Collagen: Can It Really Help Your Joints, Skin and Aging Body?
From stronger tendons to smoother skin and healthier hair, collagen promises plenty. But how much of it is backed by science?
Athletes World
• Collagen: Can It Really Help Your Joints, Skin and Aging Body?
Collagen has pulled off something unusual in the supplement world. It's being sold to athletes who want healthier joints and to beauty enthusiasts who want younger-looking skin. One scoop promises to help you stay active, look better and fight the effects of aging.
But can the same supplement really deliver all those benefits?
Collagen is the body's most abundant protein, helping give structure to skin, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. As we age, our bodies produce and maintain collagen differently, contributing to changes in our skin and connective tissues.
The catch? Eating collagen doesn't send it directly to your knees, face or hair. Your digestive system breaks it into smaller pieces that the body can use in different ways. (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
But can the same supplement really deliver all those benefits?
Collagen is the body's most abundant protein, helping give structure to skin, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. As we age, our bodies produce and maintain collagen differently, contributing to changes in our skin and connective tissues.
The catch? Eating collagen doesn't send it directly to your knees, face or hair. Your digestive system breaks it into smaller pieces that the body can use in different ways. (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
