 88% of study participants reported noticeable improvements in nail health within just four weeks of collagen use.

Strengthening Joints, Bones, and Cartilage

The body of evidence supporting collagen’s benefits continues to grow each year. Collagen not only improves the health of skin, hair, and nails but also strengthens your body’s internal structures. Since collagen makes up about 30% of the proteins in various parts of the body, replenishing these reserves can enhance the resilience of joints, bones, and cartilage.

Collagen stimulates tissue regeneration and increases the synthesis of not only collagen itself but also other crucial substances for joints, cartilage, and bones, such as glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid.

In one study, 78% of participants reported reduced joint discomfort after taking collagen supplements for 90 days. Additionally, improvements in joint flexibility and mobility were observed.

Other Potential Benefits

Collagen may also aid in weight management and muscle growth. Although studies were conducted with small control groups, it was found that collagen intake can promote the release of hormones related to satiety in the gut.

Another study observed a 40% greater feeling of fullness after a collagen-rich breakfast.

Collagen might also support muscle mass growth. This conclusion is based on research that found increased muscle mass and strength after taking collagen in combination with exercise.