After reading various reviews about collagen pills in newspapers, magazines, online articles, etc., it’s tempting to want to find out if they really work as per the claims. Can they really slow down the aging process? Let’s find out from the article below.
Collagen is a fibrous protein that works in coordination with another protein elastin to support body tissues. It connects and supports various tissues of the body such as the skin, bone, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. This collagen can be found both on the inner and outer regions of the cells and gives them form and firmness. Collagen also supports internal organs in the body.
As we begin to grow older, the collagen levels in our cells begins to deteriorate, thereby resulting in wrinkle formation. Collagen supplements are taken to replenish these depleting collagen levels. These supplements are tiny pills filled with natural or artificial collagen, which when ingested will restore the lost collagen from the body. Today, we have numerous companies manufacturing and marketing these pills by touting some collagen pill benefits. Let’s take a look at some of these benefits.
Collagen Pills for Skin and Aging
Consumption of collagen pills is believed to lead to a youthful appearance. Natural collagen in the body gives firmness to the cells, so when collagen levels in the body deplete due to aging, the cells begin to sag and wrinkle. By restoring the lost levels of collagen one can prevent the cells from wrinkling and thereby slow down the aging process. Beauty-conscious people are often lured by these pills.
Collagen Pills for Arthritis
Some forms of arthritis result in loss of elasticity and wear and tear of the cartilage in the joints of the body. The ligaments and tendons of the body tend to try to fill the gap formed by the wear and tear of the joint cartilage, thereby leading to excruciating pain. Taking collagen pills will help rebuild the depleted cartilage, thus, helping in reducing the stiffness and pain associated with the same. People considering orthopedic surgeries often try out a collagen pills program to reduce the pain and suffering to some extent.
Collagen Pills for Heart Health
Collagen fibers form important components of the extracellular matrix in the walls of the arteries and heart wall (myocardium). With age, collagen levels deplete and result in weakening of the arterial walls and heart wall. In the myocardium, dipping of collagen levels conduces to ventricle dilation and contractile dysfunction. Moreover, weakening of arterial walls conduces to atherosclerosis. Thus, maintaining optimum levels of collagen in the body helps maintain heart health.
Marketers of collagen pills say that consumption of these pills enhances nail and hair growth. Thus, collagen pills for hair loss relief is also seen. Moreover, it is also known to conduce to weight loss.
An important point to be noted here is that all these claims have not been scientifically proven. The safety stamp has not been given by the FDA. In fact, several studies reveal that the benefits touted are not valid. The collagen used in the pills is not absorbed by the body cells. The body requires collagen to be produced by the body itself. Moreover, the collagen from the pills do not merge or combine with the natural collagen, thus, collagen pills cannot replenish the lost levels of collagen in the body.
People with food sensitivities are prone to be affected by certain side effects, because these pills contain ingredients like gluten, yeast, soy, salt, wheat, etc. As compared to collagen injections, collagen pills are not known to have any dire side effects. Even if the side effects are not clearly known today, it is important for you to take these pills only after consulting your health care provider.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
